Collection: Witch Hazel

Reduce Redness and Inflammation With Witch Hazel

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Scientific Name: {Hamamelis virginiana}
Common Name: {Witch Hazel, snapping hazel, spotted alder, striped alder, tobacco wood, winter bloom}

Witch Hazel has been used for centuries for its skin benefits. It's a naturally derived herb. You can find it in cleansers, toners, herbal waters, and acne products. In fact, it is one of the best natural individual acne ingredients on the market. It is now being widely used to improve skin tone, even by women who do not have acne.

Amazing Benefits

The first benefit of witch hazel is as a natural astringent that reduces inflammation. Still, it is very gentle and alcohol-free. It's derived from the leaves and flowers of a small, yellow-flowing shrub in North America. When applied to the face, it cleans out and shrinks pores.

It works similarly to the salicylic acid used to slough dead skin. When mixed with salicylic acid, the two become a powerful treatment. Witch hazel helps detoxify and deep-clean pores. It can also even and brighten the skin tone. Because it is so gentle, it is ideal for women with acne and sensitive skin.

When over-the-counter treatments irritate your complexion, try witch hazel. It is a natural remedy. Many find that they are not sensitive to this ingredient. However, it should be diluted and not applied at 100%.

Witch hazel can also be used as an all-around anti-inflammatory. It greatly reduces swelling, especially the under-eye area's puffiness due to a lack of sleep or allergies. In addition, witch hazel helps wipe away and calm swelling that may occur due to sickness, tiredness, or stress.

The Top 5 Notable Benefits of Using Witch Hazel

Witch hazel, derived from the bark and leaves of the Hamamelis virginiana plant, has long been recognized for its versatile skin benefits.

1. Natural Astringent: One of the most well-known properties of witch hazel is its ability to act as a natural astringent. This means it can help tighten the skin, reduce the appearance of pores, and remove excess oil. It's particularly beneficial for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

2. Reduces Inflammation: Witch hazel contains tannins, which have anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it effective in reducing redness, puffiness, and swelling. It can be especially soothing for conditions like eczema or psoriasis.

3. Soothes Irritated Skin: Due to its anti-inflammatory and calming properties, witch hazel can soothe skin that's irritated from shaving, insect bites, or minor burns. It's a common ingredient in post-shaving products to reduce razor burn.

4. Antioxidant Properties: Witch hazel is rich in antioxidants, which help in combating free radicals that can damage the skin. This makes it beneficial in protecting the skin against environmental stressors and premature aging.

5. Balances Skin pH: Maintaining a balanced skin pH is essential for a healthy skin barrier and microbial balance. Witch hazel can help balance the skin's pH levels, which in turn can reduce the likelihood of breakouts and support overall skin health.

When using witch hazel, it's essential to choose a product that's alcohol-free or contains minimal alcohol to prevent potential skin drying or irritation. It's also advisable to do a patch test before applying it to a larger area, especially for those with sensitive skin.

Skin Calming & Soothing

You can also use it to help varicose veins. These veins can cause both discoloration and blotchy areas on the face. Tannins shrink blood vessels and contribute to evening out the skin's appearance. Irritated skin loves witch hazel as it delivers many natural nutrients that both soothe and help reduce irritation.

If you have any cuts or bruises on your skin, witch hazel is also great for getting rid of these. Just dab it on the affected area.

You can also use witch hazel if you have sunburn. It will help relieve the pain.

You can apply witch hazel before or after your moisturizer. For example, use it after you cleanse as a toner. Just make sure that you dilute it with water or a hydrosol.

You can also spritz on toner after applying your moisturizer to help lock in moisture and remove any oily residual feel. Because it shrinks the look of pores, it encourages your skin to retain moisture and leaves it feeling clean and looking beautiful.

It removes dirt and debris that can be left behind from cleansers. You can even carry a bottle of witch hazel around with you.

Anytime your skin feels greasy or dirty, you can spritz a small amount over your face to feel refreshed.

Quick and Easy DIY Toner with Witch Hazel:

• 1.6 oz. Witch Hazel
• 1 oz. Aloe Vera gel
• 1 oz. Rosewater
• 0.4 oz. Leucidal Complete natural preservative

Directions: Pour all ingredients into a sterile bottle. Shake before use if needed. Use a cotton ball to apply to clean skin or spray on with a spritzer.

Facial Mist for Oily and Combination Skin

• 1.6 oz. Witch Hazel
• 1 oz. Aloe Vera Leaf Juice
• 1 oz. Hydrosol
• 1 tsp. Glycerin
• 4 drops of Lemongrass Essential Oil
• 0.4 oz. Leucidal Complete Natural Preservative

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a glass bowl. Pour into a bottle and cap with a spritzer. Mist onto the face as needed.

About the Author
Kari Thomas wrote this article.