What Is Witch Hazel Exactly
Witch hazel is a tree-like plant indigenous to North America and parts of Asia, says Dr. Schlessinger. Products that offer benefits from witch hazel generally contain witch hazel extract derived from either the bark or leaves of the plant. Once its harvested, the bark and leaves are distilled to bring out the active chemical compounds of the plant.
Unfortunately, much like other herbal remedies, there are very few scientific studies backing the skin benefits of witch hazel. But because its pretty easy on the wallet and, in general, doesnt cause adverse effects , it might be worth giving it a whirlparticularly, if your skins on the oilier side.
Got It So What Skin Type Is Witch Hazel Best For
One of the benefits of witch hazel is removing excess oil, so the ingredient is best for people with oily, acne-prone skin. Oily and acne-prone skin may particularly benefit from adding a toner, because it provides another way to add active ingredients like salicylic acid and witch hazel to the skincare routine to remove excess oil, unclog pores and temporarily shrink the appearance of the pores, said Dr. King.
But reminder: If your skin is sensitive or dry, stay away. The ingredient can dry out the skin further and sometimes make problematic areas worst. But regardless of skin type, its important to look at a products ingredients carefully especially when alcohol, fragrance and witch hazel are involved. It pays to get to know what your specific skin can tolerate and what it cant.
What You Cant Mix With Witch Hazel
- Alcohol: witch hazel is already quite drying, so adding alcohol to the mix will only amplify this effect.
- Other drying ingredients: if you have oily skin, you may be tempted to add other drying ingredients to your witch hazel mixture, but this will only further irritate the skin. Stick to using witch hazel on its own or diluted with water for best results.
Don’t Miss: How Do You Know Skin Cancer
Which Is The Best Rose Water For Face
Swirlster Picks Rose Water Facial Sprays For You
How Long Can You Use After Expiration Date
Food is still ok to eat even after the expiration date here’s for how long. The INSIDER Summary: It’s hard to tell how long your food if good for once the expiration date has passed, plus each food is different. Dairy lasts one to two weeks, eggs last almost two weeks, and grains last a year after their sell-by.
Recommended Reading: How Many People Survive Skin Cancer
Witch Hazel Ingredients Specifications
Clean
Witch hazel for skin is considered to be a clean and safe ingredient that has many benefits for acne-prone and oily skin.
Vegan
Yes, witch hazel for skin is vegan-friendly! The main ingredient in witch hazel, hamamelis virginiana, is a plant extract. This means that it does not contain any animal products or by-products.
Pregnancy safe
Witch hazel is pregnancy-safe so it can be used topically without risks while expecting. Moreover, the properties of this ingredient can soothe the inflammation related to pregnancy.
Nevertheless, it is always good to consult with your doctor before using witch hazel skincare products
Breastfeeding safe
Witch hazel is generally considered safe for use by breastfeeding mothers. However, it’s always best to speak with your doctor before using any new products while breastfeeding.
Active ingredient
Since it has many benefits, witch hazel is considered an active ingredient in most skincare products.
Comedogenic
It is non-comedogenic. In fact, it’s often praised for its ability to help control oil and breakouts.
EWG Score
The witch hazel plant itself has an EWG score of 0, which means it is considered safe for use in cosmetics and skincare products.
CIR Rating: A
The witch hazel CIR panel concluded that witch hazel is safe for use in cosmetic and personal care products, so its rating is A.
Coconut Oil For Loose Skin
Beyond the moisturizing properties, coconut oil helps to tighten the loose stomach skin. Coconut oil contains compounds that reverse the effects of free radicals on your body. If the wrinkles come from sun damage, you can also use the oil for sun protection.
For firm skin, apply a teaspoon of coconut oil to the skin and massage thoroughly. A massage improves blood flow and triggers the bodys anti-aging response. Do this routine five minutes before going to bed and leave the oil to work overnight. Wash off in the morning and repeat every night for two weeks.
You May Like: How To Get Rid Of Dry Skin Face
Witch Hazel Helps Fight Acne
Witch hazel is also a known antibacterial. This means that blemishes, scarring, and other conditions related to bacterial overgrowth including acne can often be helped greatly by witch hazel.
A 2014 study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology explains how chronic acne is actually an inflammatory disease that can be remedied through the help of powerful yet gentle-to-the-skin plants.
Researchers found that moisturizers containing botanical anti-inflammatories such as Aloe and witch hazel had the most positive effect on the signs and symptoms of chronic acne sufferers.
On the other hand, said the study authors, many common conventional treatments, such as antibiotics and synthetic creams, actually caused skin irritation .
