Not just the source of one of the more questionable new wellness drinks, birch trees are also trending in the world of skincare. Often referred to as the tree of life, birch is found across northern Europe, particularly in Scandinavia, and has been used throughout history as a medicinal plant.
“The birch tree is packed with nutrients and has highly developed purification processes, and is super-efficient at circulating sap,” Evelyn Liddell, Weleda’s pharmacist, explains. This purification process is its superpower, giving birch its amazing detoxing capabilities. In fact, a study by the University of Lancaster found that when planted on urban streets, birch trees reduced pollution levels in the surrounding area by more than 50%.
When it comes to skincare, both the tree sap (aka birch water) and the leaves are valuable, in particular for their ability to reduce inflammation, hydrate and detoxify the skin. From adding a birch-enriched face mask to your Sunday skincare ritual to slathering yourself in birch-based body oil after a long run, these are the birch products we’re loving right now.
Containing a cocktail of antioxidant-rich ingredients including white birch and white tea, this moisturiser’s superpower is its pollution-protecting potential – one of the biggest causes of skin ageing. A great all-rounder day cream and base for makeup, it is oil-free, lightweight and a solid SPF 40.
Origins Age-Defense Moisturizer With White Tea, £35, available at Origins
To revive weary limbs post-exercise, try massaging into skin this reviving oil from Dr. Hauschka. Combining the powerful mix of birch leaves and arnica, this will soothe stiff limbs and reduce aches and pains. Besides, thanks to a selection of essential oils, including jojoba and sunflower, skin will be left soft, supple and subtly scented.
Dr. Hauschka Birch Arnica Energizing Body Oil, £21, available at Dr. Hauschka
For that lit-from-within luminosity we’re all after, try massaging a few drops of Bjork & Berries Birch Recovery Face Oil into skin post-cleanse. This luxurious oil rapidly sinks into skin, forming the perfect glowy base for makeup. Enriched with a blend of birch leaf extract and jojoba oil, it hydrates and nourishes skin in equal measure.
Bjork & Berries Birch Recovery Face Oil , £42, available at Bjork & Berries
Harnessing the power of birch leaves, this all-natural scrub not only exfoliates for silky skin but stimulates circulation to increase the body’s own detoxification process. Plus, we couldn’t not mention the fresh citrus scent – heavenly to use, it will wake up both the body and the mind.
Weleda Birch Body Scrub , £9.95, available at Weleda
This intense deep-cleansing clay mask combines maté and birch sap to rid skin of impurities and tighten pores. Leave on for 10 minutes before washing off to reveal a noticeably brighter complexion and that satisfyingly clean feeling.
Absolution Le Soin Purifiant Deep Cleansing Mask, £26, available at Content Beauty & Wellbeing
For a quick and easy cleanse with added benefits try Superdrug’s birch water-infused micellar water. Enriched with sap from Nordic birch trees, it is an ideal option for hydrating and soothing sensitive skin. Simply soak a cotton pad with the alcohol-free formula to gently remove makeup and daily grime.
Superdrug Optimum Birch Water Micellar Tonic, £4.99, available at Superdrug
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