Naturally Clearing Skin with Willow Bark

When it comes to natural remedies to skin concerns, willow bark is up there with some favorited ingredients. It has been used in traditional medicine, with records dating back over 4,000 years, for both medicinal and skin care benefits.¹

This ingredient can be sourced from several species of willow trees including: white willow, black willow and purple willow.1 Willow bark is made up of salicin, a compound of salicylic acid, tannins and polyphenols, which all aid in making it an excellent ingredient for the skin.²

With salicin providing anti-inflammatory benefits, tannins aiding with skin tightening and polyphenols delivering antioxidants, it's safe to say this one ingredient can provide a lot of benefits to the skin.

“Willow Bark or Salix Alba Bark Extract is a botanical source of salicylic acid. This versatile ingredient acts as a gentle exfoliator to promote cell turnover and is rich in antioxidants that help to clear pores and soothe irritated skin.” - Dr. Carl Thornfeldt, Clinical Dermatologist and Founder of Epionce

Skin Benefits

For starters, willow bark is a great ingredient for sensitive, oil, combined and acne-prone skin. It is also great for clients who are showing premature signs of aging or are struggling with conditions like eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. 

The combination of salicin, tannins, phenolic acids and flavanoids found in willow bark make it a great ingredient for soothing the skin while aiding in skin regeneration and providing exfoliating properties. Salicin specifically has been shown to help diminish wrinkles, reduce the appearance of pores and even out skin tone.³

Having both salicin and polyphenols in this ingredient make it excellent in both reducing acne and excess oil while keeping the skin hydrated. This ingredient really delivers so many benefits to the skin.

"Willow bark provides a mild exfoliation revealing a brighter looking complexion without any side effects of burning or itching. It’s great to be used for all skin types whether dry or oily or even sensitive skin. I have been utilizing willow bark extracts since the 70s with great results." - Lydia Sarfati, CEO/Founder of Repechage

In The Spa

You will most likely find this ingredient in a variety of skin care products. One most notably will be products for treating acne. A great example of this is the Eminence Organics Clear Skin Willow Bark Exfoliating Peel, which aids to clarify and refine the skin while reducing the appearance of acne. 

When it comes to pairing this ingredient with others in the treatment room, rest assured that its exfoliating properties are something to take advantage of. The keratolytic properties in this ingredient make it great for pairing with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) for a boost in removing the damaged top layer of the skin while also stimulating fresh cells.⁴ 

This ingredient is also great for exfoliating in and out of the treatment room. This is shown in products like 1802 Beekman's Smooth Booster Willow Bark Exfoliating Serum, which is a great home care remedy, especially for clients with sensitive skin. Also Sorella's Lychee Willow Bark Deep Clean is a great product that both reduces oil production and gently exfoliates while providing a deep cleanse to the skin.

Why You Want It

Willow bark is an ingredient that can be used on a variety of clients suffering from a host of skin conditions. While it's most popularly called out for its benefits with acneic and oily-prone skin, it has a lot more to offer than just banishing blemishes. The anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits helps to reduce redness and flare-ups that are great for acne, but are also amazing for conditions like eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. 

Also this ingredients ability to be paired with AHAs like lactic and glycolic, make it an excellent exfoliator in the treatment room, that can deliver so many benefits to the skin. Whether your client is suffering from acne, sensitivity, pigmentation or aging, this is an ingredient that can help tackle those concerns. 

References

1. https://biocule.com/blogs/news/willow-bark-the-natural-solution-to-clear-skin
2. https://www.revivalabs.com/get-to-know-willow-bark-and-why-its-good-for-your-skin/
3. https://munskin.com/blogs/skin-beauty/willow-bark-extract-benefits-in-skin-care
4. https://skinkraft.com/blogs/articles/is-willow-bark-extract-good-for-your-skin