12 replies to this topic

[redsblk14]

Does anyone have any proof or more information that licorice root extract and a certain compound in it (licochalcone) helps regulate sebum production. The only info I can find is from Dan off of this website.

I've searched all over the internet. Can anyone vouch for this stuff?

Edited by redsblk14, 25 July 2011 - 10:20 PM.

[iAcne]

Does anyone have any proof or more information that licorice root extract and a certain compound in it (licochalcone) helps regulate sebum production. The only info I can find is from Dan off of this website.

I've searched all over the internet. Can anyone vouch for this stuff?

Can you show us what you have found already please? thanks.

[redsblk14]

Apparently because I am a new member I can not post a link. But the address is

www.acne.org/licochalcone.html

Edited by redsblk14, 26 July 2011 - 03:21 AM.

[Jofo]

There is also this study, which has been posted on these boards before:

http://sciencelinks.jp/j-east/article/2004...804A0230063.php
"Potential activity of herbal extracts on sebum secretion was studied. Among the herbal extracts tested, polyol-soluble licorice extract P-U (product name) derived from Glycyrrhiza inflata showed the most potent testosterone 5 .ALPHA.-reductase inhibition, androgen receptor binding inhibition and antimicrobial activities, which are closely related to sebum secretion."

I was going to try topical licorice extract several months ago. The only thing stopping me was that I read it had the potential to be systemically absorbed into the body and cause negative side effects. Looking back on it now though, those claims may have been overblown.

[redsblk14]

Good find!!

Hmmm I doubt that putting it on your face topically would be able to absorb enough to have a systemic effect. Taking it orally on the other hand would probably be a bad idea. Has anyone else had any experience or has used this?

Edited by redsblk14, 26 July 2011 - 09:30 PM.

[redsblk14]

Bump?

[Jofo]

Judging from what I've seen, you won't find much about licorice being used to treat oily skin. Our best bet is probably to buy some licorice extract and test it out ourselves. I would be more than willing to do it if I wasn't already trying out two other essential oils right now (peppermint and cedarwood).

If you're really interested, I think you should conduct your own experiment and try applying the licorice to one part of your face for 1-3 months and see if it reduces oil.

[redsblk14]

How are the peppermint and cedarwood oils working for you? I tried the cedarwood oil for a few weeks but unfortunately didn't notice any results

[Jofo]

How did you apply the cedarwood oil? Did you mix it with a carrier oil like jojoba oil?

I haven't been using either peppermint or cedarwood long enough to make any conclusions yet. I've used peppermint oil in the past but never for more than a month. This time around I'm shooting for at least 3 months of consistent use.

[redsblk14]

How did you apply the cedarwood oil? Did you mix it with a carrier oil like jojoba oil?

I haven't been using either peppermint or cedarwood long enough to make any conclusions yet. I've used peppermint oil in the past but never for more than a month. This time around I'm shooting for at least 3 months of consistent use.

No I didn't use a carrier oil, I just applied it straight to a small patch on my forehead. I figured diluting it would make the effects weaker, but I could have been wrong in my approach.

[Jofo]

Every success story I've come across involved a carrier oil. The carrier oil helps the cedarwood get through the dermis so it can be fully absorbed by the skin. I mix mine with jojoba oil. I made a thread about cedarwood oil on this board just recently, so if I see any results I'll post about it in there.

Anyway, I hope you do consider trying the licorice extract. I think experimenting with sebum-regulating essential oils is something everyone on the oily skin board should be doing.

[redsblk14]

Every success story I've come across involved a carrier oil. The carrier oil helps the cedarwood get through the dermis so it can be fully absorbed by the skin. I mix mine with jojoba oil. I made a thread about cedarwood oil on this board just recently, so if I see any results I'll post about it in there.

Anyway, I hope you do consider trying the licorice extract. I think experimenting with sebum-regulating essential oils is something everyone on the oily skin board should be doing.

Its on my list of things to try. Right now I'm trying the caveman regimen. On day 4 of that so its still too early to make an judgments.

[Venus in Virgo Gal]

I once tried drinking licorice root tea but I didn't stay drinking it for more than one week. I read somewhere that it is something you can drink or take in pill form, but you can't stay on it for the long term.