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Gotu Kola: Nature’s Secret To Youthful Skin Through Collagen Boost!
Some may claim that the secret to youthfulness lies within our hearts. However, no matter how hard we strive to maintain a childlike spirit, our faces often tell a different story. While some believe that the key to youthful skin lies in one’s diet and routine (and they’re not entirely wrong), we all know that there’s more to it. The secret to maintaining youthful skin also relies on one’s lifestyle, daily habits, and skincare routine!
When talking about retaining the skin’s youth, the mention of collagen and elastin cannot be missed. These two proteins play a substantial role in keeping our skin youthful- which is also the reason why you may have heard a lot about them (elastin and collagen) on TV commercials, social media, etc. However, apart from having the basic knowledge of collagen and elastin- do you all know how their absence affects your skin? If not, then don’t worry. In this blog, you’ll learn everything- from the role of collagen and elastin to how you can use Gotu Kola extract for skin benefits and much more. So just get into a cozy corner and read on!
Before embarking on the journey to explore the wonders of Gotu Kola- the source of youthfulness, allow us to guide through understanding the crucial role of collagen and elastin. Since these two proteins play a significant role in maintaining your skin’s optimal texture and condition- knowing about them will provide you with better clarity!
What Makes Your Skin Bouncy And Smooth?
You may have read how beauty and skincare brands swear by the word “collagen,” but has it ever occurred to you? What does this collagen do? And why does everyone seem to be obsessed with it? Well, collagen (and elastin) are the proteins that play an essential role in keeping the smoothness and integrity of your skin. These proteins are so hyped about because they work in sync just to ensure that your skin doesn’t develop wrinkles, stays firm, and has that plump.
Now let’s learn about the role of collagen and elastin in a little bit more detail.
Collagen- What Makes It So Cool?
Did you know that collagen stands for 30% of the total protein in your body? It is the most abundant protein in your body and is responsible for providing structure and support to the skin, bones, muscles, and connective tissues. It is also found in your blood vessels, organs, tendons, and intestinal lining.1
Well, apart from the above, collagen is also responsible for participating in the following:
- Skin cell regeneration
- Helping the blood to clot
- Providing a protective layer to most of the organs
- Replacing the dead skin cells
- Helping in blood coagulation
There are a total of 28 types of collagen, but only 5 (type I, type II, type III, type IV, and type V) of them have a prevalent role in the human body.
Unfortunately, despite how beneficial collagen is for your body, you tend to produce a lesser and lesser amount of it as you age. That is why when you turn 60 or older, experiencing low collagen is natural.1
Now that we’ve explored collagen, let’s shift our focus to elastin- the other youthful protein of your skin.
Elastin- All About It!
Elastin does exactly what it sounds like- it’s responsible for maintaining the elasticity in your skin. As a stretchy protein, it helps your skin return to its original state. The presence of elastin in your face gives you the ability to smile, frown, squint, and stretch without causing permanent fine lines
This unique property of elastin is not only required by your skin but other various parts as well. And that is why it’s present in bladders, ligaments, lungs, and even the cartilage of the ear.2 Furthermore, elastin plays a crucial role in keeping the arteries (the blood vessels that take away the blood from your heart to the rest of the body) stretchy!2
Now that we’ve learned all about the two most essential proteins that help your face remain youthful. Let’s take a look at how Gotu Kola helps in their regeneration!
Gotu Kola: The Nature’s Gift
Gotu Kola, scientifically known as Centella Asiatica is a herbaceous creeper plant. This plant is indigenous to moist places and can be found growing in Southeast Asia, South Africa, South Pacific, Madagascar, and Eastern Europe. Gotu Kola’s leaves have a distinct fan shape and are green in color. This plant also bears fruits that are small and oval in shape.3 Gotu Kola has been used in folk medicine for thousands of years. It was not only considered medicinal but said to have holistic qualities as well.
Moreover, people in China, India, and Indonesia have been using it for healing wounds, and treating skin conditions- such as psoriasis and leprosy. Additionally, Gotu Kola was also called the “fountain of youth” because allegedly a Chinese herbalist- who took it lived up to 200 years.4 The Gotu Kola plant’s use was not only limited to skin but it was employed to manage hysteria, epilepsy, and anxiety in traditional Asian medicine. And this is not all, and it has antibacterial, antipyretic, antiviral, diuretic, and rheumatic properties.3
Gotu Kola: Plan Of Action
Do you know what makes Gotu Kola a popular skin ailment healer? Triterpene! It’s a kind of naturally occurring compound that’s found abundantly in plants.5 Now, a Gotu Kola plant has 4 major kind of triterpene compounds, which includes:
- Asiatic acid
- Madecassic acid
- Asiaticoside
- Madecassoside
Triterpenes are inherently good antimicrobial, anti-virus, and anti-inflammatory in nature. They’re also the reason why Gotu Kola has the ability to increase the growth of collagen and tissue repair action in the skin!3,5
Triterpenes also enhance the production of type I collagen in the skin, which eventually helps in preventing sun damage and consecutively rescuing wrinkles or premature aging of the skin.