Wards Off Signs Of Aging
The polyphenols witch hazel contains may help fight premature aging: Theoretically, witch hazel may have antioxidant effects that help mitigate and prevent free radical damage to skin from UV and oxidizing air pollution, says Los Angeles-based board-certified dermatologist Tsippora Shainhouse, MD. Plus, its astringent properties can make your skin look firmer.
You May Like: Where Does Melanoma Metastasize To
Is Witch Hazel Good For Your Skin
Even though the proponents of witch hazel credit it with a number of skin care benefits, you need to consider the following before including it in your skin care tool-set.
- Firstly, you need to know your skin type. If your skin is on the drier side or if you have sensitive skin, then it will be better to give this ingredient a miss.
- You should do a spot test to check for any allergic reactions before using witch hazel for the first time. Avoid it altogether if you have any adverse reactions.
- Experts suggest that it is best to avoid using witch hazel if you already have skin conditions such as rosacea.
- Also there are different species of witch hazel in nature, among which Hamamelis virginiana is the one that is good for skin care.
Witch Hazel For Skin: A Lowly Shrub With Magical Qualities
Witch hazel has long been used as a tonic for the skin. You may even remember your mom or grandma rubbing it on with a cotton ball at night . But have you ever wondered just what makes witch hazel for skin so beneficial and why extracts from the leaves, twigs, and bark of this humble shrub are a favorite in many quality skin toners and tighteners? Read on to discover more about witch hazel skin benefits!
Don’t Miss: What Type Of Doctor Treats Skin Cancer
Treats Sensitive Scalp Conditions
Witch hazel is not only good for your facial skin, it can be good for your scalp too. Studies have shown that products containing this herbal ingredient can soothe sensitivity and reduce redness of the scalp.
You can also use witch hazel to treat dryness or certain kinds of dandruff. Applying a small quantity of witch hazel before washing your hair can soothe the skin on the scalp and reduce dryness. Do consult a doctor if you have conditions like seborrheic dermatitis.
Benefits Of Witch Hazel For Dry Skin
Can you use a witch hazel toner if you don’t have oily? Absolutely! I’ve been using Thayers for years. But, and this is big but, witch hazel can be very drying for the skin. So it’s important to choose a toner that contains moisturizing ingredients. Look for products that also contain hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or aloe vera.
I use Thayers Witch Hazel toner to help balance my skin’s pH levels after cleansing my face. Especially if I use water. It leaves my skin feeling squeaky clean, but not stripped and dry!
Just soak a cotton pad and lightly wipe your face and neck to remove makeup and cleanser residue.
Some other brands that offer alcohol-free options are Forest Heals Witch Hazel Facial Toner with Aloe Vera, Rose Water, Green Tea, and Humprey’s Lilac Witch Hazel.
Recommended Reading: How Serious Is Skin Cancer
What Are The Side Effects Of Witch Hazel
While some people choose to take witch hazel orally for various health concerns, there is no concrete evidence that witch hazel taken orally has any positive effects on the skin.
Still, small amounts of witch hazel taken orally may likely not cause side effects, but using it in large quantities may cause nausea, vomiting, and liver damage that could be fatal.
When used topically, witch hazel does not carry significant side effects, although it can cause an allergic reaction in some people, especially those with sensitive skin
Other than that, the use of witch hazel on the skin does not come with many side effects. If you notice redness, swelling, or excessive dryness of the skin, after using a product with witch hazel extract, you should discontinue use and contact your skincare specialist.
The Benefits Of Witch Hazel For Your Skin
Wards off signs of aging
The polyphenols witch hazel contains may help fight premature aging: Theoretically, witch hazel may have antioxidant effects that help mitigate and prevent free radical damage to skin from UV and oxidizing air pollution, says Los Angeles-based board-certified dermatologist Tsippora Shainhouse, MD. Plus, its astringent properties can make your skin look firmer.
Tightens pores
Witch hazel is a rich source of constricting compounds that make the proteins inside skin cells come together, says Deborah Longwill, DO, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Miami Center for Dermatology. The result? It temporarily makes your pores appear smaller.
Reduces inflammation
The natural tannins that witch hazel contains may temporarily calm the appearance of red, irritated, or blotchy skin, says Dr. Shainhouse, making it a handy product to have around when breakouts, insect bites, or a pesky sunburn are cramping your style.
Sops up oil
Witch hazel is extremely antioxidant-rich with tannins, which act as a natural astringent on the skin that can help to sop up excess oil, says Dr. Schlessinger. This is why its such a popular ingredient in toners and mattifying products.
Fights acne
Soothes puffy eyes
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, witch hazel may reduce puffiness and soothe the under-eye area, says Dr. Longwill, while also providing a tightening effect.
Improves skin tone
Read Also: How To Detect Melanoma Skin Cancer
Witch Hazel For Skin Tightening
Does witch hazel tighten skin?Yes!
