ASCP Skin Deep

WINTER 2025

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Protect your practice with the gold standard in liability coverage at ascpskincare.com 37 INGREDIENT DECK Cica By any other name, it works the same by Ella Cressman THERE ARE MANY EFFECTIVE skin care ingredients in the world, but none with as many aliases as cica. Cica is an herbal plant that thrives in the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and South America. Referred to on ingredient labels by its botanical name, centella asiatica, other designations reflect the plant's cultural significance and its various uses across different regions and traditions. Common monikers include gotu kola (a common name for the plant), Indian pennywort, Asiatic pennywort, coin wort and spade leaf (nods to the shape of the leaves), tiger grass and warrior grass (inspired by folklore), miracle grass, and Brahmi (in Ayurveda). It has a long, traditional use in herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing abilities and is widely studied today for its range of bioactive compounds. CICA FOLKLORE Cica's journey in folklore is as rich as its healing potential. In traditional Asian cultures, particularly in India and China, cica has been valued for centuries. In Ayurveda, it is celebrated for its cognitive and spiritual benefits and is believed to enhance mental clarity and memory, which led to its use by sages and scholars. A charming aspect of cica folklore is its connection to longevity. In a variety of cultures, it was (and still is) believed that regular consumption of cica could promote vitality and extend life. This belief stems from its reputation for rejuvenating skin and enhancing overall well-being, reinforcing the idea that beauty and health are intertwined. In traditional Chinese medicine, cica is often associated with skin health and is used to treat a variety of ailments. It is commonly applied to the skin to promote wound healing and soothe skin inflammation. Folktales tell of warriors using the herb to speed up recovery from battle wounds, emphasizing its role as a natural remedy for injuries. CICA IN MODERN DAY Modern homeopaths frequently prescribe cica for conditions associated with inflammation and irritation and in the treatment of skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. Practitioners believe that the herb can help restore balance to the skin and promote healing both topically and from within. Its GETTY IMAGES

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