Every mom knows the feeling: a heart overflowing with love, tangled with a world of worries. And one of the most common concerns that pops up is your baby’s delicate skin. Dryness, redness and rashes can appear out of nowhere, leaving you wondering what’s causing the discomfort and how to soothe your precious little one. We’ve been there! 

We want to reassure you, though: it’s completely normal for newborns to experience skin issues. Remember, their skin is still developing! This means it’s more sensitive and prone to irritation from everyday things like chafing against diapers or clothing, or even from the baby’s own movements. Moisture exposure from bathwater, humidity, or even drool can also play a role.

But don’t worry. Nature has a not-so-secret gem to help ease baby’s skin woes (and your worries!): Cica (Centella Asiatica).

What Is Cica (Centella Asiatica)?

Cica (Centella Asiatica), more commonly known by its charming nicknames like Gotu Kola, Indian Pennywort, and even Tiger Grass (legend has it tigers roll in it to heal their scars), is a remarkable little herb with a rich history. Native to tropical regions of Asia and Africa and a member of the parsley family, Cica has been revered in both Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine for its potential health benefits¹. In traditional Asian medicine, this wonder herb has been a staple used to soothe and improve minor cuts, scrapes, and burns, and as an anti-inflammatory, particularly for eczema². Fast forward to today, and Cica is still making waves in modern skincare!

Why Centella Asiatica Is Beloved: 3 Benefits Of Cica

1. Helps calm inflammation. Cica is packed with beneficial compounds like triterpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. These active substances work double duty: fighting inflammation (including symptoms like redness) and acting as antioxidants (like shields protecting skin from damage). Notably, madecassoside and asiaticoside (types of triterpenoids) further enhance its soothing properties. No wonder this ingredient has been used as an anti-inflammatory for centuries!

2. Promotes wound healing. Cica’s compounds also boost two important building blocks in your skin: collagen and fibronectin. These are essential for healthy skin repair, helping minor cuts and burns heal faster.

3. Strengthens skin barrier. Rich in amino acids, beta carotene, fatty acids and phytochemicals, Cica strengthens your skin’s outer layer, which serves like a shield keeping moisture in and irritants out. A stronger barrier translates to better moisture retention and protection from irritation, making Cica especially beneficial for delicate baby skin.

Introducing Cica to Your Baby’s Skincare Routine

With Cica’s long history of soothing and protecting skin, you can think of it as nature’s superhero, ready to combat dryness and irritation—the woes that can plague your precious little one’s delicate skin. And here’s how you can safely incorporate it into your baby’s routine:

  • Choose Gentle Products with Cica: A baby’s skin is significantly thinner and more delicate than adult skin, especially for the first two years of life. It lacks the natural oils and complete development of the skin barrier, making it more prone to irritation from harsh chemicals. Look for gentle washes, lotions, and creams specifically formulated for babies (look no further than our Human Nature’s NEW Natural Cica Baby Wash & Lotion). These products are typically free of common irritants like SLS/SLES, silicones, and parabens

  • Patch Test Before Use: Even with gentle products, it’s always a good practice to do a patch test before applying any new product to your baby’s skin. Apply a small amount of the product on your baby’s inner arm or behind the ear and wait for 24 hours. If there’s no redness, itching, or irritation, it’s generally safe to use on other areas.
  • Consult Your Pediatrician: Every baby’s skin is unique, and some may have underlying sensitivities. Before introducing any new products, it’s best to talk to your pediatrician. They can provide personalized advice based on your baby’s specific needs and medical history.

With the soothing and calming properties of natural Cica, you can now support your baby’s developing skin and embrace worry-free snuggles. When baby’s at ease, Mommy’s at peace!

Are you thrilled to discover the power of Cica for your little one? Check out our NEW Natural Cica Baby Wash & Lotion.

Sources

¹Centella Asiatica: The Most Popular Skin Care Ingredient You’ve Never Heard Of

²Centella asiatica in cosmetology