Now that we’ve briefly understood how Gotu Kola works let’s check out tips on how you can use it to elevate your skin!
Gotu Kola Extract Skin Benefits!
There are 3 prevalent ways in which Gotu Kola can enhance your skin, which are:3
- By boosting collagen: As read above, Gotu Kola can trigger type I collagen, which ultimately can save your skin from early signs of aging!
- Improving wound healing: Wound healing is one of the primary things Gotu Kola is/ was popularly used for. When you apply Gotu Kola extract on your skin, the fibroblast proliferation increases. This leads to an increased production of collagen, which enables faster wound healing.
- Reducing inflammation: As Gotu Kola has an abundance of triterpene, it’s naturally an anti-inflammatory, which can help people struggling with acne and redness manage their symptoms.
All in all, Gotu Kola is a naturally collagen-boosting, and skin-healing ingredient, which you can consider including in your skincare regimen.
We know that after discovering all the wonders this wonder plant is capable of, you’ve been wanting to try it yourself. So, on that demand, we’ve come up with ways to include this magic plant into your skincare regime.
How To Add Gotu Kola In Your Skincare Routine?
Gotu Kola’s extract is present in oil as well as powder forms, so you can just pick what you’re comfortable with. However, before applying any of these to your face, we suggest you do a patch test and also read the ingredients list, just to ensure your safety!
A. Gotu Kola Leaves Oil Application
You can use the Gotu Kola extract oil or oil-based serum in the following ways:
- Acne Acne Treatment
Whenever you get acne lesions, Simply turn to your trustworthy Gotu Kola oil. Before using the oil, ensure to mix approx. 10 ml of it, with either tea tree oil (used for acne) or our organic mushroom super serum. So, whenever you feel the need to battle your acne, just apply some of this elixir on your upcoming lesions for 15 to 20 minutes and then gently wash it off.
- Tanning And Dark Spot Eraser
Add 1 and ½ teaspoons of Gotu Kola extract oil with 1 to 2 tablespoons of Fuller’s earth clay powder, mix the two well, and apply on your face as usual. Ensure to get it on the affected areas- tanned and dark spots. Now leave the mask on for at least 20 minutes, and then wash it off with some room temperature water.
- Anti-Aging And Wrinkle Massage Oil
If you feel like adding Gotu Kola into your daily skincare routine, then try this. Prepare your own anti-aging massage oil by adding 2-3 drops of rosehip essential oils to 10 ml of Gotu Kola extract oil. Use this blend of oil to massage your face- after you cleanse your face for at least 10 minutes every night. While massaging your face, don’t forget to perform upward motions for a “lifting effect.” Then, leave the oil for an additional 5 minutes before washing it off.
B. Gotu Kola Extract Powder Application
If you feel like Gotu Kola extract oil is not your cup of tea, then reaping Gotu Kola extract benefits in a powder form may be more fitting for you!
- Face Pack- For Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, then this face pack is for you! Just mix 1 tablespoon of your preferred face pack powder with ½ tablespoon of Gotu Kola leaves powder and some honey. Lastly, add some milk or water to get a paste-like consistency, and then apply this mix to your face. Let this paste stay on for 30 minutes and wash it off to get that cleansed yet moisturized skin.
- Face Pack- For Oily Skin
Having oily skin means you need to treat it differently, which is why you need a different face pack routine for yourself! Take 1 tablespoon of Gotu Kola extract powder and add it with ½ tablespoon of hibiscus powder and ½ Indian gooseberry powder. Add these with enough rose water and get a thick paste-like consistency, then apply the mask on your face. Ensure to keep the face pack on for at least 20 minutes before cleansing your face at last!
C. Gotu Kola Serum And Cream Application
Now, if you feel like adding Gotu Kola extract powder or oil is too much of a hassle, you may simply opt for face creams and serums infused with Gotu Kola leaves’ oil/essence. This way, you’d not have to worry about getting it off your face because you’d be able to use it as a leave-in skincare product!
Moreover, apart from being suitable for oily and dry skin, Gotu Kola is also beneficial for people with sensitive skin. Just don’t forget to do a patch test before adding this wonder plant’s essence to your skincare routine.
Now using the above-recommended methods, you can inculcate Gotu Kola into your skincare routine and get the much-needed collagen boost! All naturally!
Parting Thoughts!
As we conclude, we hope that through this blog, we have successfully unveiled the true potential of nature’s secret ingredient - Gotu Kola! Its collagen-boosting and wound-healing properties have been the driving force behind its application for thousands of years. And now, you, too, have the secret of Asian herbal medicine at your fingertips! There’s no stopping you from achieving that youthful skin you truly deserve.
So, go get it, girl!!!
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and recommendations tailored to your specific skin condition or health concerns. The content in this blog is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Any reliance you place on the information from this blog is at your own risk. We do not endorse or guarantee the efficacy of any specific skincare products or treatments mentioned in this blog. Individual results may vary. If you have a medical emergency or a severe skin condition, seek immediate medical attention. |