How to use Centella Asiatica?

The Centella asiatica, also known as tiger grass or hydrocotyle, is a semi-aquatic herbaceous plant from the Apiaceae family, which primarily grows in the marshy areas of China, Thailand, India, Indonesia, and Madagascar.

The medicinal properties of this plant have been recognised for over 2,000 years. Asian populations used it in poultices to heal wounds and, more specifically, the skin manifestations of leprosy. Today, it is still used topically to treat skin conditions such as ulcers, eczema, psoriasis, and periodontitis. The Centella asiatica accelerates the healing processes in cases of wounds and burns of varying severity.

In cosmetics, the use of this plant in the form of powder or vegetable oil is relatively recent, dating back to the early 1970s. It is renowned for its regenerative virtues that help combat the onset of ageing signs, as well as its restorative and healing properties. Consequently, this botanical active ingredient is often found in treatments targeting skin marks such as acne scars or stretch marks.

In order to fade various types of skin marks and/or prevent the appearance of wrinkles, different galenic forms contain extract of Centella asiatica and are now distributed in the cosmetic market. This plant-based active ingredient can thus be found in creams, lotions, tonics, aqueous serums or even night masks. It is also found in certain hair products to strengthen the hair and protect it from drying out.

• Areas of application :

  A treatment with Centella asiatica can be applied to the entire body and/or face (avoiding the mouth, lips or eyes). It can also be used locally, solely on skin marks to be faded.

• Application Frequencies :

  The Centella asiatica is not a photosensitising species: it does not increase skin sensitivity to the UV rays of the sun. Thus, you can apply a treatment containing this active ingredient morning and evening. However, do ensure to protect your skin every morning with a broad-spectrum sun protection.

• Application methods according to the galenic forms used :

  Typically, 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 evenly across your face and neck. Massage gently. Some serums have a high content of Centella asiatica and are therefore used as a targeted treatment to combat stubborn skin marks. Regarding the application of a Centella asiatica cream, take a small amount of the product and spread it over the entire face. Massage gently until absorbed. If you are using a body cream, apply a sufficient amount to areas affected by skin marks, such as the underarms and bikini line, which may have scars from ingrown hairs.

The anti-mark serum is enriched with brightening and repairing active ingredients, such as gluconolactone from the P.H.A. category and extract of Centella asiatica. To fade acne scars, apply a drop locally to the affected areas, in the evening only (as P.H.A. is a photosensitising species).

• BRZEZINSKA M. & al., Centella asiatica in cosmetology., Advances in Dermatology and Allergology, (2013).