Are you a fan of organic skincare or plant-based products? Then you haven’t revisited your old friend witch hazel as toner yet, it might be time to.
The witch hazel as facial toner that’s dermatologist-tested a resurgence of popularity in recent years.
Also, the last ten years ago, toners were made of ethanol (a type of alcohol) that was very dangerous for the skin, so much so that dermatologists often told us to stay away.
But, nowadays people have used witch hazel for centuries to soothe and cleanse the skin.
Especially, you can’t deny the popularity of Thayer’s type witch hazel, where haven’t used any alcohol.
So, in this article, our experts described and explain, what it is, how it works, why, and how of incorporating witch hazel into your skin-care routine. And how to use the face witch hazel as a toner.
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What does Witch Hazel do to your face?
Witch hazel is a versatile beauty solution derived from the bark and leaves of witch hazel. Its mild astringent properties break down dead skin from the face and oil to cleanse pores.
Although, it works as an astringent, causing your tissues to contract to help shrink pores, while also soothing your skin and relieving inflammation.
This may prevent acne-causing bacteria from infecting your face and witch hazel as facial toner astringent to help shrink your pores, soothe your skin, and reduce inflammation.
The witch hazel is also often used to reduce the itching, redness, pain, bleeding, and swelling associated with hemorrhoids.
What is witch hazel? And how to use witch hazel toner?
Indigenous “Dr. Schlesinger says that witch hazel is a national plant that is found in North America and in various parts of Asia.
The witch hazel formulas can be applied to the skin with a cotton pad after cleansing and before serum and moisturizers.
However, witch hazel can be dry and it is worrisome, so it is important to be careful. This witch hazel usually made from chemical mixing extracted from bark or leaves.
A witch hazel itching can soothe skin and inflammation and soothe minor acne and other skin irritation. Although toner can be used for Skincare and home remedies.
They compress proteins in the skin, creating an invisible “film” that can, to a minor degree, temporarily de-grease skin and minimize the look of enlarged pores.
Is toner good for the skin?
Dr. Shamban says that Toner works great for removing makeup, excess oil, sweat, dirt, and some harmful ingredients from the surface of the skin. And one more feature of the toner is alcohol-free. The Toners are mainly based on the type of skin, which is used to remove excess oil from oily skin. This is made especially for those who have oily skin in addition to acne. Or if someone is exposed to regular contamination, it’s even more effective at removing sticky substances in their skin.
Does witch hazel have alcohol?
The witch hazel made of a natural plant that contains 8% to 12% tannin, depending on the part used to make it. Last few years ago, some of the witch hazel was made using a small amount of detached alcohol (ethanol) was used, which contains was 14% to 15% alcohol. But, nowadays, witch hazel extract is a natural toner with anti-irritant properties that helps prevent your skin from getting dry or irritated. That’s why most dermatologists recommend using witch hazel because it is alcohol-free.
What is the best witch hazel for the face?
Witch hazel is especially useful for oily skin. Also Hazel acts as a suppressant to help shrink your pores, soothe your skin and reduce inflammation. Because of this, there is a lot of focus on other ingredients when choosing a witch hazel product for your skin type. The only alternative to acne skin is AHAs or salicylic acid witch hazel toners. If you want a more refined effect from your witch hazel toner, then it’s very important to wear a witch hazel toner mixed with Aloe vera gel.
Can witch hazel cause adverse skin reactions?
Technically speaking, anyone can have a reaction to any material, so it is important to first examine your wrists to make sure you are going. (Better safe than sorry, isn’t it?) That being said, there is virtually no side effect from Dine Hazel, so if you experience any kind of allergic reaction, be sure to contact your doctor, ASAP.
The benefits of witch hazel for your skin
The polyphenols witch hazels can help fight premature aging. Witch hazel has antioxidant effects that help to reduce and prevent UV rays from the sun and radical damage to the skin.
Tightens pores
Deborah Longwill a board-certified dermatologist and founder of the Miami Center for Dermatology, said “witch hazel is a rich source of narrow compounds that combine proteins within skin cells” “results? This temporarily makes your pores even smaller.
Reduces inflammation
The natural tannins that witch hazel contains may temporarily soothe the appearance of red, irritated, or stained skin, says Dr. Shinehouse, making it an easy product when cramping your style in breakouts, pork bites, or sunburns.
