What is Cica and How Can It Help Your Skin Barrier

It’s hard to find a skin-care product that is beneficial for lots of different skin types and makes the majority of us want to add it to our routine. But if there’s anything people universally want a cream to fix, it’s signs of aging. Imagine if one product or ingredient could fix both of these problems! Enter Cica, the latest ingredient with the ability to replenish the skin’s moisture barrier and fight the look of fine lines and wrinkles. But what is Cica, and how can it help you with your complexion woes? Read on to find out where the ingredient came from, how it was discovered and what it can do when you add it to your skin-care routine.

What is Cica?

Cica, or Centella Asiatica, is an herb with antioxidant properties that comes from tiger grass and has been used in Chinese medicine practices for thousands of years. After becoming injured, tigers would roll in the tiger grass to soothe themselves. After any kind of trauma, from burns to sensitive skin, Cica (the shortened form of Centella Asiatica) helps restore your skin’s moisture barrier so it can protect itself from breaking down even more. Your skin’s barrier is right on the surface of your skin, and it stops things like pollution and allergens from penetrating your skin and entering your body. It’s a really important function to maintain for your skin, and when that barrier starts to break down, you get irritation and redness. Cica, like most antioxidants, also has anti-aging properties and has been called the “fountain of life” in Chinese medicine.

What problems can Cica help correct?

Fine lines and wrinkles: As you age, your skin’s natural moisture barrier breaks down, which reduces firmness and makes wrinkles more visible. Cica can help restore that moisture barrier, and applying L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Cicacream, formulated with Cica and Pro-Retinol, can help smooth, plump and strengthen your skin. And when you work it into your regular skin-care routine, you should notice results that continue to improve over time.

Dehydration: Because Cica helps replenish the moisture barrier, which prevents hydration from escaping the epidermis L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Cicacream is ideal for locking in moisture. Plus, it’s recognized by the Canadian Dermatology Association as being safe for sensitive skin.

When should I apply my Cica cream?
If you’re looking to minimize or streamline your skin-care routine, you’ll love Cica cream. Because it’s gentle, and L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Cicacream in particular is lightweight, you can apply it both morning and night.

In the morning, cleanse your skin to prep it for your products and either pat or spray on a toner of your choice. Then, pat your Cica cream into your face and décolletage, giving it a few minutes to absorb. Layer on a moisturizer with an SPF—protecting your skin from sun damage will give your Cica cream fewer wrinkles to fight. Then apply your makeup as you normally would.

In the evening, cleanse your skin to remove your makeup and the dirt from the day, and then spritz on your toner again. If you’re feeling like you have a lot of buildup on your skin, maybe work in a purifying mask likeL’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Mask for Dull Skin between your cleanser and toner. Then, apply your cream the same way you did in the morning, patting rather than rubbing it in. Wait for it to absorb, and, if you feel you need even more hydration, layer on a richer cream that will add even more moisture to your skin. Finish your routine off with L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Cica Eye Cream.