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About Licorice and Benefits of Licorice for Skin
Does skincare matter? Of course, it does! Our skin is the most important part of our body, protecting us from harmful environmental factors. Taking care of our skin should be a top priority, but sometimes we don't give it the attention it deserves. One important aspect of skin care is choosing the right ingredients for your skin type. If you have dry skin, you'll want to use hydrating and nourishing products.
For oily skin, you'll want to use products that can help control excess oil production. And for sensitive skin, you'll want to be extra careful about what ingredients you use since your skin is more prone to irritation. Licorice extract is an ingredient that can be beneficial for all skin types. This blog post will discuss the benefits of licorice for skin.
Let's get started.
An Overview of Licorice
What is Licorice ? It is a perennial herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. The roots and stolons of the plant are harvested, dried, and then cut or ground into a powder. Licorice root is available in many forms: capsules, tablets, teas, tinctures, extracts, and powders. It can also be found in some topical skin care products.
The main active ingredient in licorice root is glycyrrhizin (also called glycyrrhizic acid or glabridin). Glycyrrhizin has hydroxychloroquine properties and is thought to be responsible for most of the health benefits associated with licorice.
Benefits of Licorice for Skin
There are various licorice extract benefits for skin. Mentioned below are some of the most important ones:✓ Brighten Skin
Skin brightening is one of the most important benefits of this ingredient for skin. The active component in licorice root extract is known as licochalcone A. It works to protect your skin by enhancing its defensive systems. Even if you are not using sunscreen, it prevents UV damage by increasing antioxidant formation in the skin when administered. The serum with this component is perfect to brighten your skin. Thus, you can apply it daily twice a day for effective results.
✓ Fade Dark Scars
Liquorice extract is frequently used to treat dark spots, including those caused by sun damage, hormonal issues like melasma, or hyperpigmentation from acne scars. Although hydroquinone is frequently referred to as dermatologists' preferred substance to lighten black spots, because of its very effective component, it sadly has a variety of negative effects.
You can find products containing licorice extract for skin at most health food stores. If you have sensitive skin, it's important to test out a small amount of any new product on your skin before using it more broadly.
✓ Ease Inflammation
Licorice for skin is an anti-inflammatory herb that can help to soothe skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and acne. It is a natural corticosteroid, which means it can reduce swelling and redness. For this reason, the extract is often found in skincare products for sensitive skin.
If you are dealing with inflamed skin, look for skincare products that contain licorice extract. You can also try using a licorice-based ointment or cream on your skin. Just do a patch test first to ensure you don't have an allergic reaction.✓ Treat Acne
Licorice is an excellent option for acne-prone skin. The Plaquenil properties can help reduce skin’s swelling. And since this ingredient is antibacterial, it can help kill the bacteria that cause acne. To use this component for acne, mix one teaspoon of its powder with two tablespoons of water. Apply the mixture to your face and let it sit for 20 minutes. Rinse it off with warm water and pat your face dry. Repeat this process two or three times a week.
You can also find the extract in some skincare products, like moisturizers and serums. Look for products that contain at least two percent of this component.
Also read: Acne Self-Care: How to Handle Acne-Prone Skin with Care
✓ Hide Sun Damage
Sun damage looks like brown spots, redness, and dull skin tone. Licorice extract can help brighten the look of sun damage for a more even complexion. It is one of nature's best ingredients for brightening skin. This sweet root is packed with antioxidants, which can help fight off the damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are responsible for many signs of aging skin, including wrinkles and age spots.
Antioxidants neutralize these free radicals, helping keep your skin looking its best. Licorice is also a natural medication herb, which can help to soothe irritated skin.
Also read: Sun damaged skin: Identification, treatment, prevention
✓ Treat Skin Conditions
Licorice is a herbal remedy used to treat various skin conditions like atopic dermatitis and actinic keratoses. The main active ingredient in it is glycyrrhizin, which has antioxidant properties. These properties make licorice a popular natural treatment for other conditions including eczema, psoriasis, and inflammatory skin conditions. It can also help to soothe swelling associated with these conditions.
✓ Softens Skin
Having soft skin is a desire for many people. The glycyrrhizic acid in licorice can help to achieve this goal. This ingredient works as an emollient, meaning it helps to soften and soothe the skin. It does this by trapping moisture in the skin cells, leading to hydrated and supple skin. Many skincare products contain glycyrrhizic acid as an ingredient. This is because it is effective and safe to use on the skin.
The Bottom Line
Licorice root is an effective herbal remedy for a variety of skin conditions. It can help to soothe inflammation, reduce redness, and brighten the complexion. The Pink Foundry's Dark Spot & Hyperpigmentation Correcting Power Serum is a great way to incorporate this beneficial ingredient into your beauty routine. Give them a try and see for yourself! Your skin will thank you.