Sops up oil
Dr. Schlessinger says, A witch hazel is rich in antioxidants, including tannin, which acts as a natural creme on the skin, which Dior Schlesinger says is a popular ingredient in toner and moisturizing products.
Fights acne
In addition to witch hazel oil and a reduction in redness, tannin’s antimicrobial properties can slow down the growth of bacteria in the skin, says Debra Zalimon, an NYC-based board-certified dermatologist who writes skin rules. So it can not only show the acne bacteria in the boss but also reduce the irritation that may start during the breakout.
Soothes puffy eyes
This witch hazel has anti-inflammatory and adjuvant properties, that can helps lower the veins and soothe the eyes, Dr. Longwill says, as well as providing more drastic effects.
Improves skin tone
The various features of witch hazel improve the appearance of pores, reduce inflammation, and make the skin tighter, so this excess trifecta adds more skin tone, says Dr. Longwill.
How to choose the best witch hazel for your skin
Go alcohol-free: Witch hazel is usually trapped in alcohol to produce an allergen toner; However, “if you have too much alcohol for your skin, it will dry out or interfere with skin barrier function,” says Dr. Longwill. This is why dermatologists specialize in witch hazel products that are alcohol-free. Especially if you plan to adjust the ingredients in your skincare routine, you are advised to choose.
Check for moisturizing ingredients: When purchasing witch hazel, Dr. Longwill recommends looking for products that contain hydrating ingredients such as hydrochloric acid or aloe vera so that the product’s delivery doesn’t dry out too much on the skin.
Do a patch test: To avoid adverse reactions, be sure to label so that it does not contain any of your ingredients that are sensitive or straight-up allergic, says Dr. Schlesinger. If you are not sure if you have a reaction on your face before using it, first ask your skin to check the product in a small, concentrated area of skin – on your arm.
1. Thayers Alcohol-Free Unscented Witch Hazel Facial Toner
This witch hazel is very helpful for the acne skin pore oily pimple zit blackhead and to protect, soothe. It’s made of Hamamelis Virginiana and a blend of other time-tested ingredients. This Thayers’ Witch Hazel contains no synthetic ingredients or alcohol to dry out the skin. It uses a base of rose water, which helps to balance the skin’s pH, and soothes irritation.
These tannins are naturally occurring substances found in the bark or skin of some plants where have mild antioxidant properties, which can help clean, clear, and add a nice glow to your skin. Filet of aloe vera is a colorless gel extracted from within the leaves of the aloe vera plant and the filet of aloe vera is very hydrating, healing, and increases the absorption of nutrients in the skin. Finally, this is a very effective product to use prior to serums like Vitamin C.
“This toner uses witch hazel as a key ingredient in the fight against aging, reducing skin and reducing inflammation,” says Dr. Schlesinger. This witch hazel Alevera toner helps to keeps the skin dry and hydrated balance. This is great toner, light and it will make your skin feel great. It’s a wonderful toner that helps to neutralize your skin. The literature says that it restores the skin’s natural pH. If you have really sensitive skin or leaving a filmy residue and you can feel refreshing without being too strong.
Most Important Features of Obagi Nu-Derm Toner
- This Obagi Nu-Derm Toner totally Alcohol-free, non-drying toner that helps adjust your skin’s pH
- It helps to Clarify and brighten a dull complexion for a more radiant, healthier-looking complexion
- It helps to good skin texture, smooth, and healthy-looking. And enlarged pores, oily or dry skin that roughness or affect your skin texture. But the daily skincare routine can help improve your skin
Pros
- It helps to replenish skin after cleansing
- This Obagi Nu-Derm Toner helps to reduce the size of pores and hydrate skin
- It helps to remove traces of makeup
- This toner is blue in color. It has a slight fragrance. It has a reducer top on it so that you pour it into a cotton pad or whatever, but with control
Cons
- It has been reported to contain very low levels of aluminum. If you do not want to use aluminum in any form, then this product probably is not for you.
3. Simple Kind to Skin Facial Toner, Soothing, 6.7 Fl Oz
This alcohol-free toner is pH balanced to refresh your skin without drying it out. It contains witch hazel toner that helps to tighten your pores, soothe, and soften. This is the perfect moisturizer for the gentle formula that is suitable for sensitive skin. It hydrates well and it’s unscented, so it didn’t irritate your skin.
