Licorice is a well-known ayurvedic ingredient that has great skin care benefits. It is quite known for its skin brightening effects and is dominantly found in a lot of commercial skin care products. Licorice root powder is easily available and you can also get hold of licorice root in any ayurvedic store and use it for beauty in its natural and pure form!
BENEFITS:
- Licorice helps lighten pigmentation on skin and evens out skin tone. This is great when it comes to dark spots, darkness around mouth and nose. Also great for dark neck and knees.
- Licorice contains glycyrrhizin which is a powerful anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory compound. Reduces redness and and inflammation on skin and helps fight free radicals.
- Licorice contains a compound named glabridin which helps fight UV rays. It also helps fight dark spots and marks caused by sun exposure by inhibiting tyrosinase which is the compound responsible for pigmentation from sun exposure.
- Soothes irritated skin, fights pigmentation and evens out overall skin tone gradually.
WAYS TO USE:
BRIGHTENING MASK
In a bowl, add 2 tablespoons licorice powder and enough rose water to make a paste. Apply an even layer on facial skin and neck. Can also be used as body mask. Rinse off after 20 minutes.
SOOTHING GEL
In a bowl, add 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel and 1 teaspoon licorice powder. Mix well and store it in an easy-to-use jar. Use it as a face gel during AM and PM.
FACE & BODY SCRUB
In a bowl, add 2 tablespoons fine sea salt, 1/3 cup licorice powder and enough almond oil to make a paste. Use it as a face and body scrub before a shower.
BRIGHTENING CREAM
In a jar, add 4 tablespoons softened shea butter and 1 tablespoon licorice powder. Whip until fluffy and use it as a face and body cream. If you stay in cold countries, you might want to add in some almond oil to keep the mixture soft.
FACE MIST
In a jar, add 1 cup warm water and infuse 2-3 licorice roots in it for 1 hour. remove the root and transfer this to a spray bottle. Use it as a facial mist all day.