Adding witch hazel to your daily beauty routine will help you tighten loose skin and also sagging skin on your face and anywhere you use witch hazel.
Keep reading to learn how I apply witch hazel to my face for skin tightening and anti aging.
Its true, witch hazel is an astringent that can effectively give you tighter skin.
I always have a large bottle of witch hazel in my medicine cabinet for many wonderful uses, especially for beauty and skin care. I have been using witch hazel for 4 years to keep my skin looking amazing.
It wasnt until a couple days after I first started using with hazel that I noticed my skin was looking tighter and more awake.
Witch hazel is an easy remedy to help immediately sooth your skin and make it look healthier and rejuvenated.
At least one day out of my work week it seems I wake up looking tired, my eyes will look sleepy and the skin under my eyes will either have little bags or sagging skin. My face would look droopy too. I needed to perk up and tighten my skin fast. Witch hazel tightens my skin like nothing else I have ever tried. For my husband to notice my skin looking improved, thats a remarkable testimonial. He even wanted to try some witch hazel on his face.
If you have loose skin or even sagging mature skin, give witch hazel a try!
Ok, lets get to all the benefits witch hazel has besides just skin tightening.
Skin Conditions In Children
In a 2007 study published in the European Journal of Pediatrics, researchers tested witch hazel on 309 children. The kids had minor skin problems like diaper rash, itching, redness, and swelling.
The researchers treated 78 of the children with dexpanthenol, an ingredient in many moisturizers. They used witch hazel to treat the other 231 kids. Doctors and parents rated how well the products worked on the children and how well the kids tolerated the treatments.
The study found the children tolerated them well and both treatments were very effective. 99% of the doctors and 97% of the parents rated witch hazel either “excellent” or “good.”
Also Check: Remove Dark Spots On Skin
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 youre 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 dont see any reaction, go ahead and incorporate it in your skincare routine.
Soothes Irritation And Inflammation
Witch hazel has a number of beneficial phytochemicals such as hamamelitannin, catechins and gallic acids. These chemicals render anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to this herbal extract.
Lotions or ointments with witch hazel can be used to calm irritation and inflammation of the skin such as in case of rashes, haemorrhoids, etc. Studies have shown that the phytochemicals in witch hazel fight the free radicals and thus protect your skin from cancerous growths.
Recommended Reading: How Do You Treat Skin Cancer On The Nose
Top 10 Uses And Health Benefits
Witch hazel has been used for centuries to naturally help treat and prevent:
- allergic reactions
Recent studies even show that the tannins found in witch hazel may exert a protective action against colon cancer cells.
The skin is our largest and most vulnerable organ, so it could use all the support it can get. Skin is our natural barrier to the outside world and provides us with protection against UV radiation, chemicals in our food supply, bacteria and other germs, and environmental pollutants.
All of the stress that our bodies deal with every day, both internally and externally, show up on our skin in the form of aging, puffiness, infections, inflammation and sensitivities. Thats why we rely on eating and using natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatories to help curb inflamed and diseased cells.
Herbal plant therapies for skin disorders have been used for thousands of years, and today many traditional herbs are being reintroduced, studied extensively and experiencing a resurgence in popularity since many chemical treatments dont always work or have harsh side effects.
As the authors of the book Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects point out, more and more people are turning to the use of herbs for the following reasons: the side effects of chemical drugs, wanting to return to nature, being a part of the green revolution, and wanting to use more organic and safe products.
1. Reduces Acne
What does witch hazel do for acne?
3. Treats Insect Bites
It’s Super Easy To Apply To Your Skin
Let’s face it: A lot of beauty products out there can be tricky or confusing to apply. That’s not the case with witch hazel. “I typically like to use an organic cotton pad to apply witch hazel to the skin, but you can also spray it on your skin and let it air dry,” Roff explains. All you need to do is mist it onto you skin or swipe it on with a cotton pad and boom, you’re good to go on to your next step.
Recommended Reading: Should Basal Cell Carcinoma Be Removed
How I Apply With Hazel To My Face For Tighter Skin
I especially love using witch hazel to tighten the skin on my face, but you can use it to tighten the skin on your body. Its perfect for making into body wraps and helping with sagging skin as a result of weight loss. Its also great for women to use witch hazel for a postpartum belly wrap.
Minimises The Appearance Of Skin Pores
With age or due to environmental damage, your skin may lose its elasticity. This results in sagging of skin and stretching of your skin pores. The astringent properties of witch hazel can help tighten up your skin which makes your skin pores appear smaller in size temporarily. Thus it is a preferred ingredient in non-alcoholic toners.
Read Also: What Is Melanoma Skin Cancer Definition