What they are
Cica, short for Centella asiatica, is a plant-based ingredient celebrated for its calming and reparative properties. This herb, also known as "tiger grass," has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to heal wounds and soothe inflammation. In modern skincare, cica is a go-to ingredient for sensitive or irritated skin.
Cica is rich in compounds like asiaticoside and madecassoside, which promote collagen production and accelerate skin healing. Cica is often found in creams, serums and masks aimed at reducing redness, calming irritation and strengthening the skin barrier. These properties make cica especially beneficial for people with conditions like rosacea, eczema and acne-prone skin.
Gentle yet effective, cica is suitable for all skin types and pairs well with other hydrating and soothing ingredients. Cica is commonly used in night-time routines to allow the skin to recover from daily stressors, such as pollution or sun exposure.
Cica’s ability to restore balance and calm the skin makes it a must-have ingredient for anyone seeking to improve skin resilience and maintain a healthy, glowing complexion.
How they're used in skincare
Cica needles are an innovative skincare trend gaining traction for their ability to deliver active ingredients deep into the skin. These aren’t actual needles but a product infused with tiny, plant-derived microneedles (often crafted from cica). When applied to the skin, these microneedles create microchannels that enhance the penetration and effectiveness of skincare ingredients.
Cica is already renowned for its anti-inflammatory and skin-repairing properties, so the addition of microneedles boosts its performance, allowing cica and other active ingredients to reach deeper layers of the skin where they can work more effectively.
Cica needles are commonly used in products targeting:
- Fine lines and wrinkles: By improving ingredient delivery, cica needles promote collagen production and improve skin elasticity.
- Acne scars: The microchannels encourage skin renewal, helping to minimise the appearance of scarring.
- Dehydrated or compromised skin: The enhanced absorption of hydrating and repairing ingredients aids barrier restoration and overall hydration.
Using skincare with cica needles involves applying the product to clean, dry skin, and gently pressing to activate the microneedles. While cica needles are generally safe for most skin types, those with very sensitive skin should conduct a patch test beforehand.
This cutting-edge skincare tool offers a more accessible alternative to professional treatments such as microneedling, delivering visible results with a focus on both efficacy and skin health.