Witch hazel for skin is one of those amazing home-remedy products that benefits the skin in many ways.
The benefits of Witch Hazel:
- Non-toxic
- Made of Natural Ingredients
- Has Multiple Uses
- Priced Reasonably
- Has Longevity in History
- Effective and Works
Easily Available and Improved for Many Home Uses
If you’ve had a baby, most likely you are familiar with the commercial version of Witch Hazel.
The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of Witch Hazel is why this is a recommended product for post-delivery recovery.
Witch Hazel has many, many other uses you may not be aware of; has now improved (packaging and ingredients); and is lovely to use daily a toner or astringent.
Did You Know – Toner vs Astringent
Witch Hazel products are available as Toners or Astringents, therefore, it’s good to understand the distinction between a toner and an astringent.
Toners are water-based; Astringents are alcohol-based.
A good way to remember the difference is: T is for waTer = Toner A is for Alcohol = Astringent
Keep in mind, alcohol-based is not necessarily bad. Natural alcohol can be derived from botanical sources and does have its place in skin care when created well.
If you have Dry, Sensitive Skin, use an alcohol-free Toner.
If you have Oily, Acne Prone skin, use an Astringent (with safe alcohol).
Toners help hydrate by balancing pH levels (not too dry, not too oily)
Astringents help remove excess oils from the skin, rid the skin of bacteria, and unclog pores.
Back to Witch Hazel
Per Wikipedia: “Witch hazel is an astringent compound produced from the leaves and bark of the North American witch-hazel shrub (Hamamelis virginiana). Resource Here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witch_hazel_(astringent)
An astringent is a chemical compound that tends to shrink or constrict body tissues.
The word “astringent” derives from Latin adstringere, meaning “to bind fast.”
There are several species of witch hazel.
The North American witch-hazel shrub is the version of witch hazel that has been found beneficial as we are discussing here and is used in commercial products.
Witch Hazel Has a Long History
Witch Hazel has been around commercially since the 1800s and before then Native Americans were using the plant to reduce swelling, inflammation, and tumors.
Health Benefits of Witch Hazel for Skin
Because of the anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, witch hazel is a safe, easy-to-use, inexpensive, natural solution to many maladies and makes for a fantastic toner/astringent.
The powerful part of the plant is the tannins.
Tannins are found in the bark or skin of some plants such as the North American witch hazel shrub. Tannins have properties of being antioxidant, pH balancing and anti-inflammatory.
You will see from the list how these properties work for each suggested use.
10 Amazing Skin Benefits
One. Calms and Prevents Acne
- Reduces inflammation
- Lessens bacteria growth
- Balances pH
- Moisturizes without a greasy feeling
- Minimizes pores
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
Two. Nourishes Dry Skin
- Removes excess oil and impurities while nourishing the skin by sealing in moisture
- Balances the pH so it balances the oily/dryness ratio
Three. Reduces Puffy Eyes
- Anti-inflammatory properties reduce puffiness
- Safe to use on the eye area, not in eyes of course
Four. Sunburn Relief
- Anti-inflammatory properties relieve inflamed skin
- Apply directly to sunburned areas
- Add lavender to the witch hazel for extra help with sunburn relief
Five. Makeup Remover
Effective and safe makeup remover. Add alcohol-free Astringent version (3tbs) to Olive Oil (3tbs) for a wonderful makeup remover.
Six. Great for Anti-Aging
- Protects collagen
- Reduces discoloration
- Nourishes dryness
- Prevents loss of elasticity
- Reduces redness
Seven. Skin Damage and Skin Cancer Help?
Antioxidant properties of witch hazel have been found to offer protection against melanoma. The polyphenols and tannins properties are known to reduce the growth of melanoma cells.
Eight. Eczema and Psoriasis Symptom Relief
Anti-inflammatory properties of witch hazel reduce symptoms of itching, scaling, redness, burning. A wonderful non-steroidal option.
Nine. Soothes and Prevents Razor Burn
- Anti-inflammatory properties soothe razor burn
- Apply directly to the skin after shaving
Ten. Heals Cuts and Fades Bruises
- Reduces swelling by constricting blood vessels
- Fights infection with anti-bacterial properties
You get the idea…..
How to Use Witch Hazel for Skin
Witch Hazel is super easy to use, inexpensive and has even more uses than those listed above.
At my house, I use it every day as an astringent after cleansing my face. Squirt some on a cotton round and wipe your face and decolletage. You can also use it to remove eye makeup.
We also use it on our dogs for skin irritations; on the kids for cuts and bruises; and my husband uses witch hazel for razor burn and other skin cuts.
Hint: get a separate bottle for yourself.
Toners and astringents are available with lovely natural, non-synthetic additions such as Rose Water, Lavender and Cucumber.
These accompanying ingredients each having their own supportive properties.
Suggested Brand – Thayers Witch Hazel
My absolute favorite brand is Thayers.
Where to Buy Witch Hazel for Skin
You can find Thayers at most natural health food stores and drug stores or online at Target.
I like Thayers as they have been around as a company since 1847. They use organic Witch Hazel, they have great information and all their products are sulfate-free, phthalate-free, dye-free, paraben-free, formaldehyde-free, aluminum-free and are cruelty free (not tested on animals).
Further, Thayers’s witch hazel products are not distilled (boiled), therefore have 195% more tannins (yes, 195% more tannins). Tannins are the effective part of Witch Hazel.
For More, Check out the Thayer’s Video on What Are Tannins.
p.s. we also love their Slippery Elm throat lozenges – a throat lozenge you can literally sleep with and not worry about choking on as they dissolve slowly and smoothly and are not hard like a candy.
I really hope you are inspired to use witch hazel for yourself and your family. Witch Hazel is one of my absolute favorite, must have products.
With Love, Signe