Licorice root has been used for treating a variety of disorders since ancient times. It’s also highly beneficial for the skin. It can help with skin lightening and also contains anti-inflammatory properties.
People who have hyperpigmentation, rosacea, psoriasis, or eczema will benefit from licorice root extract. There are also many other skin conditions that licorice root can be beneficial for.
How good is licorice root for the skin?
Studies have shown that people who have had eczema for more than two weeks have seen an improvement in the condition by applying a topical gel that contains licorice root. Licorice contains a component called “Glycyrrhizin,” which contains anti-inflammatory properties.
When used topically on the skin, it’s effective in lessening the redness, irritation, and itching of the skin. Doctors often recommend licorice root skincare products for atopic dermatitis, rosacea, and psoriasis.
When skin cells start to produce too much melanin, it creates somewhat of a patchy appearance on the skin. This patchy look is known as hyperpigmentation. This type of situation takes place when the skin gets exposed to free radicals within the body. The cells that produce melanin get damaged and, in return, begin to develop excess melanin.
It’s possible to prevent this issue from occurring when using skincare products containing licorice root extract. It will inhibit the production of these free radicals, stopping the production of extra melanin.
The majority of licorice root formulations will either reduce hyperpigmentation or eliminate dark spots present on the skin, giving the appearance of a brighter skin tone.
The Glycyrrhizin present in licorice root is a potent antioxidant. When you use a licorice root skincare product topically, the antioxidants help to protect the skin against free radicals and sun damage. This will keep your skin smooth, soft and stop the appearance of premature aging.
Glabridin is known as the most active and potent compound in the licorice root. Glabridin has skin-lightening properties and will also stop the production of Tyrosinase, which is an enzyme that makes the skin darker once it gets exposed to the sun.
It can also prevent pigmentation, resulting from over exposure to UV rays of the sun. You will often find it in sunscreens, which offer both of these benefits.
Liquiritin is also found in element in licorice root. This element helps to brighten the skin and works by disintegrating extra melanin and then breaking it down, reducing the pigmentation on the skin.
Licorice root can protect the skin by strengthening the skin’s defense mechanism. Licorice root contains an active ingredient known as “Licochalcone A,” which increases the production of antioxidants in the skin. The high level of antioxidants acts as a barrier against sun damage, especially in the absence of sunscreen.
Summation
Licorice root extract found in skincare products has proven to be extremely beneficial for the skin. It will prevent the excess production of melanin from stopping pigmentation, brighten up the skin, provide protection from sun damage, and will also keep the skin in good condition.
