Witch hazel is a plant native to North America and parts of Asia, known for its skin-soothing properties. You might have seen witch hazel extract listed in many beauty and health products because of its powerful antioxidant and astringent benefits. These benefits help speed up healing, prevent signs of aging, stop cellular damage that can lead to skin cancer, and eradicate bacteria living in the pores.
The bark, twigs, and leaves of the witch hazel plant are used to extract active properties called tannins and polyphenols. These are added to water or alcohol to produce distilled witch hazel extract or witch hazel water. The tannins in witch hazel make it a natural astringent, helping to remove excess oil from the skin. This is why it’s considered one of the best natural acne treatments and is used in various washes and treatment gels.
Plants like witch hazel are rich in polyphenols, the same compounds used in anti-aging supplements to slow down disease. As a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, witch hazel fights free radicals to protect against DNA damage.
Here are some reasons to start using witch hazel on your face and skin:
1. Fight Acne: Witch hazel is excellent for controlling acne by reducing inflammation, decreasing oil and redness, and speeding up the healing of scars and infections. It balances the skin’s pH level and moisturizes without making it greasy. It also reduces the appearance of pores and prevents the development of whiteheads and blackheads. Apply witch hazel with a cotton ball to irritated areas or use it as part of your cleansing routine to remove excess dirt and oil.
2. Nourish Dry Skin: Despite being good for acne and oily skin, witch hazel also nourishes dry skin. It removes excess oil and impurities while moisturizing the skin. Using witch hazel after a shower can help seal in moisture, which is especially beneficial during the winter months.
3. Reduce Puffy Eyes: Witch hazel tightens skin, reducing under-eye baggage and puffiness. Soak cotton balls in witch hazel and apply them to closed eyes for about five minutes. For better results, store witch hazel in the refrigerator.
4. Treat and Protect Lips, Gums, and Inner Cheeks: Witch hazel can speed up the healing of blisters on the lips, inner cheeks, or gums. Combine it with coconut oil and apply it to sores, infections, and blisters. It can even help with bad breath.
5. Relieve Sunburn Discomfort: Witch hazel can soothe sunburns, reduce healing time, and prevent skin peeling and flaking. Spritz witch hazel on the affected area or apply it with a soaked cotton pad for instant relief.
6. Minimize Sun Damage and Fight Aging: Witch hazel helps protect the skin against premature aging caused by sun exposure, including wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and discoloration. It also protects against skin cancer and other UV light damage. Combining witch hazel with soothing oils like frankincense and evening primrose can enhance its benefits.
7. Treat Eczema: Witch hazel’s anti-inflammatory properties help relieve eczema symptoms like itching, scaling, redness, burning, and scarring. Apply witch hazel to affected areas twice a day or make a mask using French green clay and witch hazel for immediate results.
8. Refresh Your Face: Use witch hazel to refresh your face when feeling tired or stressed. Spray witch hazel on your face to remove excess dirt and oil while soothing the skin. For tired eyes, soak a cloth in witch hazel and cold water and place it over closed eyes for about 10 minutes.
9. Soothe and Prevent Razor Burn: Witch hazel’s anti-inflammatory properties help prevent and soothe razor burn. Apply it before shaving to prevent irritation or after shaving to soothe any bumps.
10. Heal Cuts and Fade Bruises: Applying witch hazel three times a day can speed up the healing of bruises. It helps heal injured skin, reduce swelling, and constrict blood vessels. Witch hazel is also great for cleansing cuts, protecting against infection, and encouraging faster healing.
In summary, witch hazel is a versatile and natural remedy for various skin issues, from acne and dry skin to sunburn and aging signs. It’s a handy addition to any skincare routine.
