Ingredients 101: Willow Bark

One of the most common skin concerns women of color have is acne scarring. The dilemma on how to fade acne scars naturally can be frustrating and difficult to deal with, but it is possible. Willow bark is one of the many ingredients our YELLE Beauty Team relies on to help fade dark spots and blemishes. Keep reading to learn more about willow bark and what makes it a great go-to solution for getting rid of acne scars.

What is Willow Bark?

There are several varieties of willow trees. Early scientists used various types of the tree to treat everything from headaches to stomach pain. The white willow tree is the type most commonly attributed to treating skin ailments.

How It Works

Willow bark extract is derived from the bark of the willow tree, the extract from It contains salicin from which salicylic acid is derived however the two ingredients are not the same. Salicin must be chemically converted into salicylic acid. The two are related but not the same.  Salicin is anti-inflammatory and helps with wrinkles, pore size, and evening the skin tone. The extract from white willow bark contains a variety of additional minerals that benefit the skin including polyphenols, tannins, and flavonoids. Polyphenols provide significant antioxidant benefits, the astringent power of tannins help to ward off bacterial infections, and flavonoids help to neutralize free radicals.

Benefits

Willow bark is excellent in providing non-irritating exfoliation, reducing inflammation, evening the skin tone and clearing and preventing breakout.

Usage

Use the YELLE Brightening Serum after cleansing with our Awakening Milk & Honey Cleanser and Toner. Apply serum to the skin, allow to dry, and then apply our moisturizer.  Our Brightening Serum is paired with glycolic acid as well as other natural plant-based brighteners to help minimize dark spots. Do not mix this with other prescription or over the counter lighteners, doing so could irritate the skin.  Our Brightening Serum also contains an AHA after each use remember to apply sunscreen to protect your skin.

Each YELLE skin care routine has an accompanying concentrated luxe serum to compliment your skin. If you need a skin care routine or would like to enhance your existing regimen, take a look at each of our serums and select the one that is right for you. Choose from Awakening Peptide Boosting Serum, Awakening Brightening Serum or Awakening Hydrating Serum.