Disclaimer: This post is not a sponsored post. However, it is a prelude to upcoming posts on IT’S SKIN new Tiger Cica line. So stay tuned! 🙂
There has been a slow but gradually growing hype about this particulae skincare ingredient since 2014.
But is this ingredient able to become an all-popular choice just like how the snail products invaded our lives, or become an essential ingredient of an anti-aging line just like fermented ingredients?
To be quite honest, I am not too sure.
But from a guy’s standpoint, this ingredient, known as Tiger Cica – Centella asiatica or the Gotu Kola herb – has a major potential due to all the skin benefits it promises.
What can I say? It is a super food and a super herb.
But when it comes to skincare, it is pretty much under-rated at the moment. Fortunately, skincare companies are starting to catch on this trend early, and incorporating this underdog ingredient into their lines.
Today, we are seeing that many skincare brands that have incorporated Gotu Kola (centella asiatica extract) into their products, catering specifically to acne prone and sensitive skin. Skincare brand Dr. Jart+ that prides its products to be safe for the most hyper-sensitive of skin has done it with its Cicapair Tiger Grass Cream.
In fact, this ingredient is known as 병풀/호랑이풀 or “byeongpul” in Korea, which means Tiger herb or “disease-treating plant”.
So, what is exactly this Tiger Cica grass?
Let’s first begin with its origins.
According to the legends, a wounded Bengal tiger was said to have rolled in the Centella asiatica or the Gotu Kola leaves with the intent to stimulate wound healing for itself. And that is how the name of the “tiger grass” came about.
The Tiger Cica grass definitely has a longgg history!
With different cultures using it as a medicinal herb for varioud reasons up till this day, I would say that the Tiger Cica ingredient is definitely tried and tested – to the point that it has stood and conquered the test of time!
Today, this herb is used in Traditional Chinese medicine and Indian Medication extensively. Some articles out there even went further to highlight its role in enhancing meditative practices as it has shown to help in improving focus and concentration.
So, what is exactly this Tiger Cica grass
Rich in amino acids, beta carotene, fatty acids, and numerous potent phytochemicals, the Centella asiatica extracts have been found to “calm inflammation, speed wound healing, stimulate new cell growth, build collagen, and improve circulation”.
A research summary from Phytomedicine has also brought up the fact that the ingredient has been subjected to “quite extensive experimental and clinical investigations”, while Indian Journal of Medicine cited gotu kola as a “potential herbal cure-all” in an overview.
“WHAT CAN I SAY? IT IS A SUPER FOOD AND A SUPER HERB.”
Specific plant chemicals called triterpenoid saponins (more specifically asiaticoside, brahmoside, brahminoside, madecassoside and madecassic or madasiatic acid) that have been shown to help heal wounds by boosting antioxidants, increasing the blood supply to the area and strengthening the skin.
In fact in a 2012 study, researchers found that the ingredient extracts inhibited bacterial growth, fueled the growth of new skin cells and increased skin “tensile strength” and resilience after applying concentrate of centella asiatica to the skin of rats with open wounds.
Why should we try Tiger Cica?
If you are looking for the following effects on your skin, then Tiger Cica is definitely for you.
- Anti-Aging
- Skin Restructuring (Healing of wounds and scars)
- Toning and Tightening
Some articles which focused on how it could actually cure varicose veins highlighted its ability to stimulate the regeneration of peripheral blood vessels, making it one of the best alliances to help those with paler skin.
For me, I am extremely excited about this product! 🙂
As I am growing fairer (for some strange reasons!), I have been noticing some redness at the side of my nose. I reallt hope this helps in rebalancing the colour of my face.
Cosmetic Applications of the ingredient
- Treatment of sun damage
- For circulatory enhancement
- Speed up healing of damage tissues / Stimulate skin repair
- Minimize scarring
- Improve the looks of cellulite
- Anti-aging (by improving the moisture barrier)
- Anti-aging (by providing collagen support)
Lastly, the tiger cica is said to have other benefits beyond just skincare – improving memory and haircare. In particular, it is helps with hair loss and improves the blood circulation at the scalp.
@Louisjunho 