Having dehydrated skin prone to irritation can really complicate your life.
One of the solutions might be finding the right moisturizer that will keep your skin hydrated and will have comforting properties. And here come two magical moisturizing ingredients: hyaluronic acid (HA) and Centella Asiatica (Cica).
Centella has soothing and healing properties, making it a wonderful skincare ingredient for sensitive skin (or irritated skin) and for wound healing1. On the other hand, HA is all about hydration, hydration, and hydration. Also, hyaluronic acid is suitable for all skin types2!
Even though they differ significantly, you can incorporate both ingredients into your skincare routine and beauty regimen for the best results!
Keep reading this article to find out tips and tricks on applying Centella Asiatica extract and hyaluronic acid together on your skin.
Centella vs Hyaluronic Acid
The main difference between Centella vs hyaluronic acid is the main function of each. Cica main job is to calm irritated skin, while the main function of HA is hydrate and boost skin’s elasticity.
Can You Use Hyaluronic Acid With Centella Asiatica?
Yes, absolutely, you can use hyaluronic acid with Centella Asiatica. In fact, these two can work pretty well together and they complement each other – to do magic for you.
So, if you incorporate both these ingredints into your daily routine, you can address multiple skin concerns at the same time! This can be a wonderful treatment, for practically any skin type.
Centella soothes and heals your skin, reducing skin irritation and redness, while hyaluronic acid ensures that your face remains well-hydrated. As hyaluronic acid is a potent humectant, it attracts and retains moisture, providing deep hydration to your skin.
Remember to use HA on damp (or even wet) skin!
If you decide to use them together, just make sure to perform a patch test – as with any other new skin products – and introduce them gradually to ensure your skin tolerates the combination well.
How To Use Centella Asiatica And Hyaluronic Acid Together?
There are many ways to incorporate Centella Asiatica and hyaluronic acid together into your routine.
1. Combine Them In One Product
There are some products that contain both (hydrolyzed) hyaluronic acid and Centella Asiatica extract.
For example, you can find the Skin 1004 brand’s whole line of Hylu-Cica products, based on hyaluronic acid and Cica, including serum, toner, cream, ampoule – and much more.
2. Pair hyaluronic acid and Centella Asiatica in different steps of your routine
You may start with your Centella asiatica product to soothe and heal your skin. Then, you can follow with a hyaluronic acid to lock in the moisture.
The options are various, and I will discuss some examples below. But, generally, you should first apply products with thinner consistency, followed by thicker consistency.
The choice on how you incorporate these two ingredients into your routine also depends on your skin type and – skin concerns.
Of course, if you have sensitive or irritated skin, you may want to prioritize the Cica in your routine. On the other hand, if your primary concern is dehydration or you want to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, focus on the hyaluronic acid.
Here are a few ways to use Cica and HA together:
Cica Cleanser + HA Serum
Use Cica cleanser first, to clean your face gently, reducing the possibility of irritation. Then, after cleansing, apply a hyaluronic acid serum to lock in moisture and maintain hydration.
Cica Serum + Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Start your routine with a gentle cleanser, in order to clean your face first. Then, apply Centella Asiatica serum or ampoule, and follow it up with hyaluronic acid serum.
Cica Ampoule + HA Cream
After proper cleansing, begin with a soothing Cica ampoule, followed by hyaluronic acid for long-lasting hydration.
Does Hyaluronic Acid Go Before Or After Centella?
There is no specific rule on which goes first in terms of effectiveness or safety. However, it is probably better to use Centella asiatica first, for soothing the skin (or any inflammation and redness) first, followed up with a hydration boost provided by hyaluronic acid.
This, of course, depends on the product type itself, and its texture (thickness) – you will surely use a cleanser before serum, for example. In this article you can see all 10 steps of K-beauty routine explained – it will help you understand how to layer different skincare products.
There is one crucial thing to remember tho: ALWAYS apply hydaluronic acid on DAMP skin, otherwise it will dry out your face.
How Long To Wait Between Cica And Hyaluronic Acid?
The key to a successful combination of these two ingredients in your skincare is to allow each product to be absorbed into the skin before applying the next one. Generally, there is no specific time you would have to wait.
By waiting until the, let’s say serum, absorbs into the skin of your face and neck, you ensure that the serum can work effectively and that your skin gets the full benefits, for the best skin treatment.
Benefits Of Pairing Hyaluronic Acid With Cica
Pairing these two ingredients can have several benefits, as these two ingredients complement each other in promoting healthy and hydrated skin and soothing it all the way.
- Hydrated skin
Hyaluronic acid, and especially water-soluble salt of hyaluronic acid (called sodium hyaluronate), is a great humectant, which attracts and keeps water in the skin, while Cica soothes it (and provides extra hydration, too).
As you can see, using hyaluronic acid or sodium hyaluronate, with Centella provides you with deep, deep hydration3.
- Soothing irritated skin, with compromised skin barrier
They complement each other – and this combination soothes your skin more powerfully.
Also, both ingredients are great for practically any skin type, including sensitive, dry, combination skin, and acne-prone, oily skin.
