Witch Hazel Benefits For Skin Care
With so many skincare products on the market today it’s hard to know which ones are truly a necessity.
So before you go spending a small fortune on designer skincare products we want to make sure you’re aware of all the potential benefits of witch hazel
What is Witch Hazel?
Witch Hazel is a natural ingredient that comes from a plant called Hamamelis Virginiana. It has an extensive list of benefits but most recently has been making waves for its pore and complexion benefits.
It is a gentle yet natural astringent which makes it a great product for your skin.
While there are many different skin types, witch hazel has benefits that are great for just about every single one. From combination skin to dry skin, and even oily skin, there are many benefits to implementing witch hazel into your skincare routine.
It should go without saying that before you implement any skincare products into your routine, you should consult with a board-certified dermatologist. Additionally, it’s always best practice to do a patch test on a small area when using a new product.
However, many people with sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, and even those that have some of the most frustrating skin issues and skin conditions, claim that witch hazel has worked wonders.
Witch Hazel Benefits For Skin Care
Here’s a list of some of the amazing benefits that witch hazel products can potentially offer.
Relieve inflammation
Heals insect bites faster
It can make the itchiness, redness, and swelling of a bite heal much quicker.
Reduce Cold sores
The topical application of witch hazel has been said to help reduce the size of cold sores while also reducing inflammation.
Prevent/treat acne breakouts
Reduce redness from razor burn & razor bumps – Because of its natural antiseptic properties, witch hazel can greatly reduce the redness and irritation from shaving.
Potentially Ward off infection
Relieves Hemorrhoids
The thought of hemorrhoids makes me uncomfortable. They can be painful, itchy, and just downright miserable.
Since witch hazel is a natural way to help with inflammation, it is said that it can be used to help treat hemorrhoids as they are basically just inflamed veins. Additionally, it can do the same for varicose veins.
Reduces minor bleeding
Alleviates irritated skin
Tones pores
Removes dirt/oil from skin
Reduces scars/stretch marks
Soothe a sore throat
Try a tea with witch hazel to help calm inflammation in the throat.
Prevents Stretch Marks
Use as a natural treatment to prevent large, dark stretch marks during pregnancy.
House Cleaner
Combine with your favorite essential oils to create a safe and natural cleaner to use throughout your home.
Makeup Remover
Easily remove makeup with tightening your pores at the same time!
Deodorant
Witch Hazel is a natural antiperspirant. Use this in place of your store-bought deodorant if you’re looking for an eco-friendly and chemical-free solution.
Poison Ivy relief
The astringent properties of witch hazel can help to alleviate the swelling, itching, and burning sensation from poison ivy.
Reduces Varicose Veins
Due to gallic acid, witch hazel can help to reduce the appearance of varicose veins by strengthening the blood vessels.
Tick Removal
Ticks don’t like witch hazel and will instantly release when they come in contact with it. Pour some on the tick in small increments and then extract the tick with tweezers as you normally would.
Diaper Rash
Witch hazel cream can help to alleviate diaper rash. If you prefer to use natural products over medicated creams, first try applying a small amount to the irritated area.
This is just a small list of witch hazel benefits and uses but you can see that many benefits noted are those related to skin. But how do you implement this natural remedy into your skincare routine?
Unless you want to experiment with making your own homemade witch hazel extract we highly suggest trying products that already contain the popular ingredient.
Skincare Products With Witch Hazel
Everyone’s skin is different and therefore everyone has different needs when it comes to skincare. Luckily, there are tons of products available that contain witch hazel.
No matter what type of skin you have you’re bound to find something that works. Based on reviews and availability, etc. here are some great skincare products that will give you all the witch hazel benefits you need.
Thayer’s Alcohol-Free Unscented Witch Hazel Toner
There are several facial toners that contain witch hazel, however, his toner is my favorite. It’s free of alcohol, parabens, gluten, artificial preservatives, and propylene glycol.
It’s also cruelty-free and certified organic and it is one of the best ways to remove excess oil/makeup. Plus, it’s super affordable. To apply, simply pour some witch hazel onto a cotton ball or cotton pad and apply it to your face using circular motions.
Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips
If you’ve ever used a nose strip before you there’s just something so exhilarating about pulling that strip off! There are only 6 strips in a box but since you don’t need to use it daily so it should last quite some time.
Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment
A powerful spot treatment is always good to have on hand for when a pimple shows up. Don’t they always show up at the worst times?!
This treatment quickly reduces the redness, size, and swelling of pimples while ridding the skin of excess oil. The witch hazel helps to simultaneously soothe your skin while the salicylic acid helps to clear your pores.
Que Bella Purifying Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Mud Mask
If you’re into masks for relaxation AND cleansing this is the product for you! The combination of Tea Tree and witch hazel extracts helps this mask to remove impurities from your skin while cleansing and removing excess oil.
It’s paraben, chemical, and cruelty-free, and provides a rejuvenating and relaxing treatment.
Apple Cider Vinegar Face Toner Pads
These wipes are made of 100% organic botanical ingredients, are non-comedogenic, and contain no parabens.
Are there any witch hazel side effects?
As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider to get medical advice. However, many people find that the only adverse reactions they have are minor skin irritation.
Conclusion
Overall, there are many witch hazel benefits when it comes to not only skincare but other ailments as well.
Adding the ingredient to your skin care routine the right way can help keep your skin in the best shape possible.
