A huge trend in Korea, Centella Asiatica-based “cica” products are absolutely everywhere at the moment. Today, let’s focus on this ingredient adored by sensitive skins.
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In France in 2017, two out of three women reported having sensitive skin. You can find similar reports in the rest of the world: the number of people experiencing symptoms of sensitive skin (redness, burning sensations, tingling, etc.) has been constantly increasing in recent years.
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In 2016, a study in the UK showed that nearly a third of consumers aged 16 to 25 considered themselves to have a sensitive skin. In 2017, another study revealed that up to half of American women also claimed to have sensitive skin and were looking for safer and softer cosmetic products. Finally, one-third of the skincare products launched in South Korea in 2017 were for sensitive skin, demonstrating a significant increase in demand in this market.
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This is mostly due to the pollution (particularly the one caused by fine dust, which is particularly devastating for the skin), an increasingly stressful lifestyle and the use of cosmetic ingredients that are certainly very effective but can be too harsh for some skin types (acids, retinol, etc.).
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Consequence: the cosmetic ingredients able to soothe sensitive skins are booming! And especially ancient herbal formulas used in traditional Asian medicines to soothe and heal wounds, which are also very effective on sensitive skins.
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And among these rediscovered natural extracts, Centella Asiatica is undoubtedly the most popular ingredient at the moment for sensitive skin!
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Centella Asiatica (or Gotu Kola) is a plant found mainly in tropical and subtropical countries such as Madagascar, South Africa, Indonesia, but also in India, China, and the Korean peninsula. It’s also called Tiger grass because these big cats roll spontaneously in it to heal when they have wounds or itches.
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Centella Asiatica is part of the botanical family of Apiaceae. In cosmetics’ formulas, it’s mainly its leaves and stems that are used.
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Used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 2,000 years for its regenerative and healing properties, Centella Asiatica is known to heal wounds and soothe skin lesions. In  Asia, there are many legends about the healing properties of Centella Asiatica.
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The “cica” products could take their name from their high concentration in Centella Asiatica. It could be a word created with Centella’s “c” and Asiatica’s “-ica”.
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In cosmetics, it is mainly the leaves and the stems of Centella Asiatica that are used. These contain two families of ingredients with known benefits for the skin:
– saponins: madecassoside and asiaticoside,
-- triterpenes: asiatic acid and madecassic acide.
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All these components have healing, antibacterial, regenerative and antioxidant properties. In addition, they also have the ability to increase collagen production and they strengthen the skin barrier. Centella Asiatica is therefore an effective repairing and anti-aging ingredient to prevent and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

A huge trend "CICA"

Used in traditional Chinese medicine, the gua sha is a flat instrument usually made of jade. This stone, which has become one of the trendy beauty applications in recent years, consists of straight and jagged edges due to its structure.

 Gua Sha stone is usually crafted with 3 natural stones: jade, rose quartz and amethyst.  The energizing, stress-relieving and refreshing properties of these stones also help you feel good.

 Apply gua sha with water, oil or moisturizer, which you can use on the face, body and even the scalp.Hold the tool with the curved side facing your face and gently slide upwards and outwards, starting from the neck, jawline, chin and around the mouth. You should hold the stone as horizontally as possible to your skin.

 Then, press your gua sha flat under the eyes or over any redness to soothe the skin and allow it to breathe.For wrinkles and fine lines, make small horizontal movements on the brow bone or hold between the brows and press upwards.

 In gua sha massage, it is said that it takes 21 days for the body, skin and even the mind to routinely perceive a condition and move on to the treatment process.  For example, you started yoga and you are working on a pose and you cannot do it.  Repeating this pose for 21 days will direct your body to enter this pose and the body will have learned this in the following days.

