Spar

Pine (Spruce)

Pine needles: a fresh forest scent with skin benefits

Pine needle powder and spruce essential oil are extracted from the needles and bark of the spruce tree, known in the Netherlands as naaldboom. The scent is fresh, woody and immediately recognisable as a forest after rain. In skincare, spruce extract has a purifying, cleansing and refreshing effect. We use spruce in our Naaldbomen (Conifer Forest) soap bar, inspired by the pine forests of the Dutch Veluwe.

Botany & history of spruce

Spruce needles have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, and acne. Spruce needles have also been used to protect the skin from the sun and the cold weather.

Spruce trees are evergreen trees, meaning that they keep their needles all year round. Spruce needles are arranged in a spiral pattern around the twigs. The needles are typically long and thin, and can be up to 2 inches long.

History of Spruce Trees

Spruce trees have been used by humans for centuries. The ancient Egyptians used spruce resin to embalm their mummies. The ancient Greeks and Romans used spruce wood to build ships and houses. The Native Americans used spruce wood to build canoes and snowshoes.

Today, spruce trees are used for a variety of purposes, including:

  • Timber: Spruce wood is a strong and lightweight wood that is used to make a variety of products, including lumber, plywood, and paper.
  • Paper: Spruce pulp is used to make a variety of paper products, including newsprint, magazine paper, and tissue paper.
  • Christmas trees: Spruce trees are popular Christmas trees due to their symmetrical shape and pleasant fragrance.
  • Essential oil: Spruce needle oil is an essential oil that is used in aromatherapy and skincare products.

Fun Fact: The oldest known spruce tree is over 9,500 years old. It is located in Sweden, and is known as the Old Tjikko.

The 3 Benefits of Pine in Skincare

1. Purifying and cleansing

Spruce extract has naturally antimicrobial and purifying properties. It cleanses the skin effectively and helps keep the pores clean, contributing to a clearer complexion.

2. Refreshing and calming effect

The fresh forest scent of spruce essential oil has a calming effect on the mind and a refreshing effect on the skin. Ideal for an invigorating shower experience after exercise or a long day.

3. A rich scent that tells a story

The scent of pine and conifer trees instantly evokes an image: a forest, fresh and green. In our Naaldbomen soap bar this scent carries a story about Dutch nature and sustainable ingredients.

Conclusion

Pine is a powerful, purifying and fresh ingredient for skincare with an unmistakable forest character. We incorporate spruce in our Naaldbomen (Conifer Forest) soap bar, one of our most popular bars. Handmade in De Hallen, Amsterdam. Discover the Naaldbomen soap bar at naturebar.nl.

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