Translated and amended by Bettina Barlog
Sensitive skin manifests itself in redness, irritation or rashes, an itchy or dry feeling...etc. due to an undesirable change in the skin barrier and excessive production of inflammatory mediators. These symptoms are easily aggravated by endogenous and exogenous factors that occur daily: temperature changes, stress, pollution, diet, fatigue, sun exposure, etc. Beyond these clinical signs, however, this sensitivity can be more insidious, leading to a constant feeling of discomfort, premature ageing of the skin and even a loss of self-confidence. Often underestimated, this physiology is taking the world by storm.
Today, a growing number of consumers perceive their skin to be sensitive and products designed for them are gaining traction. In 2016, a study conducted by Mintel in the UK showed that nearly one-third of consumers aged 16-24 experienced skin irritation. In 2017, an NPD study conducted in the United States found that up to 48% of American women who use facials report having sensitive skin (up from 44% in 2015) and are actively seeking products that are gentle, safe and effective. Finally, according to Mintel, 23% of skincare products launched in South Korea between January and October 2017 were formulated for sensitive skin, compared to only 11% in 2014.
Fortunately, finding ways to soothe sensitive skin has long been a real priority. Across cultures, traditional ancient medical wisdom shows how to treat a variety of skin problems and soothe the most sensitive skin. Ayurveda, traditional Indian medicine, describes Pitta skin as a skin type very similar to our idea of sensitive skin. The tradition recommends the use of balms made from herbs and plants such as aloe vera or centella asiatica - commonly known as Asian pennywort or tigergras - to soothe and heal wounds.
Inspired by this ancient use of Centella asiatica, a new type of facial care is emerging with the aim of soothing sensitive skin: cica creams. On the rise since 2016, these products initially targeted irritated skin by strengthening the skin barrier and hydrating the skin. They contain a high concentration of Centella asiatica, from which the name was inspired: C for Centella and -ica from asiatica. In addition, the word Cica refers to certain skin creams used in the West, such as Cicabiafine® and Cicalfate™. The use of this prefix denotes gentle products that have healing properties. Cica creams therefore offer a solution for people with sensitive skin who are looking for safe and effective products thanks to their natural and dermo-cosmetic inspiration. Today, the Cica concept is gaining more and more acceptance. These products not only enable the regeneration of damaged skin and the strengthening or protection of damaged skin, they also combat the wrinkles associated with mature skin. In addition, creams can be quickly developed into new textures - such as serums, toners, face masks, cleansers, cushions, etc. - well as be developed into products for the body and hands.
Seppic has a portfolio of active ingredients based on Centella asiatica that specifically address different skin needs and offers innovative formulas for the most sensitive skin types.
Comprehensive expertise on Centella asiatica from Madagascar
Seventy years ago, thanks to its know-how in the field of botanical extraction, Seppic developed an expertise in the active ingredients extracted from Centella asiatica from Madagascar, which are rich in triterpene molecules, stable in composition and highly purified.
