You may have seen everyone raving about different Centella based skincare products all over social media in the past few months. The hard thing about so many of these products is the fact they don’t tell you what they actually do! They simply tell you what is in them. Uber frustrating I say!! It leaves you in a position where you aren’t too sure if it will help your skin concerns, and definitely unsure as to whether it will react badly with the other skincare products you are currently using.
I am here to break down all the ins and outs of this skincare ingredient for you so that you can decide if it is something you want to incorporate into your routine.
First up, what actually is it?
Centella Asiatica, commonly known as Centella or gotu kola, is a medicinal herb that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine across Asia, particularly in Ayurvedic medicine in India and Traditional Chinese Medicine. It has been prized for its healing and rejuvenating properties. It has been revered in various cultures for treating wounds, enhancing memory, and even promoting longevity.
It is phenomenal as a topical skincare ingredient as it helps soothe irritation, reduce redness, and promote the healing of acne and minor wounds. Its anti-inflammatory properties calm sensitive skin, while its ability to stimulate collagen production aids in improving skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines and scars.
Now these benefits come in the form of 3 key compounds it possesses;
1. Asiaticoside: This promotes wound healing and stimulates collagen production, improving skin elasticity and reducing scarring.
2. Madecassoside: This has unbelievably strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant powers, calming irritated skin and protecting it against environmental damage.
3. Asiatic Acid and Madecassic Acid: These help soothe the skin, reduce redness, and support the skin’s natural healing processes.
Now, can this be layered with other skincare?
For the most part, it is actually totally A-OK to use with the rest of your skincare routine! There are just a few points to be mindful of.
1. Strong Exfoliants like high percentage AHA’s or BHA’s: Centella is soothing, but using it immediately after strong exfoliants can sometimes reduce its calming effects or even cause sensitivity. It's best to separate their use by time (try using the exfoliants at night and Centella during the day).
2. High Concentration of Retinoids: Centella can generally be used with retinoids, but in some cases, if your skin is particularly sensitive, the combination might be too much and lead to irritation. Introducing them slowly into your routine can help prevent this.
Pretty good hey?! This is why it is one of my top choices when it comes to skincare ingredients & something that features super heavily in my personal skincare routine.
So if you are looking to soothe acne prone, red & inflamed, or excessively oily skin, look no further than the Acne Clear Cream! It has been formulated with Centella as one of the key compounds that make it so effective at calming troublesome skin.
Give Gotu Kola a try and let me know what you think!
Talk soon,
K xx
