When you have sensitive and extremely dry skin, you look for something that acts extra gentle and soft for your skin. We know that how tough it can be for you to find the right skin care products when your skin has a bad reaction to almost every cosmetic.
The good news is that there are a myriad of skin ingredients to heal and rejuvenate your parched and flaky skin! In recent times, Centella Asiatica commonly called Gotu Kola or Tiger grass is becoming increasingly popular to treat inflammatory skin conditions like Atopic dermatitis (eczema). This herb contains a triterpenoid compound madecassoside that has calming and anti-inflammatory effects on your skin.
A 2020 research study has also demonstrated the therapeutic benefits of Centella Asiatica extract for managing atopic dermatitis. Even in ayurvedic literature, the use of the herb Gotu kola is appreciated by Ayurveda practitioners for promoting skin hydration and wound healing.
What Is Madecassoside?
Madecassoside is a bioactive active compound procured from Centella Asiatica. Centella Asiatica is a tropical medicinal plant that is mostly found in Asian countries like India, Sri Lanka, China, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
Numerous research studies have reported the anti-inflammatory, skin healing, and antioxidant properties of Madecassoside. Along with boosting wound healing, this natural compound was shown to stimulate collagen production. Another study elaborates that Madecassoside is widely used in the formulation of barrier creams to nourish and hydrate irritated and inflamed skin.
5 Soothing Benefits of Madecassoside For Eczema-prone Skin
1. Enhances skin hydration
According to a 2018 research study, Madecassoside helps to enhance skin hydration. Centella Asiatica is also enriched with other essential compounds like asiatic acid, madecassic acid, and beta carotene, fatty acids which also help to keep your skin soft and hydrated.
2. Potent skin antioxidant
A research study published in the Biomedical and Pharmacology Journal has mentioned that Centella Asiatica extract is enriched with antioxidants like beta carotene, ascorbic acid, and total phenolic compounds. These antioxidants prevent oxidative stress by neutralizing the free radicals that cause damage to your healthy skin cells. In addition, antioxidants also help in faster wound healing.
3. Strong anti-inflammatory properties
This major active constituent of Centella Asiatica possesses strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help to heal the red, inflamed, and irritated skin. A research study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences has elucidated that Centella asiatica is quite beneficial in treating atopic dermatitis.
Madecassoside in Centella asiatica helps to relieve skin irritation, itching, and burning in atopic dermatitis.
4. Anti-ageing benefits
The topical use of madecassoside in combination with vitamin C has shown significant improvement in skin hydration and firmness.
Another study elaborates that madecassoside prevents the photoaging of skin by neutralizing the free radical damage and stimulating collagen synthesis. It also prevents the early formation of fine lines and wrinkles due to its anti-aging potential.
5. Antimicrobial effects
Owing to its mild antimicrobial properties, Centella Asiatica is also used to treat acne-prone skin. It helps to rebalance the oil levels in skin along with killing the infection-causing microbes.
How to use it?
Centella Asiatica is widely used in topical skin care products like creams and lotions, targeting dermatological concerns like atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.
Board-certified dermatologists explain that combining the phytosterols and Ceramide I, III, VI with Centella Asiatica is found quite beneficial to improve skin barrier functions.
This powerful combination of ingredients forms a protective layer around your sensitive skin, meanwhile preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
Any side effects of Madecassoside?
Centella Asiatica is a medicinal herb that is generally acknowledged as safe and effective for those having sensitive and acne-prone skin types. Till now, research studies found rare side effects after using this herb. Further research needs to be done related to the safety concern of using Centella Asiatica.
Takeaway
Since ancient times, medicinal plants have remained of great importance in treating chronic inflammatory skin conditions. Bioactive compounds derived from herbs/plants are utilized for making topical ointments to heal and repair damaged skin. Madecassoside is one such active skin care ingredient extracted from the herb Centella asiatica . Its topical has been found quite effective to calm dry, inflamed, and itchy skin. Start a gentle skin care regimen to give your skin the ultimate happiness and comfort.
P.S.
Skin care experts explain that people with skin conditions like atopic dermatitis (eczema), rosacea and psoriasis have compromised skin barrier function. Artificial fragrances, allergens, and harsh chemical ingredients can easily irritate your damaged and sensitive skin. Additionally, few research studies demonstrate that some commonly used skin ingredients like alcohol, sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) may increase the risks of skin irritations and itchiness for sensitive skin types. Hence, the use of fragrance-free and mild ingredients is considered quite beneficial to keep your skin barrier healthy.
