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For those inching towards adopting a toxin-free, clean beauty approach, this topical botanical should rank high on your list. A type of shrub native to North America, witch hazel acts as an astringent, lending anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties to your skin and scalp. The potent ingredient is extracted from the bark and leaves of the plant – often found in toners and serums – and is recommended for use by those who possess particularly oily skin. That said, this wonder component may be a bit too harsh on rosacea-prone skin, causing heightened irritation and sensitivity.
Read ahead, as we investigate the umpteen benefits of witch hazel, the different uses of witch hazel, and even certain witch hazel side effects along with some product recommendations for you to add to your cart stat.
What Is Witch Hazel
Witch hazel, what is it, if not an amazing ingredient for almost all skin types and skin concerns? It is a natural plant extract that’s derived from the bark, flowers, and twigs of the witch hazel shrub. Although it is native to North America, today it can be found in several parts of the world. It is popular for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties. It helps soothe dry and irritated skin and offers oil control for acne-prone and oily skin. It also shrinks pores and tightens skin to reduce inflammation. Moreover, it also helps minor cuts, insect bites, and sunburns because of its gentle yet effective benefits.
Benefits Of Witch Hazel
Halts Premature Ageing: The polyphenols and antioxidants present in witch hazel fight off free radical damage and the adverse impact of environmental aggressors, while its astringent properties help the skin appear firmer. Antioxidants make sure to keep signs of ageing at bay and if you are seeing early signs of ageing then this particular type of antioxidant called, Tannins helps fight fine lines, wrinkles, and saggy skin.
Curbs Inflammation: Witch hazel's natural tannins and gallic acid target redness, swelling, and irritated skin, soothing acne, psoriasis, and eczema. It also helps with other types of inflammation or cuts, like razor burns. In the olden days, people used witch hazel as an aftershave to soothe irritated, wounded, and inflamed skin.
Tightens Pores: The constricting compounds in witch hazel help the proteins within your skin cells come together, thereby making your pores appear smaller. The astringent properties in witch hazel help shrink the pores and the protein helps bring the skin cells together, leading to the closure of large and open pores.
Banishes Acne: The anti-microbial properties of witch hazel eliminate acne-causing bacteria on the skin, thus reducing the possibility of breakouts and soothing active acne. The natural tannins also curtail excess sebum production. It keeps acne-causing bacteria in check and helps reduce inflammation to stop potential breakouts.
Enhances Skin Tone: Everyone suffers from uneven skin tone, whether it is from oxidative stress, environmental stress, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, or dry skin. The ultra-hydrating and anti-oxidant properties of witch hazel help even out skin tones in more ways than one. Moreover, the result of minimised pores, lesser greasiness, and reduced inflammation? A more even skin tone and texture.
Soothes Puffy Eyes: All thanks to its astringent properties, witch hazel reduces the puffiness in your under-eye region. Whether it is the puffiness caused by dehydrated skin, lack of sleep, or excessive screen time you can reverse the damage done to the under eyes with the benefits of witch hazel on the skin.
Protects Against Skin Damage: The natural tannins in witch hazel may act as a skin barrier, limiting the permeation of external stressors and substances, hence, neutralising free radicals.
Relieves Scalp Sensitivity: Applying witch hazel to an irritated, itchy scalp can offer respite and relieve inflammation. The potent ingredient also comes to aid in the treatment of scalp concerns such as dandruff.
How To Use Witch Hazel In Skincare
There are several witch hazel uses for skin, and you can incorporate it into your in the following ways.
Witch Hazel As A Toner: A toner is designed to tighten large and open pores, and witch hazel enters the skin cells to cleanse it and tighten it on the way out.
Witch Hazel As A Cleanser: The antiseptic and astringent properties can help remove even the most stubborn dead skin cells, dirt, and impurities, making it a great ingredient in cleansers.