Gua sha massage

The argan tree (Argonia Spinosa), which is protected by the UNESCO Biosphere Reserves Program, grows only in the Agadir, Taroudan and Essaouira regions of Morocco.  
Argan oil is obtained with great difficulty from the fruit of this tree, which lives for an average of 150 years.  
Although it is soft inside, the skin of this fruit is hard and covered with thorns, so it is not easy to collect.  
Argan oil is also known as “liquid gold” because of the rarity of the argan tree, its difficulty in obtaining and its expensiveness.
 Mostly, we have heard of its name in hair care.
 One of the features that makes argan oil unique is that it is a really powerful moisturizer.  It is easily absorbed by the skin and makes the skin soft.  Argan oil is also important as an anti-aging product.  
It fulfills this function by supporting the regeneration of skin cells, protecting the skin against external influences such as cold and sun, and purifying the skin from dead cells. 
It reduces black spots and acne on the face, fights age spots on the hands, prevents skin cracks, and relieves skin irritations.  
Moreover, argan oil is also effective against wrinkles and cellulite.
 We should also say that argan oil has an effect on strengthening nails, reducing nail breakage and relieving cuticle problems.

Liquid Gold=Argan oil

My face sweats a lot and oily type. That's why wanted to try sun stick and I  totally satisfied with its texture. It solved my sweating problem at least. First I worried its protection but even I don't renew it very often I am surprised its sun protection effectiveness. Quite practical use , no melt no leak in the bag. 
About sun lotions there are lots of options with matte, blur, powdery ending. But in case of absorbing/fitting/setting time and practical usage I will be preferring sunstick. What about your experiences and suggestions for suncare products?

Sun lotion Vs Sun Stick

I wished long time to try Dr.Jart Ceramide products.They're a little bit over my budget to say true.  Since I have a oily skin I couldn't be sure about the results,too.  So I have tried Ceramide hand cream. 😁 I totally LOVE it. Its texture is just matched with my skin. Fast absorbing, non sticky and long lasting. Do you have other brands and products to suggest with Ceramide ?

My cheap ceramide experience 😅

Nothing bad indeed, good and affordable moisturizer.

Strengthens the skin barrier to protect against environmental factors such as bacteria to heal the skin from within.  Provides low irritant and rich moisture care for sensitive skin.  It calms sensitive skin with its rich moisturizing and soothing effects.  Light and fresh daily moisturizer The oil-free, fast-absorbing formula suits everyone's body and face hydration needs.  The lotion delivers rich ceramides deep into the skin with its Patented Ceramide Oil-Free Complex.  Lactobacillus and soybean fermented extract repair sensitive skin and make it healthy.  Does not contain Chemical / Fragrance Animal Ingredients, Mineral oil, Polyacrylamide, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Triethanolamine, Silicone oil, Synthetic coloring matter, Artificial perfume, PEG surfactant, Paraben free.

Nothing is bad to say, it was good deal with rose quartz gua sha stone which push me to learn more about gua sha massage 🌷

An elastic serum that soothes accumulated skin irritation with Phyto-Consterol™, a special ingredient discovered in soybeans after a long research, and makes skin full of energy from the inside out.
Soybean ceramide ingredient infuses deep into the skin and cares for the skin's moisture barrier.
Peptide-F ingredient extracted from camellia flowers is absorbed skin-friendly and completes skin elasticity.
The fragrance-free, light and moist formula fills the skin deeply and is absorbed, providing a firm and elastic finish.

I am a shift worker, so my sleeping times usually changes. During the nights I slept less, I felt that I wash the cream back that I applied 3-4 hours ago, so it feels like not effective absorption. 

It gives the brightening and hydration it promises. As you see I drain the bottle and cut that tube at the end to use remains inside😅 It has a thick texture feels like long haul hydration and good product for eye area. 

Pigmentation results I satisfied. 
Acne scars either I need to use longer or the same indegrients stronger.

I wanted to use a product for hyper pigmentation and acne scars, I need at least 3 months use actually, but even after 3 applies I totally liked it, it is quite fast absorbing and soothing effect. 

 To revitalize the skin and increase the clarity of the skin for a brighter, radiant skin, its oil capsule formula containing Vitamin B12 and Glutathione, Vitamin-rich Sea Buckthorn Tree Oil, Damascus Rose Extract, Ceramide NP and Collagen help strengthen the skin barrier, tighten and prevent premature aging.A moisturizing and brightening serum that improves the appearance of dullness and pigmentation for clear, naturally glowing skin with hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin B12 to replenish and retain moisture while boosting circulation for a healthy glow. It is really Brightening with very entertaining presentation. Clinically proven to improve dark spots and hyperpigmentation in 4 weeks.

KoreLeeKozmetik