Some days your skin glows. Other days it’s dry, reactive, or just not cooperating — no matter how many layers you slather on. At Dose, we get it. 

You start wondering if you’re doing something wrong… or if your skin’s just tired of your current routine. Sometimes it’s not about doing more, it’s about giving your skin what actually works.

That’s why we keep coming back to ingredients that have real history, real data, and a real impact when used consistently. Centella asiatica is one of those ingredients. 

If you’ve heard the name but weren’t totally sure what it does or why it keeps popping up in skin-support products, you’re in the right place.

Why Support Skin Health Anyway?

Your skin is an organ (your largest). It’s smart, complex, and constantly working behind the scenes, and supporting it means thinking about more than just moisturizers and serums.

Your skin plays a major role in regulating body temperature, holding in hydration, managing your immune response, and filtering out unwanted elements. It also produces sebum to protect itself, supports its natural renewal process, and synthesizes vitamin D when you get sunlight. 

Like the rest of your body, your skin relies on circulation, hydration, nutrients, and internal balance to keep doing its thing. When those systems are well supported, your skin has what it needs to look and feel its best — from the inside out.

What Is Centella Asiatica?

We talked about why supporting your skin matters — but what exactly is Centella asiatica? 

Also called gotu kola, Centella asiatica is a leafy green herb that’s been used in traditional medicine for centuries, especially in parts of Asia and Africa. People have turned to it for everything from wound care to memory support. And now? It’s having a big moment in the skincare world — for good reason.

Centella is packed with naturally occurring compounds called triterpenoids (fancy name, helpful stuff). These include madecassoside and asiaticoside, which are the key players behind its skin-loving effects. They help calm skin, support the skin barrier, and encourage recovery when your skin’s feeling stressed, dry, or extra sensitive.

You’ll often find Centella in creams, serums, or even health supplements — and that’s because it works from different angles. On the surface, it helps soothe visible irritation and keeps the moisture barrier from freaking out. 

Internally, it’s been studied for how it may support circulation and collagen production. (Collagen = structural support = skin that feels more resilient.)

Centella’s benefits show up with consistent use, especially when it’s part of a routine that works with your skin, not against it. It’s one of those ingredients that’s gentle enough for reactive skin but still effective enough to make a noticeable difference.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Short answer: most people do just fine with Centella asiatica. It’s known for being gentle, especially on sensitive or reactive skin. That’s a main reason it shows up in everything from soothing creams to skin supplements.

However, your skin and body are unique, so here’s what to keep in mind.

If you’re applying it topically (like in a serum or cream), the chances of irritation are low, but not zero. A patch test is always a good idea, especially if your skin tends to react to new things. Look for signs like redness, itching, or tingling that doesn’t go away after a few minutes. If any of that shows up, it’s probably not a match.

When taken as a supplement, Centella is generally well tolerated. However, higher doses can cause minor side effects in some people, such as headaches, dizziness, or an upset stomach. If that happens, it’s worth checking in with a healthcare provider to figure out what’s going on and whether the dose or format needs adjusting.

If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking capsules — especially those processed by the liver — it’s smart to consult your provider first. Not because Centella is sketchy, but because it’s always better to play it safe when it comes to your body doing big, important things.

How To Use Centella Asiatica for Skin

So, you’ve decided to try Centella asiatica — now what? Whether you’re switching up your routine or starting from scratch, here are a few simple ways to work it in, based on what works for you.

Use It Topically

This one’s easy: grab a moisturizer, serum, or cream that lists Centella asiatica on the label. It plays especially well with dry, irritated, or sensitive skin. Depending on your skin's needs, look for lightweight formulas in the morning and richer creams at night.

Sip It

For days when your skincare routine feels like a lot — or when you’re just too busy to reapply anything — sipping your Centella makes a lot of sense.

That’s where Dose for Skin comes in. It’s a cooling peach health supplement that’s packed with clinically backed ingredients that support skin from within. Think of it as a quick, refreshing way to help keep your skin hydrated and your collagen levels where you want them — even when you’re running out the door.

