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Hello.
Have you often felt upset by the dark marks left on your skin after a long battle with acne? These stubborn spots of hyperpigmentation sometimes bother us for even longer than the acne itself. Today, I'm going to focus on a 'skin eraser' that is exceptionally effective at fading these trouble spots: Licorice Root Extract (known as 'Gamcho' in Korea). I'll explain everything from how its hidden whitening gem, Glabridin, brightens our skin to how you can create your own brightening ampoule.
Reclaim your lost radiance with the brown jewel that turns back your skin's clock, Licorice Root Extract.
How does Licorice Root Extract erase trouble spots?
While licorice is a familiar herb used widely in traditional medicine, for the skin, it is a powerful ingredient for 'brightening' and 'soothing.' It holds outstanding potential, especially in caring for hyperpigmentation.
[Summary of Benefits]
- Powerful brightening effect (Glabridin inhibits melanin production)
- Improves post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) from acne
- Soothes skin and calms inflammation
- Protects skin from free radicals (antioxidant)
1. Powerful Brightening Effect and Glabridin
This is the core function of Licorice Root Extract. When our skin is exposed to UV rays or irritation, an enzyme called 'tyrosinase' is activated, producing 'melanin' which darkens the skin.
Glabridin, the key active ingredient in Licorice Root Extract, plays the crucial role of powerfully inhibiting the activity of this tyrosinase. In other words, it stops the 'factory manager' of pigmentation, tyrosinase, preventing melanin from being created in the first place.
This is a well-established brightening functional ingredient recognized for its scientifically proven effects.
2. Improving Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
The brownish discoloration that appears where acne was squeezed or inflamed is called PIH. Licorice Root Extract not only inhibits melanin production but also helps to calm the skin's inflammatory response.
This creates a synergistic effect, preventing new pigmentation from forming and fading the dark marks that have already appeared.
3. Skin Soothing and Protection Licorice Root Extract also helps to alleviate skin irritation and soothe redness. When the skin is calm, unnecessary pigment reactions are reduced, which helps to build a solid foundation for any brightening care routine.
Are there any precautions for using Licorice Root Extract?
While it's a very effective ingredient, some precautions are needed when handling the raw material directly.
[Summary of Precautions]
- Always perform a patch test before applying to the entire face.
- High concentrations may cause skin irritation.
- DIY cosmetics must be refrigerated and used within a short period.
1. A Patch Test is a Must!
Before using pure Licorice Root Extract or a homemade ampoule, always apply a small amount to the inside of your arm or behind your ear and check for any redness or itching for 24 hours. Everyone's skin is different, so this safety check cannot be overemphasized.
2. Stick to the Right Concentration
As the saying goes, 'too much of a good thing can be bad.' In cosmetic formulations, Licorice Root Extract is typically used at around 1-5%. Glabridin is effective even in very small amounts, so being greedy and using too high a concentration can actually irritate the skin.
3. Use it Fresh
DIY cosmetics without preservatives are prone to bacterial growth. Always use sterilized containers, store them in the refrigerator, and make it a rule to use them up within 1-2 months at the latest.
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How can you make a brightening ampoule with Licorice Root Extract?
Don't overthink it. You can create your own custom brightening ampoule much more easily than you might imagine.
- Super Simple! DIY Licorice Root Brightening Ampoule (30ml)
- Ingredients:
- 1.5ml Licorice Root Extract (5% of the total volume)
- 28.5ml of 1% Hyaluronic Acid solution or purified water (as a base)
- A sterilized 30ml ampoule bottle, a small beaker, and a spoon
- (Ingredients can be easily purchased from online cosmetic ingredient suppliers.)
- Instructions:
- Step 1 (Sanitize): Clean the ampoule bottle, beaker, and spoon with ethanol and let them dry completely.
- Step 2 (Measure & Mix): Pour 28.5ml of the base (hyaluronic acid or purified water) into the beaker first, then add 1.5ml of Licorice Root Extract and mix well.
- Step 3 (Store): Pour the finished ampoule into the sterilized bottle, label it with the creation date, and store it in the refrigerator.
- How to Use: In your morning and evening routine, after applying toner, take an appropriate amount and gently pat it into your entire face, focusing on areas with hyperpigmentation.
- Ingredients:
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In Conclusion
Today, we've explored Licorice Root Extract and its key ingredient, Glabridin—a powerful solution for erasing dark marks on the skin. Stop stressing over acne scars. With consistent care using this gentle yet potent ingredient from nature, you can surely reclaim a clear and even skin tone.
Tonight, why not gift your skin a radiant glow by creating your very own brightening ampoule? I'm cheering for your luminous skin.
[References]
- Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Republic of Korea, Standards and Test Methods for Functional Cosmetics, 'Licorice Root Extract'
- Yokota, T., Nishio, H., Kubota, Y., & Mizoguchi, M. (1998). The inhibitory effect of glabridin from licorice extracts on melanogenesis and inflammation. Pigment cell research, 11(6), 355-361.
- Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea, Antioxidative and Whitening Activities of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch Extracts.
[Hashtags]
#LicoriceRootExtract #Glabridin #BrighteningSerum #AcneScars #Hyperpigmentation #DIYBeauty #DarkSpotRemover #NaturalSkincare #KoreanBeauty #SkinBrightening
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