Dead skin cells, dirt, and pollution are the biggest enemies of our skin health throughout the day. Apart from that, unhealthy food and increasingly stressful life make our skin look dull and rough. Not to mention that so-called skincare ingredients like talc, mica, and iron oxide are damaging our skin with dryness and early aging signs. Another reason behind the skin flaking is uneven, rough and dry skin. It decreases the ability to absorb the topical products into our skin. You need to have an intermediary to ensure our skin gets the nutrients it needs. Thanks to nature there is a solution, White willow bark.
The white willow bark is a bark of the willow tree. There are several types of trees in this species but white willow bark is used to make medicines like aspirin and to formulate skincare products like cream, serum, cleanser, and face mask. The extract of its bark has been used as an inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic. This herbal ingredient is beneficial for skin to reduce premature skin aging. It is also used to treat common illnesses like pain, flu, common cold, weight loss, etc.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The white willow bark contains salicin which is similar to aspirin chemical. It has powerful anti-inflammatory plant compounds (phytochemicals) known as flavonoids. Generally, it is used to ease pain and reduce inflammation. Flavonoids also have extraordinary antioxidant properties that can protect our body from oxidative stress. The National Institute of Health believes that due to salicin present in this ingredient, it is responsible for relieving inflammation. One of the main classes of compounds present in this ingredient are polyphenols and flavonoids. They act as antioxidants to reduce aging while also boosting the immune system.
There are research studies that suggest the use of white willow bark extracts in topical formulation-based products show anti-aging properties. One anti-aging skincare product that we have come across is the Bee Elite Essentials Ageless White Willow Bark Face Cleanser. It is enriched with powerful antioxidants & natural alpha-hydroxy acids which actively dissolve dead skin cells, thoroughly cleansing our skin. The willow bark extract works as a cleansing agent and also an anti-inflammatory skincare ingredient.
USES OF WHITE WILLOW BARK
White Willow Bark helps our skin to peel off dead skin cells and gives fresh, bright, and radiant skin look. It is very helpful in cleansing and to balance oil production. It helps to control sebum production and for opening the blocked pores to make skin glow brighter and radiant. If we talk about the benefits of using white willow bark in the form of the product then it is more effective for skincare and as I have mentioned above about one of the best products.
As we all know that white willow bark is used in cosmetics products for its anti-inflammatory, soothing, brightening and other conditioning properties. The extract of white willow bark contains salicylic acid which is a natural exfoliant and it is used for many skincare treatments like to treat acne and to help dead skin cells and clean pores. Along with that, it helps to stimulate new cell formation by restoring premature skin cells from aging. This is a very powerful ingredient but it is not harsh on the skin nor has any side effects.
BENEFITS OF WHITE WILLOW BARK
There are various benefits of the white willow bark extracts. It is a great herbal remedy for pain as it works similarly to an aspirin against physical pain especially, for the lower back area. It may also help us with weight loss and osteoarthritis. However, these are its benefits for our whole body. The benefits of willow bark extracts for our skin are listed below.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
The root cause of inflammation is due to skin problems which include acne, eczema, and premature aging. The naturally occurring chemical compound called salicin present in white willow bark fights the problem causing bacteria to reduce these skin problems and improves the condition of the skin. When inflammation is reduced, the skin damage caused due to it also reduces because of which our skin appears to be smooth, flawless and youthful. This is the reason why willow bark extracts are also anti-aging.
RICH IN ANTIOXIDANTS
The best thing about this plant is that it is naturally rich in antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds. The antioxidants are present in this ingredient in the form of flavonoids and tannins which allows the restoration of the skin cells and protects the skin from harmful UV rays and pollution.
ANTIMICROBIAL
The extract of this herb has amazing antimicrobial properties that help to keep our skin free from bacteria and pathogens. It has the ability to protect the skin from microorganisms and it even ensures to make our skin healthier and free from all infections and pollution.
GENTLE EXFOLIATOR
The willow bark extracts also gently exfoliate our skin because of this it is also a great ingredient for people with sensitive skin. It removes the dead skin cells from the uppermost layer of our skin and brings forth the fresh newer and brighter skin.
Therefore, these are the benefits of the white willow bark and of the extracts wonderfully used as ingredients to improve skin health. If you are allergic to this herb then its use is not advisable. Otherwise, it is very useful to improve skin health by reducing wrinkles and decreasing the signs of premature skin aging.
FAQs
Can white willow bark be used for skin?
Yes, white willow bark can be used on the skin through a formulation-based product like face cleanser or face cream.
Is white willow bark the same as salicylic acid?
White willow bark contains salicin through which salicylic acid is derived. So, yes both can be considered the same in most of their uses and benefits.
Can white willow bark remove scars?
With salicin, it helps to remove the bacteria and dirt from our skin pores, it also reduces swelling, redness and doesn’t leave acne scars behind.
CONCLUSION
You now know that white willow bark is used in skincare products for its anti-inflammatory, soothing, brightening and antimicrobial properties. It contains salicin that reduces skin breakouts whereas the antioxidants prevent oxidative damage and reduce skin inflammation. Using formulation-based products made with this incredible ingredient can extremely beneficial for our skin aging. Are you willing to try any skincare product with white willow bark? Let us know in the comments section below.
If you are suffering from acne and breakouts, chances are your skin is suffering through inflammation as well. What better to reduce inflammation than Manuka Honey? Check out our article on Manuka Honey to know how useful it is as an anti-aging skincare ingredient.
REFERENCES
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25997859
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-955/willow-bark