In addition to Centella asiatica, each shot includes:

• Aloe vera extract (200x more concentrated than what you’ll find in most supplements) helps improve skin hydration and elasticity.
  

• Sea buckthorn brings in plant-based omega fatty acids to support aging skin.
  

• Ingredients like orange, amla, and licorice to support circulation and skin cell function.

No mixing, no powders, no mess. Just grab, sip, and go. 

Add It to Your Supplement Stack

If you’re more of a capsule person, Centella asiatica shows up in plenty of ingestible skin formulas — either on its own or blended with other skin-supporting ingredients like zinc, biotin, or antioxidants. It’s a solid option for anyone who wants to support skin from within but doesn’t love adding another cream to their routine.

Just be sure to scan the label. You’ll want a clear dosage listed and ideally a product that calls out the specific extracts used (like madecassoside or asiaticoside — the compounds that do the heavy lifting). That level of transparency usually points to a brand that knows what they’re doing.

How To Work Centella Asiatica Into Your Daily Routine

By now, you know consistency matters — but what does that actually look like when you’re trying to add something new like Centella asiatica into the mix? No need to overhaul your whole life. Here are a few low-effort, high-impact ways to make it stick.

Anchor It to a Habit You Already Have

The easiest way to make a new habit happen? Pair it with one you already do without thinking. Take your Centella supplement right after brushing your teeth. 

Sip your Dose for Skin while waiting for your coffee to brew. Apply your Centella-packed serum after cleansing, before moisturizer. Small actions can have a big payoff.

Keep It Where You’ll See It

Out of sight, out of mind is real. Leave your wellness shot next to your water bottle or your supplement on the counter — not buried in a drawer. Even a little visual nudge can go a long way in turning “Oh right, I should do that” into “Already done.”

Don’t Overcomplicate It

You don’t need to use every version of Centella at once. Choose the format that fits your lifestyle best — whether that’s a topical, a shot, or a supplement — and focus on using it consistently before layering in anything else.

Track How Your Skin Feels (Not Just How It Looks)

You might notice subtle shifts before anything shows up in the mirror, like less tightness, fewer dry patches, or less irritation after a long day. That’s progress. 

Give your skin time, stay with it, and remember: results build slowly, not overnight.

How Long Does It Take to See Results?

Waiting is the worst. Especially when your skin’s been acting up and you’re hoping something (anything) will make a difference fast. However, like most things in wellness, Centella asiatica works best with time and consistency.

If you’re using it topically, some people notice calming effects within a few days — especially if their skin is feeling irritated, red, or reactive. But for deeper benefits (like hydration, barrier support, or long-term skin resilience), give it at least four to six weeks. That’s how long it typically takes for your skin cells to turn over and show signs of change.

When taken as a supplement, it may take a bit longer. Think more in the six to eight-week range for noticeable shifts in hydration, elasticity, or skin balance.

It’s also worth saying: everyone’s skin is different. Factors like your stress levels, diet, sleep, and other products you’re using all play a role in how fast (or slow) your skin health shifts. So don’t worry if you’re not seeing dramatic results right away. Keep checking in with how your skin feels and give it a little breathing room to adjust.

The Bottom Line

So — how does Centella asiatica benefit skin? In short, it helps your skin stay supported, steady, and strong. Whether your goal is hydration, barrier support, or just giving your skin one less thing to stress about, Centella’s been shown to deliver — especially when you stick with it.

At Dose, we make our health supplements with thoughtfully chosen, science-backed ingredients like Centella asiatica, sea buckthorn, aloe vera, and more. Because balance doesn’t come from doing the most — it comes from giving your body what it actually needs.

If skin support is part of your wellness journey, we’re right there with you. One Dose at a time.

Sources:

Anatomy, Skin (Integument), Epidermis | NCBI Bookshelf

Centella Asiatica: The Most Popular Skin Care Ingredient You've Never Heard Of | Cleveland Clinic 

Centella asiatica - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics 

Pharmacological Review on Asiatic Acid and Its Derivatives: A Potential Compound | ScienceDirect