Is Witch Hazel Good for Skin? Pioneer Chemicals

Witch hazel, either as a tea or a tincture, has been used for many years as a natural treatment, but is it beneficial for the skin? This all-purpose, old-world toner derived from the leaves and bark of the Hamamelis Virginiana shrub has many skin benefits that make it a good addition to the skin care regimen. Please continue reading to find out how this cosmetics raw material can enhance other common skin related disorders.

What is Witch Hazel?

The common witch hazel shrub that has leaves, barks, and twigs contains tannins, phenolic acids, and flavonoids. It has tonic, astringent and anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant activity. Native American tribes also have employed the extracts to address skin conditions such as inflammation and infection. Currently this product is used in cosmetics and it is used widely in various products on the market today.

Benefits for Acne-Prone Skin

If acne is your main skin concern then look for this product when you buy cosmetic ingredients. It can help in a few ways:

• Controls oil production. It seems that the tannins work as an astringent and since the proteins in the skin of people with oily skin are more inclined to bind together, the pores are tightened for a certain period. This lessens the amount of sebum that forms, which is responsible for causing acne.
• Fights bacteria. Extracts found in this product possess antibacterial properties on bacterium involved in acne such as Staphylococcus Aureus.
• Reduces inflammation. It is also a good idea as this product has anti-inflammatory properties and can help to reduce the redness and inflammation of skin that is already affected by pimples. You may use it on irritated pimples to lessen inflammation.

Help for Sensitive Skin

Witch hazel is known to be a mild and non-irritating skin product thus can be used by almost all skin types including sensitive skin. It can help to temper reactions, reduce inflammation and lessen vasculature, redness, redness and flushing indicative of sensitized skin. 

Some may prefer to avoid this product because it has very mild astringent properties, meaning it can help control the pores without over drying or further irritating the skin. It is best applied gradually, especially if you have sensitive skin – it would also be better to perform a patch test first.

Eczema Relief

The skin of people with eczema should be moisturized but this is not good as it will worsen the situation. This product has a minor astringency, which helps in minimizing inflammation and irritation caused by eczema. It also protects against infection.

Inability to breathe properly is another disadvantage.

The effectiveness of witch hazel lotion for treating eczema was seen in a study which showed that the lotion helped reduce the symptoms of the skin condition by 20 percent after 21 days of use. Instead of using commercial products, first, it is recommended to use this product’s toner and apply it on the affected skin area several times a day.

Soothes Razor and Sunburns

Although razor burn and sunburns are two entirely different things they have one feature in common: skin irritation with prickling heat and redness. To treat this sensitivity, this product can help soothe skin as well as prevent stinging and burning sensations.

It is best to always have a bottle of this product handy especially when applying it immediately after shaving or after being under the sun especially the areas that are usually exposed such as shoulders and neck. The scalp and the back of the neck are also areas where sunburn tends to occur, and a few quick swipes are helpful here too.

Fights Signs of Aging

Applying this product  might reduce premature aging as well since its constant use can slow it down. Its antioxidant substances neutralize free radicals that otherwise would have a detrimental effect on the skin cells’ DNA as well as the formation of wrinkles. Tannins for the skin toning contribute to firmness and tightness making skin youthful. It can be used as a step after washing and before creams to enhance the overall effectiveness of your skin care routine in fighting signs of aging.

How to Apply Witch Hazel on Skin & Face

This product makes easy and effortless toners and skin care products. However, it is well utilized to create hydrosol toners or integrated into face mists, creams, ointments, and cleansing oils as well.

• As a Toner: Shake well and apply two drops on a cotton pad and follow by gently wiping the face and neck after washing. Do not use it in large quantities by applying the cotton absorbed with it to the skin. This helps prevent over-drying.
• Combined with Moisturizer: You can add a couple of drops to the usual face moisturizer for the day or night. This makes it an advancement of the typical cream in that it is formulated to suit specific skin type and without the need for a second layer.
• On Breakouts: Soak a Q-tip in this product and apply it directly to the inflammation of the acne pimple. The antimicrobial properties along with a touch of light astringency is useful to treat acne since it does not exfoliate and distributes more acne-causing bacteria.
• Under DIY Face Masks: Include this product as an ingredient which is incorporated into basic elements of honey, yogurt or oatmeal face masks. Or, you can make a mask customized for your skin by mixing it with bentonite or other healing clays or other soothing additions such as aloe vera gel or rose water.

Conclusion

Witch hazel is a skincare product that possesses the capability to enhance the appearance of skin in various ways for all skin types. For those who want to eliminate dullness, calm redness, treat acne-prone skin in adults, or prevent skin aging, this effective vegetable additive should become part of a daily routine. It can be used as a part of your skincare routine for the improvement of the skin tone, clarity, and smoothness for a prolonged period. To buy personal care products online now, visit Pioneer Chemicals!