Liquorice root for skin - the benefits and uses
Liquorice (glycyrrhiza glabra) is a flowering plant from which a sweet, aromatic flavouring can be extracted. The liquorice plant is considered one of the world’s oldest herbaceous treatments. Native to Western Asia and Southern Europe, liquorice has been used in medicines, food and drink, beauty and skincare for years.
Read on to find out the benefits of using liquorice extract for the skin.
What is liquorice root?
Liquorice root is extracted from the root of the liquorice plant. Whilst liquorice has been used for medicinal purposes for years, using liquorice for topical applications has become more popular in recent years, especially in skincare. As well as being an antioxidant, liquorice extract contains licochalcone A, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
But why is liquorice root extract so good for the skin?
Due to it’s anti-inflammatory properties, liquorice root can be used to reduce redness and irritation, brighten the complexion and fade dark spots, as well as contributing to the skin regenerataion process. Antioxidant properties also help to protect your skin against free radicals.
8 Benefits of liquorice extract for skin
1. Brightens and evens skin tone
Liquorice extract has proven skin-brightening properties. Studies have shown it to be effective in fighting dark spots and reducing hyperpigmentation, including melasma and acne scarring, due to the presence of glabridin. Glabridin stops the skin from darkening after sun exposure.
Working to absorb excess melanin and inhibiting the production of the enzyme responsible for melanin production, it functions in a similar way to hydroquinone. Hydroquinine is a type of bleaching cream but is associated with less sensitivity and other undesirable side effects. Liquorice root also contains an antioxidant component that reduces reactive oxygen species that discolour the skin.
2. Targets acne
Liquorice extract may help to regulate the production of excess oil. In Ayurveda, liquorice root is often used to treat dandruff. In particular, test studies link glycyrrhizin to anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which makes it a great ingredient to treat a variety of skin conditions, including acne and eczema.
3. Helps treat eczema
Glycyrrhizin is also thought to help relieve symptoms of eczema. Due to it’s anti-inflammatory properties, licquorice extract can help to relieve itching and soothe the skin.
4. Reduces inflammation and redness
Inflammation and redness may not always be a sign of eczema. Using liquorice extract on the skin can also relieve inflammation, redness and itching for a variety of skin conditions including dermatitis and psoriasis.
5. Firms and tightens skin
Using liquorice extract on the skin can help to regenerate elastin and collagen. Collagen is responsible for the elasticity of your skin. Ensuring that collagen levels remain high helps to firm and tighten the skin. Amino acids in liquorice also help to moisturise and hydrate the skin to keep it looking healthy and fresh.
6. UV protection
Liquorice contains UV blocking enzymes that can help protect your skin from damage. Liquorice should never be used as a substitute for sunscreen, only in conjunction with. Sun damage is also the primary cause of skin discoloration.
7. Fights wrinkles
Sun and environmental damage can result in premature skin aging. Whilst you should always wear sunscreen in the daytime, the added protection for liquorice extract can help to prevent the appearance of lines and wrinkles. The antioxidant properties of liquorice root also protect your skin against free radicals that can break down the skin’s collagen.
8. Treat wound and skin infections
If you’re suffering from a skin infection or surface wound, the antimicrobial and antifungal properties of liquorice can help skin to heal more quickly. Not only is it great wound cleaning but also help to reduce swelling and redness, and remove bacteria to promote faster healing.
Is liquorice extract suitable for my skin type?
Liquorice extract can be used on most skin types. As it soothes sensitive and reddened skin whilst also reducing excess oil, it is suitable for oily, combination or sensitive skin that’s prone to irritation.
How often should I apply liquorice extract?
Now you know the benefits of liquorice root for your skin, you may be wondering how you can incorporate it into you daily skincare routine.
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We offer a wide variety of products that contain liquorice root extract to help you reap the benefits. Discover how to use each type of product below.
Serums
Serums deliver a potent dose of active ingredients to your skin for maximum impact. Highly concentrated only a small amount of serum is needed per application. Our Regenacalm Serum S1 Pro combines 3% encapsulated retinoid and liquorice in order to to target fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes, acne scars and hyperpigmentation. Apply a few drops after cleansing to damp skin, massage into the face and neck and follow with moisturiser. Always carry out a patch test first; you may also need to build your skin’s tolerance to products contained retinoids.
For a slightly more gentle approach our Exaglow Serum S10 combine liquorice, tranexamic acid and vitamin C to lighten dark spots and pigmentation and smooth any rough areas. it's well tolerated by most skin types and should be applied to clean, damp skin.
Eye cream
With skin brightening and anit-inflammatory properties, an eye cream containing liquorice can help to reduce dark circles and puffiness. Our Ocuwake Eye Cream contains liquorice, chamomile and vitamin C to lighten dark circles, smooth and contour the eye area. Apply morning and night after cleansing using a gentle tapping motion.
Toners
Toners are used to cleanse, hydrate and rebalance the pH of the skin. Our Colloidal-C Anti-Redness Toner T3 contains liquorice, colloidal oatmeal, vitamin C and Aloe Vera to help calm redness and reduce inflammation. Toner should be applied after cleansing the skin; using a reusable cotton pad, swipe over the face and neck and follow with serums and moisturiser.
When to use liquorice extract
Knowing whether liquorice is the right ingredient for your skin depends on your skin type and condition. With anti–inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, liquorice can be beneficial for almost all skin types, but those who may benefit the most include those with:
Red or irritated skin
If you suffer from conditions such as rosacea or dry skin, your skin may be red, irritated and uncomfortable. Liquorice root extract can help to calm inflammation, reduce redness and itching to soothe your symptoms.
Eczema and dermatitis
Conditions such as eczema and dermatitis also result in sore, red and irritated skin. Whilst liquorice can reduce itching and inflammation, it’s anti-microbial properties may also help to speed up the healing of broken skin.
High exposure to sun
Liqorice root helps to block UV damage from sun exposure. Whilst this is not enough to prevent damage alone, when used in combination with sunscreen, it can give an additional layer of protection.
Scarred skin
Scarred areas of skin can often appear darker than other areas. With the ability to even skin tone and lighten pigmentation, liquorice extract is the ideal ingredient to incorporate into your routine.
Aging skin
Free radicals can age the skin prematurely. They break down collagen causing the skin to lose elasticity, allowing fine lines and wrinkles to appear. They can also result in hyperpigmentation. Antioxidants help to protect your skin against free radicals. Liquorice root extract offers this antioxidant protection.
Is liquorice extract suitable for my skin type?
Liquorice root extract can be used on most skin types. As it soothes sensitive and reddened skin whilst also reducing excess oil, it's suitable for oily, combination or sensitive skin that’s prone to irritation.
Can liquorice extract be used alongside other products?
Liquorice extract can be safely combined with other key actives. It works particularly well in combination with other skin brighteners and antioxidants, including vitamin C and niacinamide.
How often should I apply liquorice root extract?
You will see the best results if you regularly apply a product containing liquorice extract. Liquorice extract is gentle enough to use twice a day if necessary.
