Licorice Hair Removal: A Sweet Alternative?

When looking for ways to remove unwanted hair from legs, arms or faces, most people turn to the traditional methods: shaving, waxing, tweezing or depilatory creams. But perhaps turning to the ingredients in food will serve as a proficient hair removal tactic. Glycyrrhizic Acid, a key ingredient in licorice, has recently been linked to hair removal. Apparently, this natural compound inhibits hair growth through a topical application with little to no irritation or burning. So does this ingredient really work?

How Does Licorice Extract Remove Hair?

According to a recent study, Glycyrrhizic Acid has been shown to break down the hair cuticle, which anchors the hair shaft to the skin, completely detaching the hair from the follicular wall. Test subjects experienced a decrease in hair growth after the first couple days of treatment, and there was virtually no hair after two weeks. Scientists did say that hair began to grow again at the end of each treatment session, but the hair shafts were thinner, hair density per skin area decreased and there was a permanent reduction in hair quantity by more than 50 percent.

How Does it Compare to Other Hair Removal Treatments?

As Glycyrrhizic Acid was tested, it not only significantly decreased hair regrowth, but it also caused no abnormalities on the skin’s surface. Many current epilation therapies cause unwanted side effects like irritation, redness, pain and bruising. With the introduction of this natural licorice extract, there is promise for future epilation treatments that could rival current ones that have been known to cause problems. This is a quick and painless method for hair removal and could possibly become a candidate in the development of new drugs.

In recent years, laser hair removal has become a prominent solution in removing hair, and more and more people are turning to this hair removal treatment. However, not everyone’s skin tone or hair type is suited for this treatment, and those hopeful patients could take advantage Glycyrrhizic Acid and it’s effective results. Also, laser hair removal can be painful and cause skin irritation, while this sweet compound has displayed no real side effects.

Is Licorice the Answer?

For now, Glycyrrhizic Acid is still in the early testing phase, but this element shows promise in the ever-advancing research of hair removal. It is unknown when it will be readily available in hair removal creams or epilating drugs, but scientists believe that with further testing, Glycyrrhizic Acid could develop into the newest hair removal treatment option. Currently, the only way to permanently reduce hair growth is through professional laser hair removal treatments. Even with the introduction of other treatments, laser hair removal is one of the most effective ways to get rid of unwanted body hair.

If you are interested in learning more about hair removal treatments, or you would like to schedule a consultation with a hair removal specialist, contact us today.

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American Laser Centers - MD - Rockville

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