Native to Asia and Oceania, Centella asiatica is a semi-aquatic herbaceous plant. It is rich in natural bioactive substances, such as saponins, triterpenoids and flavonoids. It is used as an antioxidant and healing agent in face and body care. It helps reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that appears after acne outbreaks.
Library
All Topics
How To Use Centella asiatica?
Summary
- Focus on Centella asiatica
- The Different Treatments With Centella asiatica
- How To Include Centella asiatica in a Daily Routine?
- Typology's Anti-Spot Serum
- Source
Published February 29, 2024,
by
Maylis, Chemical Engineer
—
5 min read
Focus on Centella asiatica
Centella asiatica, also known as tiger grass or hydrocotyle, is a semi-aquatic herbaceous plant of the Apiaceae family that grows mainly in swampy areas of China, Thailand, India, Indonesia and Madagascar.
The medicinal properties of this plant have been recognized for over 2,000 years. The Asian populations used it in poultices to heal wounds and more particularly the cutaneous manifestations of leprosy. It is still used today in topical application to treat skin conditions such as ulcers, eczema, psoriasis and periodontitis. Centella asiatica accelerates the healing process in case of wounds and burns.
In cosmetics, the use of this plant in the form of powder or vegetable oil is rather new. It was introduced at the beginning of the 70s. Centella asiatica is known for its regenerating properties that help fight against the signs of aging as well as its repairing and healing properties. Thus, this plant active ingredient is often found in skin care products targeting skin marks such as acne scars or stretch marks.
The Different Treatments With Centella asiatica
In order to fade skin marks of all kinds and/or prevent the appearance of wrinkles, different galenic products contain Centella asiatica extract and are now distributed on the cosmetic market. This plant active ingredient can be found in creams, lotions, tonics, aqueous serums and night masks. It can also be found in certain hair products to strengthen hair and protect it from drying out.
How To Include Centella asiatica in a Daily Routine?
Areas of application:
A Centella asiatica treatment can be applied to the entire body and/or face (avoiding the mouth, lips or eyes). It can also be used locally, only on the skin marks to be faded.
The frequencies of application:
Centella asiatica is not a photosensitizing substance: it does not increase skin sensitivity to the sun's UV rays. Thus, you can apply a care containing this active ingredient morning and evening. However, make sure you protect your skin every morning with a broad spectrum sun protection.
The methods of application according to the galenics used:
Generally, serums are more concentrated in active ingredients than creams. To apply a serum, pour 3 to 7 drops into the palm of your hands. Using your fingertips, apply the treatment, spreading it evenly over your face and neck. Massage gently. Some serums have a high content of Centella asiatica and are then used as a localized treatment to fight against stubborn skin marks. To apply a Centella asiatica cream, take a small amount of the product and spread it over the entire face. Massage gently to ensure that it is absorbed. If you use a body cream, apply a sufficient amount to the areas affected by skin marks, such as the underarms and bikini line, which may be scarred by ingrown hairs.
Typology's Anti-Spot Serum
The Anti-Scarring Serum is enriched with brightening and repairing ingredients such as P.H.A. Gluconolactone and Centella asiatica extract. To fade acne scars, apply a drop locally on the affected areas, in the evening only (as P.H.A. is a photo-sensitizing ingredient).
Source :
BRZEZINSKA M. & al., Centella asiatica in cosmetology., Postepy Dermatol Alergol, (2013).
Diagnostic
Understand your skin
and its complex needs.