This witch hazel contains 3 important ingredients that help to soften and soothe the pores as well as protect the pores and tighten the pores, which helps to soften the skin. This common facial toner contains pro-vitamin B5 that helps to restore, soften, and smooth. Made with skin-loving ingredients and triple pure water, our purest possible water, this face toner provides instant hydration to the skin. General Facial Toner has no artificial scent or dye color and no harsh chemicals that can upset your skin.
Most Important Features of Simple Kind to Skin Facial Toner
- Gentle formula is suitable for sensitive skin
- Smoothens skin texture by minimizing pores
- Removes any impurities left behind by cleansers
- This witch hazel helps restore the natural pH level of your skin after cleansing
- Simple soothing facial toner is light and 100% alcohol-free toner and pH balanced so it refreshes your skin without drying out
Pros
- Gentle formula is suitable for sensitive skin
- Smoothens skin texture by minimizing pores
- Removes any impurities left behind by cleansers
- Keeps your skin hydrated and prepares skin to better absorb moisturizer
Cons
- If you suffer from very sensitive skin, this is suitable for you! It has an odd scent, stings like crazy when applied, dries out the skin, turns your face flaming red swelling.
Finally, This is an incredible Facial Toner that helps to moisturize the skin and at a great price point! The list of ingredients is impressive and the product is comparable with five times the price.
4. Glo Skin Beauty Renew Serum, 1 Fl Oz
This Glo Therapeutics is a really high-quality and favorite beauty product brand to keeps your skin smooth and healthy-looking. It works really well, results are noticeable within a few days and it stays for a long time. Dr. Schlesinger says the serum is made with retinol to reduce the appearance of fine lines and sacrifices, and witch hazel and salicylic acid have been used to draw impurities and reduce the appearance of perforated sans.
Pros
- This is the perfect night serum and it’s a great addition to the skincare regime
- It’s great to use at night to revitalize and anti-aging skin also too
- It has a very pleasant smell and helps to make your skin glow
Cons
- This serum will not work as good if you don’t help rid the dead skin off of your face
5. Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner, 100% Natural
This Dickinson’s witch hazel toner is a great option for oily or overly shiny skin. It’s also vegan and claims that’s suitable for all skin types, despite its oil-wicking properties. Dickinson’s original witch hazel toner gently removes excess oils and impurities without overdrying, leaving skin soft, smooth, naturally balanced, and purified. This toner is gentle, non-drying, non-irritating, and fragrance-free for sensitive skin. It also helps to remove dirt and makeup residue. it has some exclusive formula that’s 100% natural and distilled for purity and performance using sustainably-harvested, organic plants.
Pros
- It helps to removes and balances oil while gently soothing and refreshing, all without over-drying
- This Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner has a very pleasant smell & works like a dream!
- This witch hazel is Dermatologist tested and it’s perfect for sensitive skin and expectant mothers
- This Dickinson’s witch hazel toner is a great spot treatment for sensitive/combo/oily skin
- It has great value, great efficacy and it’s made for multipurpose uses
- It’s every order includes a single, 16 fl. oz. bottle
- It’s gentle on sensitive skin and fights Acne
Cons
- This is decent witch hazel, but causes oily skin and is heavily perfumed
6. Bioré Witch Hazel Pore clarifying Toner
This Bioré witch hazel pore clarifying toner works awesome on acne and it works to shrink zits. It will help to moisturize your skin and with acne as well and it will give you a perfect glow! This is very cool for every type of skin you can put on to your skin, without any burning issues. Overall, this is an excellent toner, and it works pretty well with no complaints, besides it smells is so good too.
