Centella Asiatica this herbal ingredient has been making a lot of noise in the skincare industry lately.
Is this all just a fad or does it actually do wonders on the skin?
Centella Asiatica or “Gotu Kola” is being used in the warmer regions of the globe, such as the Philippines, India, China, Africa, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar as an antipyretic, diuretic, rheumatic, antibacterial, antiviral, anxiolytic, and anti-cancer remedy. These pharmacologic effects come from its triterpenes, namely, asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid.
Because of these triterpene compounds, Centella Asiatica can also be used for skin healing in infected wounds, burns, and post-operative hypertrophic scars.
These triterpenes work by increasing the collagen and fibronectin in the Extra Cellular Matrix (ECM) promoting scar remodeling and a decrease in inflammation.
With Centella’s mechanism of action in the dermis, skin researchers have discovered some of its cosmetic functions:
- Anti Aging
It is one of the top ten anti aging herbs due to its antioxidant properties.
- Improves photo aging
Aside from it being a treatment for Psoriasis, Eczema, Lupus, and infected wounds, researchers have discovered that a 6-month use of 0.1% madecassoside combined with 5% vitamin C results in improved elasticity, hydration, and firmness in women with photo aged skin.
- Cellulitis and Varicose Veins
Because of its anti-inflammatory action and beneficial effect on connective tissues, Centella Asiatica is able to improve microcirculation and skin strength; thereby, decreasing cellulite visibility and reducing varicose veins.
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- Things to know about Vitamin E for Hair
About the Author: Dr. Elli Reyes is a specialist of Aesthetic Medicine from the Philippines. With over four years of specialized training, her aesthetic practice has involved a variety of skin treatments involving Botox, fillers, and the like. As a licensed physician, she has been engaged by multiple clinics and is regularly interviewed by the local media as an expert in the science of the skin. Her research and writings to date have centered on nutrition, functional health, and general beauty.
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