I Tried This $15 Skin-Healing Mask Derived From Tree Bark — Here's What Happened

In a world where complicated, lengthy ingredient lists have become the norm, it's important to remember simple formulations are just as effective at solving skin concerns — including those that are merely composed of a single ingredient. I'm referring to the Original Healing Bark Facial Mask, a skin-healing treatment that's considered Myanmar's "ancient beauty secret" for a clear, healthy complexion.

The mask originates from the Limonia acidissima and Naringi crenulata trees and is made by grinding both barks into a natural Thanaka powder, which is then mixed with water to create a paste. As the brand states, it takes two to three years for these trees to grow, and even longer — around three and a half decades — before it can be turned into a healing paste. It's proudly been used by Burmese men and women for centuries for a number of reasons: It's extremely rich in vitamin E, and it has anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties that protect the skin from harm.

It only takes two to three teaspoons of the powder to form the paste, which should be applied for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. The mask sinks deep into the pores to calm troubled skin, tackling issues such as painful acne, uneven skin tone and texture, and dullness. It may also double as a daily cleanser for the skin, since the powder's extremely fine particles easily shed dead skin cells across the face.

Shop now: $15; healing-bark.com, amazon.com

Over the past couple of weeks, I've been putting this unique formulation to the test, and the results far exceeded my expectations. After the first use, I was amazed at how soft my skin immediately felt; any uneven texture prior to applying the mask was smoothed away within the 15 minute window. More notable differences came after the second and third tries, where my skin would appear clearer and more illuminated the morning after. And, unlike other masks that leave my skin feeling tight, stiff, or tingling, this one was incredibly gentle with no uncomfortable side effects. In fact, it's so kind to the skin, Burmese women will often apply it multiple times throughout the day to protect against UV damage.

The Healing Bark Facial Mask has also earned approval from reviewers of all ages. They swear by its ability to leave their skin "renewed and brighter," and "clear their acne within a week." And even those who have tried harsher, prescription treatments in the past now lean on this simple formulation to keep their concerns at bay without irritation.

"In under two weeks my face stopped being so oily and actually started feeling balanced again," shared one fan. "My acne scars also seem to be fading and my skin is finally smoothing! I can't wait to see what it looks like after a month."

"I have had bad inflammation for years and it has been getting worse lately," wrote one person, who applies the mask both morning and night. "My cheeks are in constant pain, even when they aren't visibly red…when I wake up, my face is no longer inflamed!"

If your regimen just isn't cutting it, I highly suggest paring it down and opting for the richly beneficial Original Healing Bark Facial Mask. For $15 per jar, you can't go wrong.