Witch Hazel As A Moisturiser: Witch hazel’s hydrating properties help keep the skin moisturised and when used asa moisturiser it can deeply nourish and protect weak skin barrier.
Witch Hazel As A Serum: A serum penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin and thus when witch hazel is infused within a serum, it helps the product to repair the cells and bind the protein from within.
Witch Hazel As A Mist: Witch hazel as a mist adds a boost of rejuvenation and hydration when sprayed on tired and dull skin.
Witch Hazel-Infused Products That Are Worth Every Penny
Mario Badescu Witch Hazel Lavender Toner
Bid adieu to dirt, grime, and impurities with this gentle formulation that promises to cleanse and tone your skin without stripping it of its natural oils. Imbued with witch hazel, rose extract, rosewater, rose oil, lavender oil, and aloe vera, this wonder potion delivers a boost of hydration and soothes irritated skin.
Jovees Professional Witch Hazel Moisturiser
Boasting emollients derived from witch hazel, aloe vera, coconut, jojoba, and chamomile, Jovees’ Professional Witch Hazel Moisturiser is a fast-absorbing formula that nourishes the skin while maximising moisture.
The Derma Co. 1% Salicylic Acid Face Wash for Active Acne with Salicylic Acid & Witch Hazel
Target active acne with The Derma Co.’s offering featuring 1% salicylic acid, witch hazel, and willow bark. The gel-based formulation is gentle on your epidermis, curbing sebum and keeping breakouts at bay—a must-have in your AM and PM routine. 80% of users claim they noticed a significant reduction in acne post usage.
Bliss Of Earth Witch Hazel Soothing Gel
Invite your skin to the gentle, soothing touch of Bliss Of Earth’s Witch Hazel Soothing Gel which lends healing properties to your skin. The formulation limits excess oil, prevents pimples and scarring, and soothes irritated, inflamed skin.
Perenne Clarifying Serum With Roman Chamomile And Witch Hazel For Reducing Acne
This acne-fighting potion leaves your skin feeling oh-so-clear, owing to the presence of chamomile extract, witch hazel, salicylic acid, and other botanical extracts. It also exfoliates dead skin cells, minimises the appearance of large pores, soothes inflammation, and reduces hyperpigmentation.
Pilgrim White Lotus Natural Face Mist & Toner with Camellia & Witch Hazel
A spritz of this witch-hazel-infused mist promises tightened pores, rejuvenation, and a boost of hydration. Enriched with witch hazel, white lotus, and camellia, Pilgrim’s Natural Face Mist will keep your skin smooth and supple all year round.
Side Effects Of Witch Hazel
- The tannins present in witch hazel can be extremely sensitive to people with low immunity and sensitive skin making it susceptible to an allergic reaction.
- Although witch hazel is great for people with oily and acne-prone skin, its astringent properties can be extremely drying for people with dry and sensitive skin.
- If you use it too much it can trigger your blemishes and cause a breakout.
Parting Thoughts
Witch hazel benefits on skin are abundant, from reducing free radicals to inflammation, from curbing excess oil to healing wounds, this native South American ingredient is a must-have in your skincare routine. While some of the benefits include reduced inflammation, oil control, and tightening of pores, it does so much more than that. Enhance the quality of your overall skin with the benefits of witch hazel.
FAQs
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How to use witch hazel?
You can use witch hazel as a toner, cleanser, serum, mist, or gel. The benefits remain the same, but different products offer a different concentration that helps people with different skin types.
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What is witch hazel?
Witch hazel is a native South American flowering plant that reduces inflammation, heals wounds, reduces puffiness under the eyes, enhances skin tone, curbs signs of ageing, and tightens the skin and pores.
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What are witch hazel side effects?
Witch hazel is full of anti-oxidant and astringent properties, it helps control oil and reduces greasiness and puffiness, but if your skin is dry or sensitive it can make it further dry causing breakouts and blemishes.
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Recommend witch hazel toners.
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Recommend witch hazel serums.