- Perfect combo for mature skin
By boosting your skin’s hydration level, both these ingredients have anti-aging benefits and help to preserve skin’s vitality.
PRO TIP: If you need extra moisture, look for sodium hyaluronate (or hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid) and Centella asiatica serum.
Precautions
While both of these cosmetic compounds are generally safe and well-tolerated, you should still be careful.
- Perform a patch test before you start using it on a daily basis
- Always check the ingredients first! Ensure there is the right amount of both ingredients and the rest is natural, too.
- If you are using Cica-based products, make sure you use sun protection regularly, as it can make your skin sensitive to the sun.
- If you experience any itching, redness, or rash, discontinue using Cica or hyaluronic acid products.
Final Verdict: Is It Safe To Pair Centella Asiatica And Hyaluronic Acid In Your Skincare Routine?
As previously mentioned, pairing Cica and hyaluronic acid is generally safe and can actually be beneficial for a wide range of skin types and conditions.
These two can be used by individuals with all skin types.
Some people with very oily skin may find applying multiple products feeling heavy or greasy. In such cases, consider using them at different times of the day. For example, use Centella Asiatica serum in the morning, and hyaluronic acid serum in the evening. Or simply use lighter textures.
Everything You Need To Know About Centella Asiatica
Centella asiatica, also known as Cica, or Gotu Kola, is a medicinal herb, used for centuries in the treatment of various conditions.
Key ingredients include asiaticoside, madecassoside, and asiatic and madecassic acid – all having different positive effects on your skin.
Plus, it’s suitable for all skin types, from dry to oily – but it is particularly great for sensitive, irritated, or damaged skin, as it has soothing properties.
Benefits Of Cica
- Soothing and anti-inflammatory effects
With its anti-inflammatory properties, Cica can help you calm redness and irritation, making it an excellent choice for sensitive or damaged skin.
- Better wound healing
It is also known in promoting wound healing and tissue regeneration. Therefore, Cica can be beneficial for scars, including those from acne or surgery – or stretch marks!
- Plump skin with even complexion
Furthermore, it contains antioxidants4 that can help you protect the skin from free radical damage, helping to maintain a youthful and healthy complexion. Besides, it helps retain moisture, making it an excellent ingredient for hydrating and plumping the skin5.
- Great for mature skin
It is also great for anti-aging. Cica can stimulate collagen production, contributing to improved skin firmness and elasticity6.
Who Should Use Centella?
Anyone can use Centella Asiatica extract! However, it is especially great for those of you with sensitive skin, damaged or irritated skin, or for those of you with some scars or stretch marks.
Is It Okay To Use Cica Everyday?
Cica is a natural and gentle ingredient that can be used everyday.
What Are The Side Effects Of Centella?
Side effects of Centella Asiatica when used topically are very rare – and minimal. Very rarely, it can trigger signs of allergic reactions.
Studies show that Centella is even safe to use during pregnancy – and often recommended as natural solution for stretch marks!
There is one situation when you should definitely avoid Cica: in the case of liver disease or damage, as it may sometimes cause liver toxicity.
What Not To Mix With Centella Asiatica?
Cica is natural and gentle – and can be used with… pretty much everything!
Everything You Need To Know About Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the human body – and particularly in the skin, connective tissue, and (wait for it) – eyes.
Benefits Of Hyaluronic Acid
Benefits of hyaluronic are various.
- Hydration & well-aging
Hyaluronic acid7 has an exceptional ability to attract and retain water molecules in your skin8.
This also helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. But there is another reason hyaluronic is great in fighting skin aging.
As we age, the body’s natural production of hyaluronic acid decreases, leading to drier and less elastic skin. Using hyaluronic acid in your skincare can help replenish what’s lost, resulting in a more youthful appearance9.
- Hyaluronic acid supports skin’s protective barrier
This way it prevents moisture loss and shields your precious skin against environmental aggressors. A healthy barrier is essential for overall skin health – so, it’s basically protecting your skin!
Who Should Use Hyaluronic Acid
Anyone can benefit from using hyaluronic acid. However, it is particularly useful for those of you with dehydrated skin – mature, dry, oily, or combination skin.
Side Effects Of Hyaluronic Acid
If you use it on dry skin, it may cause further dehydration. It should be applied only on damp skin.
What Should You Not Use With Hyaluronic Acid?
It’s safe to pair it with other ingredients, but make sure to do a patch test everything (especially when you combine it with retinoids/retinol, salicylic acid, AHAs, vitamin C, niacinamide, acne medications, or heavy or emollient oils and creams).
The purpose of this article is informative and entertaining. It’s not a substitute for medical consultation or medical care. The author of this article does not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Safety should be your priority.
All pictures in this article with YouAreBeautie logo belong to YouAreBeautie.com and were taken by the owner of this website. All these images are copyright-protected. Sources of other pictures: unsplash.com.
Resources:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
- https://www.researchgate.net/
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/
- https://www.tandfonline.com/
- https://ejournal-kertacendekia.id/
- https://www.atlantis-press.com/
