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The journey to achieving a radiant skin is sometimes compromised with problematic issues such as hyperpigmentation, dark spots, left over acne scars, sunspots and hormonal conditions such as melasma. Of course we definitely have no other choice but to tackle these skin issues when they arise using skincare resources at our disposal.
Skincare ingredients such as kojic acid, arbutin, vitamin C and glutathione has proven to reduce the appearance of pigmentations by drastically reducing the melanin production and you know what? Licorice extract has joined the game. Infact licorice extract for skin as the title implies has been a recommendation by dermatologists to tackle the issue of discolorations.
We know some of you may be wondering WTF is licorice extract. Don’t worry, that’s exactly what this content is all about, we’re definitely going to quench your thirst of curiosity. Keep reading to know more about licorice extract for skin.
What Is Licorice Extract?
Licorice is a plant extract (with botanical name: Glycyrrhiza glabra) also spelled as liquorice.
This root extract has been used for years for its medicinal and healing properties.
Asides that, licorice extract also exhibits skin-brightening potentials as it delivers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects to help fade dark spots when applied topically on the skin. This skin brightening ingredient can be found in many skincare topicals. As a gold standard ingredient It even acts in a similar manner to hydroquinone (without its side effects).
How Does Licorice Extract Works?
Licorice extract helps to reduce inflammation and to lighten skin naturally by Inhibiting the production of an enzyme needed to produce melanin (pigment) in the skin and helps remove excess melanin. Talking about reducing inflammation, it does that by blocking the signalling pathway for skin inflammation, thereby controlling redness, flushing, and other types of inflammation.
Benefits Of Licorice Extract For Skin.
Tackles Discolorations.
Licorice extract de-pigment the skin by hindering the production of melanin (a natural skin pigment that gives skin its color). It does this by Inhibiting melanocyte (cells that produces melanin) thereby brightening your skin which addresses the issues of hyperpigmentation and melasma.
According to Jennifer Chwalek, MD, of Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York City says “It contains liquiritin, an active compound that helps to disperse and remove existing melanin in the skin”. That being said, not only can it fade existing spots but prevents new once from forming.
Delivers Antioxidants Benefits.
Licorice extract is richly blessed with antioxidant properties as it contains flavonoid, an antioxidant-rich component which can help your body ward off everyday toxins and decreases reactive oxygen species, which both age and discolor the skin.
Also Offers Anti-inflammatory Benefits.
While licorice extract is richly blessed with flavonoid — which also delivers anti-inflammatory benefits to the skin by regulating cellular activity and fights off free radicals that cause oxidative stress and also prevent photoaging and damage, not to mention it helps absorb UV light.
Helps Control Oil Production.
Licorice extract helps control oil production and will also help reduce the redness experienced by those with Rosacea, which causes a flushed face with red, patchy skin. The fact that this helps regulates oil production makes it very beneficial for individuals with oily and acne prone skin.
Helps Treat Acne.
Licorice extract is Ideal for those with oily or acne-prone skin, as it produces licochalcone. This helps to regulate the production of oil thereby help reducing production of sebum which addresses the issues of clogged pores which is the main cause of acne breakouts. For those with sensitive? Licorice extract can also help soothe the skin, specifically because of its anti-inflammatory properties which can help with eczema and psoriasis, as well as improve inflammation in acne and rosacea.
Side Effects Of Licorice Extract.
Although it’s quite unusual if allergies should occur but it may still happen for some.
Sometimes allergies occurs depending on what other ingredients it’s mixed with. However if you’re concerned about likely occurrence of irritations we strongly advice you should do a patch test before commencing treatment.
How To Use It.
Every skincare topicals has its usage guidelines, be sure to follow exact product directions when it comes to how often and when to use it. However, It’s best to use hyperpigmentation treatments at night while you use sunscreen during the day and please please please, in every skincare routine, sunscreen is a must — to protect your skin from the dangerous UV rays of the sun. You wouldn’t want the sun to counteract your skin-brightening efforts right?.
The Best Products With Licorice Extract.
1. Eminence Organic Skin CareBright Skin Licorice Root Booster-Serum.
Fade hyperpigmentation and curtail its possible future occurrence with this potent formula.
With the combination of skin-lightening actives such as giga white, bearberry leaf extract, Lemongrass and licorice extract discolorations won’t stand a chance. Not to mention it contains lactic acid to slough off dead skin cells and BioComplex to reduce wrinkles appearance and improve overall skin texture and appearance.
2. Clinique Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter.
A cocktail to fade and interrupt future occurrence of hyperpigmentation.
with the powerful combination of licorice extract, gyokuro, mulberry root extract, rice bran extract and salicylic acid this formula helps reduce the appearance of discoloration, weakens the bonds that hold dead skin cells together to encourage the departure of cells containing melanin, gently sloughs off the uppermost layers of the skin to reveal fresher, more even tone skin, relatively prevent irritations and ease down redness.
3. Dermalogica Redness Relief Essence.
Irritations isn’t what anyone wants to have, infact it’s a nightmare to skincare lovers, but sometimes (somehow) it kicks in, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be handled. This redness relief extract formula is a toner but concentrated like a serum, it visibly reduce redness and sensitivity by strengthening the skin’s moisture barrier all thanks to licorice and aleo vera extract.
4. Paula’s Choice BOOST 10% Azelaic Acid Booster Cream Gel with Licorice Extract & Salicylic Acid.
You can never go wrong with Paula’s Choice brand. This cream gel and oil-free formula is packed with
multi-action, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial active ingredients such as azelaic, salicylic acid and licorice extract to treat skin conditions like acne, rosacea, prevents future outbreak and gentle exfoliates the skin also calms and sooth redness.
Possible Questions & Answers.
Q: How soon can you expect results from using licorice extract?
A: “For the soothing effect, you can feel it on the first application, however, the antioxidant and relieving of redness and irritation takes a few days,
For the skin lightening, you need about a month due to skin’s renewal process, so, keep use consistent for at least 28 days,” says Lanyifan Rani, Global Brand Manager for Skin Inc.
Q: Is Licorice extract safe to use during pregnancy?
A: while some ingredients should be avoided during pregnancy, some are safe too. Licorice is one of the pregnancy-safe skincare ingredients.
according to Joshua Zeichner, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, for expert guidance on pregnancy-safe beauty “general antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E are safe to use, in addition to minerals like magnesium and selenium.” He adds that botanicals such as colloidal oatmeal, chamomile, and licorice root are safe to use as well.
UP NEXT: Meet Niacinamide, A Skincare Ingredient To Improve Overall Skin Texture & Complexion.
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