What does witch hazel do for your skin

Plants have been used for medicinal purposes since centuries. And one such plant used to treat a variety of skin ailments is witch hazel. Native to North America, the flowering shrub is valued for its numerous medicinal qualities.  

Witch hazel is a clear liquid which is extracted and distilled from the leaves or barks of the plant. This fragrant and natural astringent is used in many beauty and skincare products, hence when posed the question “is witch hazel good for skin” the answer is a definite yes! 

Known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties, witch hazel is a natural topical remedy used by many to treat skin-related issues such as bruises, skin irritations, blemishes, insect bites, hyperpigmentation and more.  

Witch hazel contains chemicals such as tannins and polyphenols. Tannins help in reducing swelling and fighting bacteria, and polyphenols protect the skin against damage caused by UV radiation from sunlight.  

It is one of the few plants that Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an ingredient for the over-the-counter medicines. Witch hazel is only approved for topical use i.e., direct application on the skin. Read on to discover the 7 benefits of witch hazel for skincare.  

How to do a witch hazel patch test 

Is witch hazel good for skin? Is it bad for your skin? Will it suit your skin type? To find out answers to these questions, you need to check a few things before incorporating it in your skincare routine.. 

• First, read the ingredient list before buying the product containing witch hazel. Make sure there are no other ingredients that you are sensitive or allergic to.   

• Second, if you’re unsure, do a patch test. Cleanse the area where you want to run the patch test, preferably on the back of your hand, neck or a small section of your face. 

• Apply witch hazel and wait for a couple of hours. If you don’t see any reaction, go ahead and incorporate it in your skincare routine. 

Beauty benefits of witch hazel 

Witch hazel contains components that helps soothe minor skin conditions such as burns, acne, inflammation, irritated skin, insect bites and more.  

Witch hazel is also recommended by beauty experts as facial toners or wipes to treat acne, reduce under-eye puffiness and shrink enlarged pores.  

Witch hazel is also present in cleansers and moisturisers. In India, brands like Simple and St. Ives include witch hazel in their skincare products. Read on to discover in detail the benefits of using witch hazel for your skin. 

1. Tightens pores 

Since witch hazel is an astringent, it can help tighten pores and make them appear temporarily smaller. We recommend using Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner. It is 100% alcohol-free which doesn’t dry out the skin.  

The toner is infused with ingredients such as pro-vitamin B5, witch hazel and allantoin which are known to support the skin’s natural pH balance. After cleansing your face, take a small amount of toner and dab it onto your face with a cotton ball. Let the toner air dry and effectively soak up the goodness. Follow it with your moisturiser. Witch hazel as a toner works best for normal to oily skin types. 

2. Reduces excess oil and acne 

Excess oil secretion from skin can lead to acne. Witch hazel is antioxidant-rich with tannins, which act as a natural astringent on the skin that can help soak up excess oil. It also helps in tightening blood vessels to reduce redness.  

We recommend using St. Ives Deep Cleanse 3-in-1 daily astringent. It is an alcohol-free face toner with 5% witch hazel and a blast of minty freshness. It helps unclog pores and mops up excess oil, without drying the skin. It is the best witch hazel toner for oily skin. Apply it on a cotton pad and sweep it across your face. Use it after cleansing and seal it with an oil-free moisturiser. 

To control oily skin and breakouts, we suggest using Simple Daily Skin Detox SOS Clearing Booster. This ultra-light gel formula can be used as a primer for all day shine control on oil-prone areas such as the t-zone. It can also soothe irritation and reduce redness. It comprises of 10% thyme along with zinc and witch hazel, perfect for sensitive oily skin types. 

3. Calms skin irritation 

Since witch hazel contains anti-inflammatory properties, it helps calm the skin and reduces any sort of minor skin irritations. Witch hazel is also an active ingredient in a lot of diaper rash creams.  

It also helps in temporary relief from itching, discomfort and irritation caused from haemorrhoids. After each bowel movement, apply gel or ointment containing witch hazel or use moist witch hazel pads or wipes. The tannins in witch hazel help ease irritation. 

4. Prevents skin damage 

Witch hazel is a natural disinfectant for cuts and scrapes. Its antiseptic properties can be used topically to cleanse and soothe minor skin irritations. If you’ve just popped a zit, ease the swelling by pressing witch-hazel-soaked cotton pad onto it.  

5. Wards off infection 

Witch hazel can be your saviour if you spend more time outdoors. Due to its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, it helps soothes itchiness caused by bug bites.  

It also helps in calming rashes caused by nettle and poison ivy stings. It can temporarily reduce itching and swelling. If the poison ivy rash does not improve after a week, see a doctor. Witch hazel kills bacteria and acts as a barrier against infections.  

6. Relieves sunburn 

Applying witch hazel to sunburned skin eases inflammation because it contains antioxidant polyphenols. We recommend using St. Ives Clear Skin 3-in-1 SPF 25 Face Moisturiser before stepping out of the house. Designed for oily and acne-prone skin, this lotion provides hydration and shine reduction.  

Made with witch hazel and 100% natural tea tree extract, it also includes SPF 25, is suitable for all skin tones. What’s more, it provides protection against UV damage, discolouration caused by acne and early signs of aging.  

Witch hazel also works well as a soothing after-shave treatment, helping to prevent razor burns and bumps forming around hair follicles. Swipe a witch-hazel-soaked cotton ball on the shaved area to keep the skin calm and bump-free.      

7. Diminishes dandruff 

Dandruff is a result of excess oil secretion and product build up. Witch hazel’s anti-inflammatory and sebum-controlling properties decrease oil on the scalp, hence reducing dandruff.  

Dandruff can also cause itchiness and flakiness, and witch hazel can help calm the associated irritation and inflammation on the scalp. Section the hairline, apply witch hazel directly on the scalp using a dropper or spray bottle or a saturated cotton pad. Leave it on for five to 10 minutes and shampoo hair as normal. If you have a sensitive scalp, dilute witch hazel with water and apply. 

FAQs about Benefits of Witch Hazel 

Q. Does witch hazel improve skin tone? 

A. Yes. Since witch hazel is a natural astringent it helps in the treatment of bruises, reduces pigmentation and calms redness on the skin. It helps in skin brightening and reducing age spots. Witch hazel provides protection against UV damage and discoloration caused by acne. 

Q. Can I use witch hazel on my face every day? 

A. Yes, witch hazel can be used as a natural toner, cleanser or moisturiser in your daily skincare routine. It can be used after the cleanser as a toner to target skin problems like acne, enlarged pores, redness, under-eye puffiness and more. But if witch hazel is drying out your skin, give your skin a break or limit its use to a few times per week.   

Q. Should I moisturise after applying witch hazel? 

A. Yes. Witch hazel is a natural astringent and can be drying for the skin. Therefore, it is advisable to moisturise the face after using witch hazel.  

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