Why Centella Asiatica Is A Lifesaver For Sensitive Skin

When it comes to skincare, Korean beauty is next level. We have them to thank for BB creams and sheet masks, which have become a staple in Western vanities, too. While K-beauty gained mainstream popularity with its 10-step skincare routine, it can be luxurious but time-consuming for skincare minimalists. The K-beauty world is ultimately ahead in the skincare game because ingredients just becoming popular in Western skincare products have been used in K-beauty for years. One of them is propolis. On this, Sarah Lee, the founder of Glow Recipe, told Byrdie, "On skin, this translates to a potent antioxidant powerhouse that fights signs of aging and photodamage." The amazing thing about this magical ingredient is that it works for all skin types and can be extra healing for sensitive skin.

Those with sensitive skin always have to be extra cautious about skincare ingredients because the last thing you need is for it to cause more irritation. And the great thing about K-beauty is that many of its ingredients are compatible with this skin type. Charlotte Cho, esthetician and founder of K-beauty brand Soko Glam, told The Zoe Report, "Due to the yellow dust phenomenon that occurs in Korea and can often irritate skin, Korean people identify with sensitive and dry skin, so many Korean beauty products are formulated to cater to those skin concerns." Cho added that K-beauty ingredients help "soothe, calm, and fortify" while strengthening the skin, and one of the antioxidant-rich ingredients that helps this endeavor is cica, whose scientific name is Centella asiatica.

Centella asiatica is a plant that grows in Asia, and people in China have been using it as medicine for centuries (via Chatelaine). Dr. Meghan O'Brien, a global consulting dermatologist for Kiehl's, told the outlet that some of its benefits are "wound and burn healing, prevention, and treatment of hypertrophic (raised) scars and inflammatory conditions of the skin." It's considered a "miracle ingredient," hence the popularity in K-beauty because even people with the "most sensitive and reactive skin types" can use it. Doesn't that sound like a dream? A 2012 study showed that Centella asiatica helps heal incisions and burn wounds, so it was just a matter of time until it gained popularity for its skin regenerative properties.

It's also called tiger grass because, apparently, tigers rub their wounds against this plant to heal, per Allure. Interesting, right? Alicia Yoon, founder and CEO of Peach & Lily, told the outlet, "If you're looking to firm, repair, or soothe skin, or even combat breakouts, this ingredient can be helpful," as cica has antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory benefits. Furthermore, no matter what skin issues you have, cica can help you because it has the power to "soothe and repair irritated skin," according to New York City-based dermatologist Ellen Marmur. Sensitive skin folks can use this to also address their other skin issues like dryness, dullness, or fine lines. One product with this ingredient that many are loving is Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment, which can be purchased at Sephora.