Centella asiatica (gotu kola leaf), what are the benefits for the skin?

Centella asiatica , also known as gotu kola leaf, is an herbal plant that is known to have many benefits for treating various health problems. Centella asiatica also has benefits for the skin.

Gotu kola leaf extract is commonly found in the form of creams, serum products, or ampoules applied directly to the skin. These active ingredients penetrate deep into the skin layers and work directly on the cells to treat your skin problems.

What is that Centella asiatica (gotu kola leaf)?

Centella asiatica are fan-shaped green leaves that are usually grown and used for medicinal purposes. Besides being known as gotu kola, this one plant also has another name Gotu Kola.

Herbs that are widely used in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine have many health uses, such as enhancing mood , increase memory, lower blood sugar levels, and treat diseases of the skin.

This plant, which comes from the Apiaceae family, contains various bioactive substances that act as antioxidants, antimicrobials, and antivirals. In fact, gotu kola leaves also have properties antiulcer (overcoming wounds on the wall of the stomach and duodenum).

Experts at the University of Maryland Medical Center state that while this herb is safe, you should not use it for more than six weeks without first consulting a doctor.

In addition, people who have liver disease and a history of skin cancer are also not advised to eat this plant. The reason is, the content in it has the potential to cause harm to the liver if used in the long term.

Benefits Centella asiatica for the skin

Of the many benefits for health, usefulness Centella asiatica for the skin there is no doubt. Here are the various benefits of gotu kola leaves for skin health.

1. Accelerate wound healing

Gotu kola leaves contain chemicals known as triterpenoids. This substance is useful for accelerating wound care by increasing antioxidant levels, strengthening skin tissue, and increasing blood supply to the wound area.

Research published in International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds found that wounds in mice treated with gotu kola leaf extract healed faster than untreated wounds.

In addition, another study published in Minerva Chirurgica also found evidence of that Centella asiatica able to reduce surgical scarring after being given in the form of an oral dose.

In fact, other studies also mention that this one herb can also help heal burns and reduce the risk of wound infection.

2. As a treatment anti-aging

According to studies published in Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine , Centella asiatica can increase collagen formation in the body. Collagen is an important protein that supports skin tissue.

As you age, collagen production in the body decreases. In fact, this protein acts as the main foundation for the skin to keep it elastic. Without enough collagen, your skin is more susceptible to damage.

This is the reason why Centella asiatica become one of the active substances that are never absent from the product anti-aging . The use of gotu kola, either in the form of supplements or products skin care , can help your skin to become more elastic.

3. Fade stretch marks

Quoted from research in the journal Advances in Dermatology and Allergology , gotu kola leaves can reduce the appearance stretch marks . This benefit comes from the content of triterpenoids which can increase collagen production in the body.

In addition, deep triterpenoids Centella asiatica Nor is it just a disguise stretch marks that is already there, but also prevents it from forming stretch marks new.

You can use various topical creams that contain gotu kola extract on the affected areas stretch marks . However, try to do a skin test first to avoid any negative reactions that may arise.

You do this by applying the cream to your forearm and leaving it on for 24 hours. If the area of ​​skin that is applied does not experience irritation or inflammation, this is a sign that this cream is safe for use on other areas of the skin.

4. Helping the treatment of skin problems

Apart from triterpenoids, gotu kola leaves also contain other active substances such as pentacyclic triterpenes, asiaticoside, asiatic acid , and much more. These substances have long been shown to aid in the recovery of skin caused by psoriasis and scleroderma.

Centella asiatica stimulates healthy skin cell division and the formation of tissues that connect skin cells. Thanks to these benefits, the skin is protected from sun damage, cellulite and scarring.

Side effects Centella asiatica

So far, no harmful side effects have been reported from using the product skincare contain Centella asiatica . Side effects generally arise due to the consumption of gotu kola supplements in greater amounts than recommended.

Like other natural ingredients, gotu kola leaves have the potential to trigger allergic skin reactions in some people. This is why you should do an allergy test first before using products containing gotu kola leaf extract.

The trick, drop the product containing gotu kola leaves onto your skin. Let stand for 24 hours to see the reactions that appear. If there is no allergic reaction such as itching, this means that this product is safe enough for you to use.

Usage rules Centella asiatica

Centella asiatica basically can be used for all skin types. It is also available in many forms, although it is most commonly found in serums, moisturizing products, and masks.

There are no specific rules in using the product it contains Centella asiatica . The main thing you need to do is identify your skin type. From here you can determine what products can be used together with gotu kola extract.

If you have oily skin, you need to avoid products that contain them Centella asiatica in the form of a cream that is heavy for the skin. Instead, choose a serum, face mist , or masks containing this herbal plant.

If you have sensitive skin, you can wear Centella asiatica in the form of a moisturizer or serum. The reason is, the skin can absorb these two products better than other products that must be cleaned, for example masks.

Meanwhile, if your skin often looks red or experiencing redness breakout , it's worth using Centella asiatica for the skin only occasionally. Use products such as masks or serums.

Whatever type of product you choose, always follow the directions for use on the packaging label or those recommended by a dermatologist. Stop using the product if you experience irritation, allergic reactions, or other negative reactions.

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