Skin-saving tandem

Salicylic acid is a known medicated topical solution that treats and prevents acne and other skin conditions. It penetrates deep inside the skin pores, peels off thick skin, reduces inflammation and exfoliates the skin.

Tea tree oil, on the other hand, is one of nature's most powerfully purifying ingredients noted for reducing skin blemishes and keeping acne at bay.
Together, salicylic acid and tea tree oil create an extremely potent combination that fights off acne and targets post-acne dark spots and stubborn blemishes.

The Body Shop has recently reformulated its bestselling Tea Tree line of skin care by adding the efficacy of salicylic acid.

"We updated our number one skin care range of Tea Tree to help manage people with unpredictable skin care days," says Emily Sia-Koa, The Body Shop assistant vice president for marketing. "This formula with added salicylic acid is more powerful than ever. The result is skin that feels purified, light and a visible reduction in blemishes."

Dr. Mara Evangelista-Huber, internationally certified dermapathologist, says tea tree oil works well with inflamed pimples. Adult female acne is usually big, returns on the same spot and tends to leave deep marks.

"Salicylic acid or beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) is a chemical exfoliant," explains Evangelista-Huber. "All of our cells are connected to each other and a chemical exfoliant breaks that bond to easily shed off the skin. So, all hydroxy acids exfoliate the skin. Salicylic acid is not only an exfoliant but it also controls excessive oil and inflammation. It is the same as tea tree in the sense that they are anti-inflammatory. They complement each other. They exfoliate dark pigmentation of the skin."

She also adds that salicylic acid is one of the safest chemical exfoliants there is because it doesn't go too deep into the skin, but it's the only thing that can go inside the hair follicle that unclogs bacteria-causing acne.

"The four main causes of acne include clogged pores, excessive oil production, inflammation and bacteria," says Evangelista-Huber. "Tea tree is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammation. Salicylic acid also does those two things but, in addition, it unclogs the pores and controls the oil. So, they really work together. They target all four causes. Since salicylic acid is an exfoliant, it also lightens the dark spots."

Reformulated skin care line
The Body Shop reformulated line of Tea Tree with salicylic acid includes Skin Clearing Facial Wash (cleans and controls excess oil), Skin Clearing Toner (removes lingering makeup and impurities), Daily Solution (leaves skin feeling purified and looking healthy), Skin Clearing Hydrator (hydrates skin) and Rapid Action Gel (visibly reduces blemishes).

Sia-Koa says The Body Shop sources the naturally powerful tea tree plant from the foothills of Mount Kenya, where it is carefully hand-harvested by expert farmers and steam-distilled within 12 hours of harvesting to deliver the highest-quality oil.

"Every individual has different skin care needs and concern," Sia-Koa says. "So, the skin care each and every individual use depends on what your skin is telling you. From the brands perspective, we always advise our customers to do the basic — cleanser, tone, treat and moisturize, and not to forget to apply sunscreen wherever you go. Listen to your skin and let it breathe once in a while. Take off your makeup before you sleep. Double cleanse, if needed, to ensure you take out the makeup and dirt in your face effectively."