Willow Bark Benefits: An Ancient and Effective Anti-Aging Remedy
Willow bark is an oldie but goodie anti-aging remedy that dates back to the time of Hippocrates in 400 BC, when people chewed on the bark to reduce fever and inflammation.
Prized for its high concentration of salicin—a chemical that mimics the effects of aspirin—extract from white willow bark is still used today to treat headaches, fevers, low back pain, osteoarthritis, gout, and inflammatory conditions such as tendinitis.
The key to longevity and wellness is keeping inflammation in check.
Chronic inflammation has been cited as a precursor to virtually every deadly disease! A natural anti-inflammatory, willow bark benefits supports a healthy inflammation response so that you can enjoy a disease-free life while you age gracefully from the inside out.
Enjoy Radiant Skin
Inflammation doesn’t just attack our insides. It leads to premature aging and can manifest on the outside as swelling and redness, leaving us with unsightly cystic acne or even rosacea.
Due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, willow bark benefits is a wonderful panacea for sensitive skin conditions.
Willow bark benefits owes its antioxidant and antiseptic prowess to a potent blend of phenolic acids: salicin, salicortin, fragilin, populin, triandrin and vimalin.
Add flavonoids, tannins (gallotannins and catechin-type tannins) and minerals to the mix and you’ve got a skin-rejuvenating miracle!
Radiant skin depends on healthy cell turnover, but as we age, our skin sheds fewer cells. Willow bark extract is a natural source of salicylic acid, a BHA that exfoliates skin so that dead skin cells dissolve and new ones take their place.
Lines and wrinkles are smoothed, and age spots and discoloration fade away.
The synthetic salicylic acid found in many acne products is too irritating to most skins and ends up ushering in a host of other problematic skin issues. Even at the 100% level (which correlates to 10% salicylic acid) willow bark benefits causes no skin irritation.
Side effect free, willow bark benefits also does the job better. Salicylic acid increases cell turnover by 22% but willow bark has a two-point lead with a 24% cell turnover rate.
Exfoliation aside, willow bark has been shown in in-vitro tests to effectively treat two strains of acne-causing bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus and Propionibacterium acnes.
Let’s Go Shopping!
Next time you’re shopping for a new cleanser, toner or lotion, look for willow bark benefits are among the primary ingredients listed. It’s an all-natural goodie that even acts as a preservative to extend the shelf life of your product!
If you’re looking to treat breakouts, try Boscia’s Willow bark Breakout Treatment. Burt’s Bees makes a wonderful Peach & Willow Bark Deep Pore Scrub or check out Andalou Naturals Clear Overnight Recovery Cream.
As a natural β-hydroxy acid, willow bark can increase sun sensitivity, so be sure to wear sunscreen when you’re outdoors.
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