Centella Asiatica: Does Cica Really Calm Redness & Scars?

Cica & Centella Asiatica: Can They Really Calm Scars, Redness, and Post-Procedure Skin?

The global rise of “cica creams” has created an entire category of soothing skincare. But beyond the hype, Centella asiatica, the plant behind the trend, has a long history in traditional medicine and real scientific evidence supporting its benefits for irritated, inflamed, or healing skin.

So the question is not, "Is Cica real?"
It’s: How effective is it, and for what skin concerns?

Let’s explore what dermatology and cosmetic science actually confirm.

⭐ What Is Centella Asiatica (Cica)?

Centella asiatica is a medicinal plant rich in compounds known as triterpenoids, including:

• Madecassoside
• Asiaticoside
• Asiatic acid
• Madecassic acid

These compounds are behind Centella’s soothing and repairing abilities.

⭐ What Science Confirms About Centella Asiatica

✔ 1. Calms Inflammation and Redness

Centella’s triterpenoids have demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity, reducing markers such as TNF-α and IL-1β in studies.
This can help soothe:

• Irritated, over-exfoliated skin
• Redness caused by dryness or barrier disruption
• Sensitivity from retinoids or vitamin C
• Mild post-procedure flushing (non-medical)

✔ 2. Supports Wound Healing

Several preclinical and clinical models show Centella:

• Boosts fibroblast proliferation
• Enhances collagen synthesis
• Supports angiogenesis (formation of microvessels in early repair)

This doesn’t mean Centella heals deep wounds—
but it supports superficial skin recovery after irritation, peeling, or dryness.

✔ 3. Reduces the Appearance of Scars

Evidence suggests that Centella can help with early-stage scar appearance by:

• Improving hydration
• Supporting collagen organization
• Calming inflammation that can worsen discoloration

It does not treat raised, hypertrophic, or keloid scars, those require medical treatment.

✔ 4. Supports Post-Procedure Skin (Non-Medical)

For mild cosmetic procedures (peels, microdermabrasion), Centella may help reduce redness and dryness as the barrier recovers.

⭐ What Centella Cannot Do

It’s important to be honest:

• ❌ Cannot remove deep scars
• ❌ Cannot replace prescription treatments
• ❌ Not suitable for open wounds
• ❌ Not a cure for rosacea (though it may soothe redness)

Centella is a supportive dermocosmetic ingredient, not a medical treatment.

⭐ Dermalucilab’s Approach to “Cica”

Dermalucilab uses Centella asiatica extracts in synergy with:

• Organic aloe vera & chamomile → calming botanicals
• Multi-weight hyaluronic acid → hydration that improves tolerance
• Peptides & collagen → support for texture and resilience
• Stabilized vitamin C → brightening without aggressive exfoliation

These combinations help soothe redness, dryness, and irritation ideal for:

• Post-acne marks
• Over-exfoliated skin
• Retinol or vitamin C sensitivity
• Environmental irritation
• Post-procedure dryness

All formulas are:

• AIAB-certified organic
• Nickel-tested (<1 ppm)
• Dermatologically tested for sensitive skin
• Free from parabens, silicones, PEGs, mineral oils, microplastics

⭐ Suggested “Cica-Friendly” Routine

AM or PM Routine:

1. Gentle Cleanser with Aloe + Niacinamide
2. Vitamin C + Collagen Serum (gentle antioxidant support)
3. 5x Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin C Cream
4. Add a barrier ointment if skin is extremely dry or post-procedure (per dermatologist direction)

Coming next: 

👉 How Skincare Helps Improve Scars

❓ FAQs 

Q: Can Centella fade acne scars?
It can improve the appearance of early red or dark marks, but not raised or deep scars.

Q: Is Cica suitable for rosacea?
It can soothe redness but is not a treatment for rosacea.

Q: Can Centella be used after cosmetic procedures?
Yes, for mild irritation (peels, microdermabrasion), but always follow your provider’s instructions.

Q: Is Centella safe for sensitive skin?
Yes, especially in Dermalucilab’s low-irritation, nickel-tested formulas.

Checklist 

✅ Proven anti-inflammatory ingredient

✅ Supports superficial healing

✅ Helps redness, irritation & early scars

✅ Safe for sensitive skin

✅ Works best in soothing, hydrating routines