There are many natural methods that can be used for lightening the skin. Licorice root extract is one of he most popular – it is a main ingredient in several of the leading products available today. Here’s why!
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Licorice Root For Skin Lightening : Fact Or Fiction?
After seeing the title of this article, who could blame you for running off to the store and buying a huge pack of Twizzlers or Red Vines, and rubbing them all over your face!.
Before you do just that, read on to discover the beneficial effects of licorice root extract when used as a skin lightener, as well as its other skin boosting benefits.
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Licorice Root Extract
Licorice, along with coconut oil are two of the most widely used natural skin lighteners. They are both used in a majority of the leading natural skin lightening products such as Zeta White.
In this article we are talking about Licorice root extract. This is not actually found in any of your favourite Licorice flavoured sweets.
This is the root of the plant known as Glycyrrhiza glabra, a close relative to peas and beans.
It’s a member of the legume family, and is largely native throughout Asia and Southern Europe.
Medicinal Uses
Licorice root has a history of medicinal uses dating back to the earliest records.
The root was even found in the tomb of Tutenkhamen.
Ancient Egyptians believed that it would cure many ills and soaked it in warm water to make a tea called “Mai sus”.
The Hindu’s used it as an aphrodisiac and the Greeks used it as an alternative to sugar.
Today it is in the top 50 herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine.
What Makes Licorice So Beneficial To Our Skin And Health?
Licorice is a highly therapeutic plant with its root and leaves having some amazing health benefits. There are three main components in its extract:
1. Glycyrrhizin
The gel like saponins produced from licorice root extract, its what gives Licorice its sweetness and takes the form of Glycyrrhizic Acid
2. Liquiritin
The glucose molecule taken from Liquiritigenin which is found in numerous plants. It’s a strong anti-oxidant that helps protect the skin from cellular damage.
It’s also the main component found in god quality skin lightening products. It tends to be most effective when combined with Licochalcone.
3. Licochalcone
One of over 300 polyphenols found in Licorice extract. It’s known to help calm skin irritation and is also a major component in numerous skin care products.
The Skin Boosting Powers Of Licorice Root Extract
Now we know the names of the 3 major components in Licorice Extract, let us take a look at three of its main benefits and why you should be using it on your skin.
Reduces Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation, dark patches, spots and birthmarks are caused by excess melanin production in the affected areas.
They can be caused by too much exposure to the sun, hormonal changes, pregnancy and injury to the skin to name just four.
Studies have determined that Liquiritin can help to lighten dark patches of the skin.
Going further, the combination of Liquiritin and Licochalcone found in Licorice can help reduce the effects of an enzyme in the body called tyrosinase.
This is a component essential for the production of melanin. It reacts in the body with the naturally occurring amino acid Tyrosine and converts into Melanin.
This the key reason why Licorice extract is good at reducing dark pigmentation on the skin.
It reduces and regulates the production of melanin. As the older skin cells die and are forced to the surface where they are sloughed away they are replaced with lighter coloured skin cells.
A great benefit using licorice extract, or products that contain it is that there is no real down time or recovery.
It does not cause any photosensitivity or other side effects associated with hydroquinone and other common prescription skin lightening drugs.
Soothing Sensitive Skin
Licorice extract is a powerful antioxidant. The key component in Licorice responsible for this benefit is glycyrrhizin – a triterpenoid saponin of Licorice extract.
When they are applied to the skin, they trigger receptors in the body that encourage natural steroidal growth in the skin.
These natural steroids reduce recovery times and the skins responses to inflammation. This can directly help reduce the severity of certain skin conditions that are largely caused by said inflammation.
Rosacea and Eczema being two examples.
Other conditions that can be treated by Licorice Extract include:
- Puffiness
- Redness
- Rashes
- Itching
- Swelling
Repairing Skin Damage
Skin damage can be a never ending cycle of events or causes that harm the skin cells, damage its structure, and appearance. This often causing dark patches to appear.
To stop this cycle you need to address your skins health both from the outside and internally.
If your body is fighting inflammation for any reason, our skin in particulate becomes more prone to damage caused by free radicals ( the toxins and pollutants found in the environment)
Products high in antioxidants are very good at reducing the damage caused by free radicals. They help to repair and replace damaged cells.
Look for products containing Licorice Root, as well as Vitamin C and Astaxanthin
“Remember – Your Skin Protects You, So It’s Crucial For You To Look After It!”
Licorice Root Extract For All Your Skin Care Needs
Try and look for products that contain whole Licorice or root extract.
It contains around 300 polyphenols and flavonoids that have powerful antioxidant benefits that can help to lighten and balance your complexion.
In addition, they can also treat and reduce inflammatory problems, such as rosacea as well as other redness and unpleasant irritation.
It offers many benefits that cannot be found in other compounds.
Its little wonder that so many cultures and ancient forms of traditional medicines revere the extract and its amazing benefits for your skin and in fact your overall health that it provides.
