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What Is Licorice Cream?

Kathleen Howard
Kathleen Howard

Licorice cream is often used to reduce inflammation and irritation as well as to treat certain skin problems like shingles and eczema. Skin lightening creams also use licorice extract to inhibit the production of tyrosinase, an enzyme essential in the production of melanin. There are two different forms of licorice cream: creams containing glycyrrhizin and those without glycyrrhizin, which are called deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) creams. DGL creams are often believed to be safer, since glycyrrhizin is known to interact with several medications and worsen certain medical conditions.

There are many different uses of licorice. It is used to create black licorice flavoring and treat a wide variety of ailments, including heartburn, ulcer and certain respiratory problems. In cream form, licorice is used to soothe irritated, swollen skin. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, licorice cream is commonly used to treat several skin problems, including eczema, shingles, psoriasis and herpes. Research is currently conflicted as to whether licorice is an effective treatment for these conditions.

Licorice is used to make skin cream that treats inflammation and irritation.
Licorice is used to make skin cream that treats inflammation and irritation.

Licorice is also included in many skin lightening creams. This is because licorice contains a flavonoid known as glabridin. Glabridin inhibits the production of tyrosinase, which plays a vital role in the manufacturing of melanin. Studies have also indicated that glabridin might also possess inflammatory properties.

While looking for a licorice cream, consumers will notice is that there are two different types of licorice creams. Some licorice creams contain glycyrrhizin, which is a compound found in the root of the licorice plant. Other creams, commonly referred to as DGL creams, do not contain this compound.

Licorice cream can be used to treat skin conditions such as eczema.
Licorice cream can be used to treat skin conditions such as eczema.

While glycyrrhizin is used to treat a number of respiratory problems like asthma it can be dangerous. When used over long periods of time, glycyrrhizin might cause fluid retention, low potassium levels, and high blood pressure. People who are on certain medications, including blood pressure medication, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and corticosteroid medication, should avoid using glycyrrhizin.

Licorice cream may be used to treat skin problems such as shingles.
Licorice cream may be used to treat skin problems such as shingles.

DGL creams are generally believed to be safer than those containing glycyrrhizin. Although people who are on oral contraceptives or suffer from hormone-sensitive medical conditions, such as endometriosis or breast cancer, should be careful when using any licorice cream. Licorice contains phytoestrogen, or plant-based estrogen, that might impact a person’s hormone levels. To be safe, consumers should consult their physician before using licorice cream to treat a skin condition. While these creams are typically safe in moderation, a physician will be able to determine the safety of using licorice cream.

Discussion Comments

fify

@SarahGen-- My cousin is into bodybuilding and he once mentioned something about licorice cream for getting rid of fat. I've personally never tried it, so I'm not sure. But I think people who are into weight loss and bodybuilding are aware of this and do use it.

SteamLouis

I've been using a face cream with licorice extract for the past one month. I had very visible dark blemishes from my acne. This cream has lightened them. Except for a few blemishes that were very big, the others are basically gone.

I highly recommend this cream for people who have acne blemishes and hyper-pigmentation. It is a good idea to ask a doctor first though. I asked my dermatologist if this cream is okay for my skin and he said it's fine. Once all the blemishes are gone, I'm going stop using the cream for a while to give my skin a break.

SarahGen

Is it true that licorice cream helps reduce fat in the area it is applied?

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    • Licorice is used to make skin cream that treats inflammation and irritation.
      By: Hayati Kayhan
      Licorice is used to make skin cream that treats inflammation and irritation.
    • Licorice cream can be used to treat skin conditions such as eczema.
      By: robert mobley
      Licorice cream can be used to treat skin conditions such as eczema.
    • Licorice cream may be used to treat skin problems such as shingles.
      By: librakv
      Licorice cream may be used to treat skin problems such as shingles.
    • Glycyrrhizin may be used to treat asthma.
      By: triocean
      Glycyrrhizin may be used to treat asthma.
    • Licorice cream may be applied topically to treat a herpes outbreak.
      By: Artyom Yefimov
      Licorice cream may be applied topically to treat a herpes outbreak.
    • Licorice cream may be helpful in treating itchy skin problems.
      By: Lovrencg
      Licorice cream may be helpful in treating itchy skin problems.
    • People who are on blood pressure medications should avoid using glycyrrhizin.
      By: Cheyenne
      People who are on blood pressure medications should avoid using glycyrrhizin.