Nature already offers us everything we need to take care of our skin. Flowers, plants, herbs and spices can be precious beauty allies, helping to combat acne, delay the formation of wrinkles, but also soothe irritation and sunburn. There are also valuable and powerful natural remedies against the formation of dark spots on the face, caused by premature aging, inflammation and the action of UV rays. In this case, a help comes from licorice, as we will see.
Licorice, cosmetic properties
Licorice, Glycyrrhia Glabra, can become a precious ally to illuminate the face and even out the complexion, counteracting the formation of dark spots. In fact, licorice improves hyperpigmentation by avoiding accumulations of melanin, inhibiting its synthesis but also counteracting the action of free radicals. This action is due to the presence of an active ingredient in licorice, glabridin, which is an antioxidant capable of preventing the formation of spots caused by the action of UV rays and inhibiting tissue inflammation (Sarkar et al, J Cutan Aesthet Surg, 2013). Another active ingredient in licorice, liquiritin, also shows an action against dark spots, since it disperses melanin and prevents its accumulation (Davis et al, J Clin Aesthet Dermatol, 2010). It was observed that the application of a cream containing liquiritin resulted in an improvement in melasma in four weeks (Amer et al, Int J Dermatol, 2000).
Licorice, the anti-blemish cosmetic
Mix two teaspoons of licorice powder, you can easily find it in specialized stores and online, with a tablespoon of oat flour, with an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action, useful to protect the skin from damage from the sun's rays (Pazyar et al, Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol, 2012). Add a little water, until you get a creamy consistency, and half a teaspoon of honey, with emollient, soothing and rejuvenating properties for the skin (Burlando et al, J Cosmet Dermatol, 2013), mix. Apply the scrub with a massage, then leave it on for a quarter of an hour, rinse. Spray a floral water, excellent, in case of dark spots, is the thyme water, which effectively counteracts the damage of UV rays, such as premature aging and spots (Sun et al, J Cell Mol Med, 2017), and then complete with your face cream.
