Centella asiatica claimed to be able to overcome a number of complaints on the skin, such as dry skin, acne, or wound. However, is it true? Let's get to know what it is Centella asiatica and its medical benefits for skin health.
In Indonesia, Centella asiatica known with the name gotu kola leaf. Lately, Centella asiatica become a conversation in the community because its properties are considered very good for beauty, and there are many facial care products that are now made by adding this plant extract.
Benefit Centella Asiatica for Skin Health
In the Centella asiatica, contained saponins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenoids. These substances are allegedly beneficial for the skin. now, what are the benefits?
1. Maintain skin moisture
Extract Centella asiatica can increase the level of sebum or the skin's natural oil, so that moisture and skin elasticity can be maintained. Content saponins from this plant is also able to retain water longer on the skin and prevent evaporation of water from the epidermis layer of the skin.
Skin that is kept moisturized will more easily avoid problems, such as itchy, dull, or wrinkled skin.
2. Reduce inflammation
In addition to helping maintain skin moisture, saponins can also provide protection to the skin, and relieve skin irritation by inhibiting cells that trigger inflammation.
Based on the results of research in the laboratory, the effect of Centella asiatica can relieve the symptoms of certain skin diseases, including dermatitis, psoriasis, scleroderma, and atopic eczema. However, the effect of using this herbal plant as a medicine for skin diseases in humans still needs to be studied further.
3. Prevent and reduce skin damage
Centella asiatica rich in antioxidants, such as flavonoids and phenolic acid. Antioxidants from this plant can reduce inflammation and prevent cell damage that can cause premature aging of the skin.
This premature aging of the skin can be caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and pollutants, such as cigarette smoke and vehicle fumes.
4. Accelerate wound healing on the skin
Terpenoids what's in Centella asiatica proven to accelerate wound healing. On the other hand, Centella asiatica can even be used on burns, because the active substance content can increase collagen production, and support the formation of blood vessels and new skin cells.
This plant extract has also been shown to help post-operative wound recovery, lacerations, and wounds in diabetics.
5. Prevent stretch marks and reduce cellulite
Cellulite is an appearance problem that is often suffered by people who gain weight quickly, such as teenagers who are going through puberty or pregnant women. now, extract Centella asiatica allegedly can reduce cellulite when applied to areas of the body that have this problem.
Meanwhile, Centella asiatica can also be used to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy and puberty. However, scientific evidence shows that this plant extract is less effective at fading stretch marks which has been formed.
If you are interested in using it, you can choose skin care products with extract levels Centella asiatica by 2.5% and 5%. However, pregnant and lactating women should avoid using this plant extract, because it is not yet known whether the content in it is safe for pregnant and lactating women. If you want to use a product that contains Centella asiatica, Pregnant and lactating women should first consult a doctor.
Keep in mind too, though Centella asiatica is an herbal plant, that does not mean its use will not cause side effects. Side effects Centella asiatica can be in the form of irritation and stinging of the skin, as well as allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to the ingredients of this plant.
If you experience complaints on the skin after using products that contain Centella asiatica, immediately stop use and consult a dermatologist.
Written by:
dr. Alya Hananti