glabridin
Benefits of glabridin for skin
Below we explain the main benefits of glabridin for the skin.
Anti-inflammatory
The theory behind the anti-inflammatory effects of glabridin stays in its inhibiting activity of inflammatory mediators production. Specifically, glabridin has been found to reduce the activity of inflammatory cytokines, which are signaling molecules secreted from immune cells and certain other cell types that promotes inflammation.For this reason, licorice extract is often used to reduce swelling, redness, and itching in inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema.
Antioxidant
Polyphenols are known as powerful antioxidants, and so does glabridin. More studies have shown that glabridin can scavage free radicals (unstable molecules that cause tissue damage), preventing skin cells from being oxidized and destroyed.[1][2] More than that, glabridin strengthen the skin’s antioxidant defense mechanism by up-regulating the levels of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase.[3]
UV absorber
Glabridin reduces UV-induced damage by inhibiting inflammation and absorbing free radicals. Not only that, but glabridin may physically block UV light after being applied to the skin, acting as a sunscreen. Besides, the ability of glabridin to reduce UV radiation may also result in improving the stability of vitamins against the degradation caused by UV exposure.
Anti-irritant
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, glabridin is also a potent anti-irritant in skincare. In addition, according to some studies, glabridin hinders one major mediator responsible for irritations, the superoxide anion, helping calm and soothe the skin.
If dark spots concern you then you’ll love glabridin even more. Numerous studies have shown that glabridin can effectively reduce the activity of various enzymes responsible for melanin production (skin-darkening pigment), especially tyrosinase activity.As a matter of fact, glabridin showed a better tyrosinase hindrance than the widely praised skin-lightening agent kojic acid.
Since glabridin is a potent inhibitor of tyrosinase, it regulates melanin synthesis, having powerful depigmenting and brightening effects. Furthermore, topical application of glabridin was also found to reduce discoloration induced by UV radiation as well as lighten skin color due to the limitation of tyrosinase. For the record, in one study, 0.1% glabridin applied three times daily has significantly lightened the skin in four weeks. So the next time you want to fade hyperpigmentation or even skin tone, consider glabridin for skin whitening.
