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Should you add licorice to your skincare routine?
Licorice in cosmetics
The cosmetics industry uses many plants, each of which has its own properties and benefits. If you know its features, you can choose products with the most suitable components.
Today we will try to understand the properties of licorice root extract. Licorice is a plant common in Europe and Asia, it is used not only in the cosmetics industry, but also in medicine.
We will talk about such licorice benefits for skin as:
- Sun protection
- Treatment of acne scars
- Softens the skin
- Calms inflammation
- Lightening and curing dark spots
We’ll also discuss whether licorice extract for skin has side effects and how to choose a product containing it.
Sun protection
Licorice contains certain compounds, such as glabridin and liquiritin. They provide the sunscreen effect of this ingredient. But you should know that this product can only be used as additional protection and can’t replace sunscreen. Sunscreen with a high SPF is still the most effective way to protect your skin from UV rays.
Treatment of acne scars
Licorice root has strong anti-inflammatory and whitening properties. Thanks to the former, it effectively heals the skin and prevents the appearance of acne scars. And the latter helps him clarify existing ones.
A study conducted by the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology proved that regular use of a cream with licorice for skin is very effective in the fight against acne scars.
However, we should not forget that the fight against acne scars, especially when they have appeared a long time ago, will not be quick. For example, the study mentioned above lasted 12 weeks.
Softening the skin
Licorice can help to hydrate and moisturize the skin, making it softer and smoother. These properties are provided by the glycyrrhizic acid included in its composition. Thanks to it, licorice helps to lock in moisture and prevent dryness, which can lead to rough and dull skin.
In addition, it has soothing properties that can calm and soothe irritated or sensitive skin. It can help to reduce itching, providing relief and allowing the skin to heal and become softer.
As a rule, products aimed at softening the skin contain licorice powder. In this form, this ingredient is most effective.
Calming inflammation
When it comes to anti-inflammatory properties, licorice benefits for skin are very significant. When applied topically, it can aid in diminishing inflammation, alleviating redness, and providing relief from irritation. It can also help speed up the healing process of wounds, abrasions, and other skin damage.
In addition, it helps soothe various skin conditions, including eczema, rosacea, and dermatitis. It works by inhibiting the production of inflammatory molecules and enzymes in the skin, thereby promoting healing.
Licorice extracts also significantly reduce the secretion of sebum, which often accompanies acne. And this, in turn, reduces the number of blackheads.
Lightening and curing dark spots
Even if you don't have any serious problems, you should still include licorice products in your skin care routine. Because it has a powerful whitening effect on the treated area. This property is determined by the presence of the active components in the chemical composition of the plant.
- Alpha hydroxy acids:
- Lemon. Thanks to it, dark spots on the skin will be quickly removed. It also helps exfoliate the top layer of skin (which, as a rule, is pigmented).
- Apple. Not only exfoliates, but also stimulates increased intracellular metabolism. Thanks to this, the skin is actively renewed, which means that pigment formations are quickly replaced by an even tone.
- Vitamin C. Suppresses melanin production, thereby lightening skin pigmentation. In addition, vitamin C has an exfoliating effect on the skin.
- Curcumin. Helps reduce the production of melanin, accelerate the restoration of damaged tissues and eliminate the keratinized, pigmented layer of skin.
What forms does licorice come in?
If you are interested in the beneficial properties of licorice and want to find the best skin care products with this ingredient, pay attention to uteki serum and uteki eye cream.
Uteki serum is a skin care product with hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, hydrogenated lecithin and sacran. It moisturizes the skin, prevents occasional wrinkles from appearing and fights existing ones.
Uteki eye cream gently cares for the skin around the eyes, moisturizing it and preventing the appearance of dark circles. In addition to licorice, it contains sake, camellia and sakura leaf extract, and collagen.
Are there any side effects of licorice?
As a skin care ingredient licorice is absolutely safe. If you don’t have an allergy, you can use it in your everyday routine.
Takeaway
Licorice root extract has a lot of beneficial features. It protects from sun, treats acne scars, softs, calms inflammation, and cures small dark spots on skin. It has no side effects and is an important component in sensitive skin care products. If you are looking for a licorice product, Uteki products will be a great choice for your skin care!
