When thinking back to our childhood and the sweet candies that made up our days, many of us will recall the scrumptious treat of licorice. This braided candy was a tried-and-true favorite of days long past and often brings up memories of summer days spent playing outside, scout camping trips and so much more.
But while we all may be familiar with the delicious candy, not as many of us may be familiar with its lesser known sister and skincare superstar, licorice root. Just as amazing as licorice, licorice root has been a tried-and-true skincare super-ingredient for centuries, offering amazing physical properties in addition to long-term benefits that will help improve the look and feel of your skin with repeated use.
If you’re curious about just how sweet licorice root is and how it can benefit your skin as a part of your anti-aging skincare routine, we’re happy to help. We’ve done the research on this super-ingredient and are happy to share our results. Keep reading to discover more about what this ingredient is, how it works and the benefits that you can expect to receive from adding it to your routine.
What on Earth is Licorice Root?
No, licorice root is not part of your favorite childhood treat, although it shares a similar name and origin story. This skincare super-ingredient is derived from glycyrrhiza glabra, or licorice, plant that has been renowned for centuries due to its natural healing and soothing properties. While it’s been a naturopathic remedy for many, many years, its benefits within the world of skincare are a more recent discovery.
Packed with antioxidants, licorice root was first used in skincare as an ‘emulsifier,’ an ingredient that works to bring together the other water-based and oil-based ingredients. This, in turn, leads to a more effective use with better absorption of ingredients. However, these are far from the only positive properties of licorice root. This sweet little root can do so much more!
What are the Benefits of Licorice Root?
We’ve nailed down what licorice root is, so now it’s time to talk about the amazing things that it can do as a part of your anti-aging skincare routine. We’ll start things off by mentioning that licorice root is actually a pretty powerful antioxidant. In other words, this sweet little root contains a myriad of antioxidants that work to combat free radicals, soothing inflammation and irritation in the process. But the fun doesn’t stop here - there’s plenty more that licorice root can help with.
Benefit #1: It’s Brightening!
Let’s face it - we’re all endlessly chasing that natural radiant glow that can seem impossible to achieve. However, licorice root can take you there with repeated use as part of an anti-aging skincare routine! This delicious little ingredient is filled to the brim with brightening antioxidants known as glycyrrhizin, which work to fight free radicals and promote radiance in the skin.
Benefit #2: It Offers Sun Protection!
On top of brightening the skin, licorice root has a truly unique property - it offers natural UV protection. The multitude of amazing antioxidants contained within this super-ingredient have UV blocking enzymes contained within that offer a small layer of UV and UVB protection from the harmful rays of the sun.
Benefit #3: It Fights Hyperpigmentation!
Now that we’ve talked about its brightening properties and natural UV protection, let’s talk about discoloration and hyperpigmentation. Licorice root naturally contains properties that block the production of melanin, or pigment, within the skin. This, in turn, will lead to more even skin tone with less noticeable dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Benefit #4: It’s Anti-Acne!
This super-ingredient can truly do it all. Not only does licorice root offer sun protection, brightening properties and skin-evening effects, but it also fights against the occurrence of acne, too. Because it’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, licorice root can help to control oil production and gently clear pores, decreasing the prevalence of acne and encouraging smoother, less scarred skin.
Benefit #5: It’s Moisturizing!
We’ll wrap up our quick list of licorice root’s amazing benefits with a final heavy-hitter - licorice root offers amazing levels of moisturization. We’ll go back to the amazing antioxidants that this ingredient contains - glycyrrhizin. When applied topically to the skin, this antioxidant will naturally attract and retain water, allowing your skin barrier to feel and look more moisturized. This, in turn, will increase softness in the skin and promote a more even skin tone and texture that is plump and youthful.
Will Licorice Root Work for Me?
Now that we’ve gone over the basics of what in the world licorice root is and its amazing properties, let’s talk about if it’ll work in your anti-aging skincare routine. The good news about licorice root is that this ingredient will work for anyone who is interested in giving it a try!
As with any new product that you’re considering adding to your anti-wrinkle skincare routine, always take things slowly and patiently when first bringing it in. Make sure to patch test any new product on a small area of skin for a day or two in order to make sure that your skin will not have a negative reaction. Once you determine that it’s safe, feel free to start implementing it into your daily routine, keeping a close eye out for any additional irritation or damage just in case.
While many of us enjoy snacking on licorice as a sweet treat,it's lesser-known relative and skincare super-ingredient, licorice root. This powerful ingredient offers a myriad of anti-aging skincare benefits, ranging from soothing inflammation to fighting hyperpigmentation to evening out skin tone. Whether you’re new to the world of skincare or a well-versed veteran, incorporating this little super-ingredient into your daily routine can work wonders for your skin.
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