Licorice
Licorice root is one of the oldest remedies in history, called “the king of natural medicines.” Geisha long ago recognized its benefits in brightening the skin and its ability to even out skin tone, making it an especially treasured ingredient in their beauty rituals.
SCIENCE
Licorice root is rich in glycyrrhizate, an effective tyrosinase inhibitor to help prevent hyperpigmentation. It also is often recommended as a treatment for stomach ulcers and hepatitis.
HISTORY
Ancient Egyptian healers began using licorice root four thousand years ago, and it has been continuously used in both Eastern and Western medicine ever since to treat a wide variety of ailments.
PROVENANCE
The nutrient-rich glycyrrhiza glabra grows in sun-drenched, deep valleys, harvested in autumn.
Treats Acne: Licorice is a great natural remedy for acne. It contains a compound called glabridin, which has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the redness caused by blemishes and reduce swelling of breakouts.
2. Brightens Complexion: Licorice extract can help lighten dark spots on your skin, whether they’re from acne or sun damaged areas. This is due to its ability to inhibit the production of melanin in skin cells, giving you a more even complexion.
3. Nourishes Skin: Glycyrrhizin present in licorice also helps maintain moisture content in skin cells, keeping them from drying out so you can keep your skin looking healthy and hydrated.
4. Reduces Sun Damage: Glabridin found in licorice root helps protect the skin from UVB rays, reducing the chances of age spot formation and hyperpigmentation caused by too much exposure to sunlight. That’s why it’s often used as an ingredient in sunscreen lotions and creams!
5. Prevents Aging: Licorice root extract contains antioxidants like flavonoids that help protect against free radical damage caused by environmental stressors such as smoke, pollution, and ultraviolet radiation - all things that contribute to wrinkles and fine lines over time when left unchecked. Taking advantage of this natural compound could be beneficial for preventing premature aging signs like sagging skin, deep wrinkles, etc., so make sure you get some licorice extract on your regimen!
6. Controls Oily Skin: People with oily skin can benefit greatly from using licorice extract since it acts as a natural astringent that gently closes pores without stripping away or dehydrating the skin barrier - something many OTC products usually do instead! This makes licorice an ideal skincare ingredient for people struggling with excess sebum production because it helps regulate oil levels naturally without being excessively harsh on the surface layer of protection we all need for optimum healthiness!
7. Softens Skin: Licorice root also contains glycyrrhetinic acid which has been proven to increase ceramides synthesis in our epidermal layer of dermis - prompting smoothness and softness to our texture unlike anything else! Furthermore, topical applications can act as mild exfoliants thanks to containing gentle AHAs like glicolic acid so consider this if you're looking for something not-so-gritty yet still potent enough to make a difference!
DID YOU KNOW?
The English word “licorice” comes from the Greek word glukurrhiza, meaning “sweet root.”
PRODUCTS WITH LICORICE >
