LIQUORICE SKIN CONDITIONING

One of the good things about working from home, all day - every day, is being able to take the time to experiment with new ingredients.  The newest one that I have been sharing with friends and family is liquorice root powder.  To be fair, I am really not a fan of the taste of liquorice but using the root powder for regular skin conditioning is a new staple in my regime. 

Liquorice (or Licorice for our American readers) comes from the Glycyrrhiza Glabra plant, which translate to “sweet root” in Greek. The most important elements extracted from the root are Glycyrrhizin acid, which give liquorice it’s flavour and Glabridin which hosts the medicinal purposes.  

Random fact - Something that you may not be aware of, but the liquorice flavour in many sweets actually comes from anise oil which has the smell and taste of black liquorice and not true liquorice itself!

Before we get into the benefits of liquorice root powder for skin, do note that consuming too much liquorice does come with side effects, especially for those who are pregnant.  That said, the information below pertains to using liquorice topically. 

ECZEMA:
Creating a paste with the liquorice root powder and applying it topically will reduce the swelling, itching and burning that is all to familiar to those with this skin condition.  Liquorice contains anti-inflammatory properties which helps soothe the skin, as well as anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties.  Rather than buying a pre-manufactured liquorice gel, we would recommend buying the root powder to gain the full effects of all the nutrients naturally. 

HYPERPIGMENTATION:
Liquorice is known to restore the skin’s tone by blocking the melanin production and therefore lightening darkened areas.  Whether dark marks have been obtained by injuries, acne or melasma, liquorice is an all natural alternative to fading dark marks over time. 

TIGHTEN SKIN AND REDUCE WRINKLES:
The amino acids contained with the liquorice root will help to moisturise and rehydrate the skin.  By regenerating the elastin and collagen, your skin will feel smooth to the touch after the use of liquorice.  To keep those wrinkles at bay, the anti-oxidants block free radicals and the UV blocking enzymes help to block harmful rays, known to accelerate wrinkling. 

QUICK RECIPE:
Make a liquorice root paste to use on your face or other affected areas of your skin. 
Apply the mask on clean skin and leave on for approx. 20 mins before rinsing off with lukewarm water.

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon of Liquorice Root Powder
1 tablespoon of Aloe Vera Gel
1 teaspoon of Honey
1 teaspoon of Wheatgerm Oil (or a carrier oil of your choice)

Mix the ingredients into a paste and apply. Your skin will love it!
(Suggested products are recommended as ones that I use myself).

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