I’ve been reporting on the secret wonders of Korean beauty for most of my career, and was thrilled to recently discover a K-beauty staple that already has legions of fans: The Centellian 24 Madeca cream. This Korean pharmacy staple has a high concentration of TECA, a newly-on-my-radar ingredient that may improve many common signs of skin aging. And it’s less than $20 for a tube. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sejal Shah told HuffPost that TECA (titrated extract of centella asiatica) is a highly concentrated form of centella asiatica, an ingredient with skin-repairing, soothing, and collagen-supporting properties and a long pharmaceutical history outside the U.S.“As skin matures, its natural repair processes slow, collagen production declines, the protective skin barrier can become weaker, and low-grade inflammation can contribute to visible signs of aging,” Shah said. TECA, according to Shah, may help address several of these changes by supporting skin repair, calming inflammation, promoting collagen synthesis, and helping strengthen the skin barrier. “The result may be healthier, more resilient skin with improved texture and a better ability to recover from environmental stress and other sources of damage,” she said. Shah explained that, though TECA is a useful ingredient on its own, it’s more important to look at Centellian 24 Madeca cream’s complete formulation, which, as she points out, also includes niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, collagen, resveratrol, retinol, and several other ingredients touted for mature skin. “I would characterize it as a multi-active anti-aging moisturizer, with TECA being one of several noteworthy active ingredients,” Shah said.Shah considers this daily, non-greasy and fast-absorbing cream a particularly good option for someone with dry, mature skin who wants an anti-aging moisturizer without sacrificing barrier support, and reviewers agree.“I have tried many products in my 62 years, and I must say this is one of the best,” one Amazon shopper wrote. “After three days, I already see improvement on my skin, more plump and more radiant skin texture.”Another reviewer who claimed to be 70 years old said that in just two days the Madeca cream noticeably softened the “crepey” texture on their cheeks, neck, and beneath their eyes. Many others also spoke to its ability to calm severe redness and prevent irritation caused by the more abrasive ingredients in their skin care, leaving skin soft, hydrated, and comfortable. Based on overwhelming reviewer consensus, the Centellian 24 Madeca cream has done such a good job of achieving its claims of a healthier, more hydrated, and firmer-looking complexion that they’ve bought multiples. Some are even on their fifth and sixth tubes. See these reviews for yourself down below or grab a tube for $18. Promising Amazon reviews:“Amazing product! I’m on my 3rd tube (with everyday use, it lasts me 3 months) and that’s rare for me. I’ll love a product but would always be tempted to try something new in hopes of finding something just a little bit better. We’ll, I found it and I have no desire to continue searching. The price is on point (compared to my usual over $100 creams) and it makes my face so incredibly soft that I’m constantly touching it! I use tazarotene cream, which dries out my face, but after applying the madeca cream, I am moisturized and I do not ever have to reapply throughout the day. I know everyone’s skin is different and that’s ok but, for me, this is the best moisturizer I have ever used.“ — Rebecca R“Madeca Cream — A Repeat Purchase for a Reason. This is hands down my favorite for winter — when my skin craves that richness, this cream delivers exactly what it needs. Come summer though, the texture is just too heavy to wear as a daily moisturizer in the heat. Instead of shelving it, I switched it into my night routine as a mask, and it still earns its spot — a thick layer before bed, left to work overnight, and I wake up with skin that feels calm and noticeably more comfortable.This is actually my 5th or 6th time repurchasing it, which says everything — some products are worth keeping around all year, even if the way you use them changes with the seasons.” — Frida“I would give this a 100 stars if I could. If you use retinol or tretinoin, this is a game changer in your skin routine. It prevents any flaking peeling or dryness, and it does wonders repairing my barrier after my retinol treatment’s. My redness is gone in the mornings after I apply this moisturizer in my final skincare routine every if you have trouble with your skin barrier due to over usage of some of your acid based products, buy this cream. You won’t be sorry especially for the price, you can’t beat it.” — Kristina Morris“I have tried many products in my 62 years, and I must say this is one of the best. After 3 days I already see improvement on my skin, more plump and more radiant skin texture. Love it. And the price is right.” — Maria jackson “I’d been considering this purchase for many weeks. I’m on a fixed income and always cost justify practically everything I purchase. I’m SO glad I finally bought my Madeca cream! I just turned 70 and accept my skin is aging. I also know I need to pay more attention to my skin care. Believe it or not, I’ve only used the cream for two days and have already noticed a big difference! I accept lines and wrinkles as part of the aging process. However, I find specific spots particularly annoying. After only TWO days, fine wrinkles underneath both eyes, smile lines on my left cheek, and the ‘crepey’ texture on my neck have ALL noticeably softened! My overall skin texture is much smoother, too! I’m truly looking forward to continuing this regimen ongoing! My only regret? I wish I’d started using Madeca sooner! I HIGHLY recommend this marvelous cream!” — canjcatsells The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.If you want to shop for more K-beauty products for anti-aging, take a look at the options below from previous HuffPost coverage: AmazonAn internet-famous PDRN caffeine serum Skin care experts have previously suggested the Iope PDRN Caffeine serum, a product with which we’re well acquainted and the recipient of an official HuffPick shopping award.In addition to PDRN — which in this specific formulation is derived from green tea and plants and promotes collagen production — this well-loved and extremely popular serum contains a more recognizable combination of ingredients. These include niacinamide — a versatile antioxidant that many swear by for everything from brightening skin to managing redness — and probiotics, an unlikely ingredient that dermatologists have previously told HuffPost can do wonders for keeping skin healthy and strong. It also features caffeine, which has antioxidant properties and may aid in reducing the appearance of wrinkles caused by sun damage.A retexturing treatment that's like microneedling at homeMicroneedling is an expensive and slightly uncomfortable in-office procedure that can do wonders for hyperpigmentation, acne scarring, fine lines, and more. While not always a feasible option for most, the VT Cosmetics PDRN Reedle Shot is a much more affordable alternative with the added benefit of Korean wild ginseng PDRN. According to the brand, this innovative formula uses a "micro-needling mechanism that promotes instant skin enhancement for a smoother, softer feel." This component also maximizes product absorption for better results and will impart a slight tingling feeling on the skin.Reedle Shot customers appear to be blown away by the results of this slightly odd-feeling serum that one person claims "drastically improved the texture of my skin," while another said, " I find this to feel more effective than microneedling."AmazonA daily essence for deep hydration The Mixsoon bean essence is packed with fermented soybean, barley, pomegranate and Korean pear, it hydrates deeply, gently exfoliates and smooths skin texture. Fermented soybean locks in moisture, while the other ferments soothe redness and combat early signs of aging. Use daily as a hydrating essence after cleansing and toning.
Reviewers Say This $18 K-Beauty Cream Softened Crepey Neck Skin ‘In Just Two Days’
And a dermatologist explains how its main ingredient may target visible signs of skin aging.
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