Gotu Kola for Skin: Top Skin Benefits and How To Use

What is Gotu Kola?

Gotu Kola, also known as Indian pennywort and centella asiatica, is a perennial plant native to Asia. It’s a member of the parsley family and commonly found growing along water sources such as streams and paddy fields. It’s referred to as the “the herb of longevity” in ancient Chinese texts and “a pharmacy in one herb” by Ayurveda. Prized for its adaptogenic properties, studies suggest that Gotu Kola can have a positive effect on the brain, nervous system and skin. When used in topical skincare formulas, Gotu Kola serves as a powerful skin calming agent and potent antioxidant.

Gotu Kola Skin Benefits

Our skin is exposed to external stressors daily, affecting the way our skin looks and feels. Often times these aggressors, such as pollution and UV exposure, lead to a compromised skin barrier. Because Gotu Kola possesses properties that help to calm skin and protect it from environmental aggressors, it’s highly sought after in skincare formulas.

Provides Antioxidant Protection

Antioxidants play an important role in supporting our health. We consume them daily through foods like fruits and vegetables, but research shows that we should also be applying them to our skin. When used in skin care formulas, antioxidants help to fend off environmental damage that can show up as irritation and signs of aging. Studies show that Gotu Kola contains polyphenols, flavonoid, beta-carotene, and vitamin C, all of which contribute to its antioxidant power. It’s also well known that antioxidants can help boost skin’s vitality and promote an overall healthy look and feel. In addition, antioxidants help to boost the effects of other active cosmetic ingredients, such as vitamin C, working in synergy to improve results, leaving your skin looking and feeling its best.

Super Skin Soother

Thanks to Gotu Kola’s super soothing powers, visible signs of irritation and sensitivity, including redness and uneven skin tone, are greatly reduced with consistent use. Research shows that topical application of Gotu Kola can be helpful in visibly soothing skin due to its potent anti-inflammatory properties.

Supports Youthful-looking Skin

As mentioned above, the environmental factors our skin encounters on a daily basis takes a toll on our skin. Gotu Kola extract not only contains protective antioxidants but also triterpene saponins, which help to visibly firm and minimize the look of sun damage.

Comforts Compromised Skin

Fun fact: Gotu Kola is referred to as “the tiger herb” in India because wounded tigers are reportedly seen rolling around in it. One of the primary functions of the skin barrier is to maintain balance. But when our barrier function is thrown out of whack, whether it’s due to harsh skincare treatments or environmental factors, it’s important to take extra measures to help our skin regain normalcy. And that’s where Gotu Kola can help. This powerful herb boasts many rejuvenating compounds such as triternene saponins and phytonutrients that support compromised skin and
studies show that Gotu Kola is helpful in facilitating the healing process. Maybe that explains why the tigers roll around in Gotu Kola!

Gotu Kola Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gotu Kola Good For Sensitive Skin?

This skin-soothing ingredient boasts anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial properties. These inherent constituents make Gotu Kola a sensitive skin saviour, helping to visibly promote a calm and balanced complexion.

Does Gotu Kola Help Acne?

Gotu kola is known as a cicatrisant, which by definition means “to heal or become healed by the formation of scar tissue.” This makes it an ideal supportive ingredient for acne-prone skin. However, we don’t recommend solely relying on Gotu Kola for blemishes. A holistic approach is going to be most effective when dealing with a complex skin issue like acne.

How To Use Gotu Kola For Skin

Excited to try Gotu Kola? Simply look for a formula that includes Gotu Kola on the ingredient list, such as our Detox clarifying mask and Reborn brightening mask. The good news is that Gotu Kola can be found in many products, making it easy to incorporate it into your existing skincare routine.

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