The willow tree is a landmark staple across many nations. With supple branches that sway lazily in the breeze almost hypnotically against a blue, noontime sky, they like to grow close to the water. If you hear the bubbling of a nearby stream, it’s likely amplifying the effect of lackadaisical bliss the sight of the willow tree brings.
It's almost poetically appropriate that the bark of this tree has been used for centuries to both ease pain and bring comfort. As with so many other wondrous natural ingredients, willow bark doesn't have only one use. It also contains natural compounds that are great for the skin.
For quite a while, modern medicine looked the other way when it came to natural remedies and pain relief, but in recent years they've begun to take notice of the benefits that nature provides. You can only ignore a good thing for so long, and willow bark tops the list of things they're noticing.
Take notice of the willow bark wonders Grove has to offer below.
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Enhance your skin’s appearance to help skin look brighter and more balanced with this Yes To Glow-Boosting Exfoliating Tonic 10% Fruit Acids. This facial toner uses the natural powers of grapefruit and 10% fruit acids, including lactic acid, glycolic acid, and willow bark extract to promote the glow of an even skin tone. It’s SLS-free, …
Treat your skin to this ORGAID Anti-Aging & Moisturizing Organic Sheet Mask, and let your skin feel the effects of organic botanicals and other antioxidant-rich ingredients. Battle against aging, irritation, and dryness with this facial mask that’s easy to put on and relax in while you wear it. This thin sheet is formulated with Ecoderma fabric …
Willow bark is what it sounds like—the bark from a willow tree. When we're talking about naturopathic remedies and skin treatments, willow bark most often refers to the extract derived from the bark of a willow tree. Willow bark extract—and even the unprocessed bark—have great medicinal value. The extract contains concentrations of natural salicylic acid, which is highly effective in treating oily skin. It's also an anti-inflammatory pain reliever—the very same found in aspirin.
Though the term “willow bark” is used generically, and the extract can be pulled from a number of species of willow tree, white willow bark and black willow bark are the most popular sources. There is no evidence that any one extract has any medicinal or topical advantage over those from other species of willow. Since black willows and white willows grow relatively quickly—reaching maturity at 2–3 years—this makes them prime candidates for harvesting the bark for its life-enhancing essence.
Willow bark's appeal has transformed over time. Its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties have been known for centuries. Farmers and laborers would chew on it because their aches and pains seemed to just go away when they did. In recent decades, it has become recognized for its ability to reduce and eliminate acne as well as reverse visible signs of aging.
Willow bark and its derivatives have become widely known more as a skincare ingredient and less as a pain reliever. It can be found in everything from foundation to cuticle cream. It's abundant in anti-aging facial masks and facial peels. Cosmeticians the world over testify about the ability that willow bark has to transform skin from blemished and rough to smooth and clean.
If you haven't done so yet, at least give it a try. See if willow bark does for you what it's done for so many others long before you got here.
Willow bark extract contains salicin, which is a BHA, or beta-hydroxy acid. Salicin is a terrific exfoliant, but does its best work on oily skin by getting into the pores for a deep cleanse, while also dissolving and washing away oils on the surface to make your skin look shiny and new.
The salicin in willow bark extract penetrates the skin and controls the body's production of sebum—a bodily oil that is the culprit behind blackheads and acne. It also works well to get rid of existing blackheads by stripping the surface oils that keep them lodged in your epidermis.
As it's working to cleanse your pores, the salicin also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, helping to reduce the irritation caused by eczema and psoriasis. When you add that to the exfoliating capabilities of willow bark, it's a win-win for dry skin.
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If you're ready to make the transition to natural cleaning, beauty, and household products, shop Grove Collaborative's natural products for the eco-friendly tools to tackle the job.
