If you’ve ever taken a look at the ingredients in your beauty products, you might’ve seen witch hazel in skin care products-and that’s a good thing! Witch hazel has a lot of skin care benefits and it’s eco-friendly and cheap! If you’re curious to find out the benefits of this flowering shrub, aside from it sounding like a special eye color for witches, read on for the benefits of using witch hazel in skin care!
1. Acne Fighter
Did you know that using witch hazel in skin care regimens can help fight off acne and blemishes? This natural astringent can help with acne control by reducing inflammation and decreasing oil. Use witch hazel like you would a toner and consistent use should help reduce acne. Some say witch hazel is mild so it might work better for those looking for a gentle astringent. Look for ingredients like salicylic acid for stronger acne fighting properties.
2. Reduce Puffy Eyes
Puffy eyes are a common problem in skin care but if you’ve got some witch hazel in your bathroom, you’ve got a quick fix! Soak cotton pads with some witch hazel (store the bottle of witch hazel in your fridge for next time!) and apply it over your closed eyes for five minutes. Witch hazel is known to tighten skin which can help de-puff or reduce under eye baggage!
3. Treat Varicose Veins
One of the top witch hazel benefits has to be that this all-natural astringent can help reduce the appearance of varicose veins! The tannins in witch hazel are known to constrict blood vessels as well as reduce inflammation and swelling. Simply soak a cloth in witch hazel and apply it over the area you want to treat. Repeat this daily as a natural way to minimize the appearance varicose veins!
4. Heal Bruises
If you ever find yourself with an unsightly bruise and you want to speed up the healing process, try using witch hazel! Soak a thin cloth in witch hazel and apply it over the bruise several times a day. The tannins in witch hazel can help reduce swelling, constrict blood vessels and heal broken skin so your bruise is long gone!
5. Refresh Skin
A simple and easy way to use witch hazel is to use it freshen up your skin! You can use witch hazel anytime your skin feels hot, oily, dirty or you just want that refreshing, clean feeling. Witch hazel also helps tighten pores so you can reduce the size of your pores for a smoother appearance. Dab some witch hazel on a cotton ball or pad and get rid of all the impurities on your skin in seconds!
6. Lock in Moisture
Using witch hazel to lock in the moisture in your skin might sound imperceptive but it really works! Yes, witch hazel does get rid of excess oil but it also helps to eliminate water loss and improves hydration to the outer layer of skin. So, it’s an ideal moisturizer to use right after you get out of the shower to seal in moisture and fight dry skin!
7. Treat Razor Burns
Razor burns are at the top of my list of most irritating (literally) and hated skin issues. So when I found out that witch hazel can help treat razor burn, I was jumping for joy! Both ladies and gents can enjoy the witch hazel benefits by applying it to irritated skin with a cotton pad and moisten the area with razor bumps. Repeat this daily until the razor bumps go away!
8. Treat Sunburn
I know it’s highly unlikely that you’ve gotten a sunburn recently unless you’ve been on a tropical vacation but it’s good to know for when summer rolls back around! You can easily treat sunburns by spritzing witch hazel on the affected area or applying a thin cloth soaked in witch hazel to soothe inflamed skin. Ahhh, relief!
9. Ease Eczema and Psoriasis
One of the little known but effective witch hazel benefits is that it helps ease symptoms of eczema and psoriasis. Witch hazel has anti-inflammatory properties and will help ease the pain, itching, redness and scarring that’s commonly associated with eczema and psoriasis.
As you can see, there are many amazing witch hazel benefits for our skin! Keep in mind that witch hazel comes in various forms such as an astringent, cream or wipes but they can all be used to help the various skin conditions and issues listed above. If you have sensitive skin or are pregnant or breast feeding, be sure to consult your doctor before using witch hazel. Do you use witch hazel in your skin care routine?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is witch hazel and why is it good for skin?
- Witch hazel is a natural astringent that helps reduce inflammation, tighten pores, and soothe irritated skin.
- Can witch hazel help with acne?
- Yes, its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties make it effective in reducing acne and calming redness.
- Is witch hazel suitable for sensitive skin?
- Absolutely, witch hazel is gentle and can help soothe sensitive or easily irritated skin.
- How do I apply witch hazel in my skincare routine?
- Use it as a toner by applying with a cotton pad after cleansing to refresh and tighten your skin.
- Can witch hazel reduce oily skin?
- Yes, witch hazel controls excess oil production, helping to keep your skin matte and balanced.
- Does witch hazel help with dark spots or hyperpigmentation?
- While it may not directly fade dark spots, its anti-inflammatory effects can promote healthier skin overall.
- Is witch hazel effective for soothing sunburn?
- Yes, its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties can calm sunburned skin and reduce redness.
- Can I use witch hazel daily?
- Yes, for most skin types, daily use is safe and can improve skin tone and texture over time.
- Are there any side effects of using witch hazel?
- Some people may experience dryness or irritation, so it’s best to patch test first and moisturize afterward.
- Where can I find quality witch hazel products?
- Look for witch hazel in pharmacies, skincare stores, or online, preferably alcohol-free formulas for gentler care.