Cast a Spell On Your Skin With Witch Hazel

Witch hazel (hamamelis virginiana) is a natural remedy that has been used for centuries to treat various ailments, including skin conditions and bug bites. It's a flowering shrub that is native to North America, and its extract is rich in tannins, flavonoids, and essential oils, which gives it its unique properties.

Witch hazel is a popular ingredient in many skincare products due to its numerous benefits for the skin, including reducing inflammation, soothing the skin, reducing oiliness, tightening pores, clearing blemishes, and having anti-aging properties. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of witch hazel for the skin, discuss whether it's safe for all skin types, and provide tips on how to use it in your skincare routine.

What is Witch Hazel?

Witch hazel is a flowering shrub that belongs to the Hamamelidaceae family. Traditionally used by Native Americans who used its leaves, bark, and twigs to make an astringent liquid to reduce inflammation and fever, witch hazel extract is now used as natural astringent to cleanse, soothe, and nourish skin. You’ll find it in everything from cleansers to creams and lotions.

Benefits of Witch Hazel for Skin

Witch hazel has many benefits for the skin, and it's a popular ingredient in many drugstore skincare products. Here are some of the benefits of witch hazel for skin:

1. Reduces inflammation: Witch hazel has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce inflammation and redness on the skin. It can be helpful in treating conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

2. Soothes skin: Witch hazel can soothe and calm the skin, making it an excellent ingredient for those with sensitive skin. It can help reduce itching and irritation, and it can even help with sunburn.

3. Reduces oiliness: Witch hazel has astringent properties that can help reduce oiliness on the skin. It can be helpful for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

4. Tightens pores: Witch hazel can help tighten the pores and make the skin appear smoother and more even. It can be helpful in reducing the appearance of pores on the nose and cheeks.

5. Anti-aging properties: Witch hazel has antioxidant properties that can help protect the skin from free radical damage, which can cause premature aging. It can also help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Is Witch Hazel Safe for All Skin Types?

Witch hazel is generally safe for all skin types, but some people may be sensitive to it. It's always a good idea to patch test a small area of skin before using any new product. If you experience any irritation such as flaking, severely dry skin, or redness, discontinue use.

It's important to note that witch hazel can be drying, so if you have dry or sensitive skin, it's best to use it in moderation. If you have oily skin or acne-prone skin, witch hazel can be a helpful ingredient in your skincare routine, but be careful not to overuse it, as it can strip the skin of its natural oils.

How to Use Witch Hazel

Witch hazel can be used in a variety of ways in your skincare routine. Here are some tips on how to use witch hazel:

1. Toner: Witch hazel can be used as a toner to help remove excess oil and dirt from the skin. Simply apply witch hazel to a cotton pad and swipe it over your face after cleansing.

2. Spot treatment: Witch hazel can be used as a spot treatment for acne. Apply a small amount of witch hazel to a cotton ball and dab it onto the affected area.

3. Soothing spray: Witch hazel can be used as a soothing spray for sunburn, insect bites, or other skin irritations. Mix witch hazel with aloe vera gel and water in a spray bottle and spritz onto the affected area.

4. Face mask: Witch hazel can be added to a face mask to help tighten pores and reduce inflammation. Mix witch hazel with clay powder and water to make a paste and apply it to your face for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off.

Shop Witch Hazel Skincare Products

Hydrate Serum

A flash-absorbing, dew-inducing formula of hyaluronic acid, witch hazel, jojoba oil, and vitamin B5 to plump up and drench dry, dehydrated skin in lasting moisture. It also soothes irritated skin while gradually fading dark spots and discoloration.

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Smooth Mask

A lightweight jelly mask developed to target and prevent fine line formation on the face and body. A boost of ultra brightening vitamin C, soothing witch hazel, and firming vegan collagen deliver a radiant glow to the skin’s appearance while shielding skin from free radicals.

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Tighten Serum

This bottled formula harnesses the power of plant-based ingredients to offer a rejuvenating boost that visibly lifts, smoothes, and restores elasticity to the skin. With a combination of red microalgae, witch hazel, and alpha hydroxy acids, it gently exfoliates and protects against oxidative stress to reduce pore size and promote firmer, more resilient skin.

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Hydrate Mask

This weightless and cooling jelly treatment features a powerful combination of moisturizing hyaluronic acid, witch hazel, and vitamin B5 to provide instant and long-lasting hydration and elasticity to both your face and body.

Experience the refreshing sensation of this jelly mask as it melts into your skin, leaving it feeling revitalized and nourished. With its advanced formula, it provides intensive hydration that lasts all day long, giving you a healthy and radiant glow.

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All in all, witch hazel has many benefits for the skin and can be a helpful ingredient in your skincare routine. It's important to patch test and use it in moderation, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. Whether you use it as a toner, spot treatment, soothing spray, or in one of the formulas above, every skin type can benefit. It also pairs well with most active ingredients including vitamin C, salicylic acid, rose water, and AHAs.