Pros
- You can use this Bioré witch hazel refreshing toner as a skin clarifying treatment while unclogging pores
- Penetrates pores to control and prevent the development of new acne blemishes
- With the astringent power of witch hazel, this facial toner helps to clear acne, soothe inflammation, and tighten pores
- It has 2% Salicylic Acid to treat existing acne, which helps to balanced skin treatment and removes excess oil from skin surfaces while clearing dead skin cells, dirt, and debris from clogged pores
- This Bioré witch hazel oil-free formula will leave you feeling refreshed without leaving a heavy, oily residue because it can be used as a balanced skin clarifying toner
- For the use of oily, flawless prone skin, this Bioré witch hazel pore clarifying toner already dermatologist, and tested oil-free. For optimal results, it can be used 2-3 times per week or 2 or more times a day as needed
Cons
- This Bioré witch hazel pore clarifying toner isn’t good for sensitive skin
How to Use
For optimal results: Clean the skin thoroughly before applying for the medicine. Cover the entire affected area with a thin layer 1 to 3 times a day using a cotton ball or pad. Note: Since the skin can be very dry, start with 1 application per day, then gradually increase to 2 or 3 times per day as needed or as directed by the doctor. If irritating dryness or peeling spreads, reduce the application once a day or all other days.
7. Tucks Md Cool Hemorrhoid Pad
These are a pad wet with witch hazel to clean the hemorrhoids that you may need more than one to clean away the bacteria and bodily matter. It’s very soft, cooling, and easy to use. These work decently when your hemorrhoid is hurting but the real godsend us when it itches. This TUCKS Medicated Cooling Pads with Witch Hazel provides instant soothing relief from the burning, itching, and discomfort caused by hemorrhoids and other rectal. And it’s ultra-soft that’s very effective for gentle cleansing and personal hygiene. It is used as a moist compress and its pads are pH-balanced and pigment-free.
Pros
- These TUCKS pads instantly relieve immediate burning, itching, and discomfort
- This witch hazel protects from annoying places
- These pads are super-soft and can be used to clean the external rectal or vaginal area
- These pads are very compressed so can be folded very easily and can be used as a moist compress on swollen tissues
Cons
- They do cool and soothe, but it’s really difficult to separate them into the individual pad which doesn’t make for a great value
8. THAYER’S Lemon Oil Control Blemish Stick
This Thayer’s lemon blemish stick witch hazel is a fresh-smelling acne treatment in a unique form that helps to cure blemishes and outbreaks on the face. This witch hazel as a natural astringent, Gotu Kola to speed up the skin’s healing process, and Tea Tree Oil as a powerful antiseptic make up the triple-threat that will kick your blemishes to the curb. This Thayers witch hazel product contains mild antioxidants that help your skin look beautiful and feel its best.
Pros
- This THAYER’S lemon oil control blemish stick witch hazel has some natural botanical ingredients like- Gotu kola, tea tree oil, lemongrass, and aloe vera
- It contains 195% more tannins than competitors which tightens acne pores and helps control oil production, eliminates redness, and reduces inflammation.
- This witch hazel has a lot of beneficial tannins mild antioxidant properties, reduces irritation, balances skin pH, clears skin
- This is 15 roll-on stick but it has a variety of size
Cons
- This oil certainly helps to dry out the pimples but not too much in quantity
User Guide
Keep away from your children and you can use it only for external users. Avoid or be careful to use beside the eyes. If contact occurs, flush thoroughly with water. Finally, keep away from open flame.
9. Acne Free Witch Hazel Mattifying Toner
This Acne Free witch hazel mattifying toner works so well to dry up acne and it’s very gentle and it pretty works. It has glycolic acid which is great for turning over skin cells & helping to keep pores clean. It has been used for years to help clear skin of acne spots and It’s only so-so at controlling oil. Actually, this facial toner reduces unwanted shine. It works similarly to the other witch hazel brand Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist-recommended Ingredients, and it has also a kind of herbal scent.
Most important Features of Acne Free Witch Hazel Mattifying Toner
- This Acne Free Witch Hazel Mattifying Toner has a Glycolic Acid, Aloe Vera
- Helps to remove excess oil and controls shine
- Stripped of oil, eliminates debris, and dirt
- It helps to complete shine reduction
- And helps to clear unclogged pores
- Balances the skin’s pH
Pros
- The toner has a great skincare supplement to support your daily regimen
- Does not irritate my skin after using it daily in the morning and at night
- It’s refreshing and rids the skin of unwanted impurities
- It works effectively, removing oil and debris
- A tad on a cotton ball goes a long way
- Pleasant smell and cool and refreshing
- Good value for the price
Cons
- This Witch Hazel Mattifying Toner does not contain benzoyl peroxide
User Guide
You can apply to reduce oil and shine without witch hazel mattifying Toner can be used daily, every morning and night as a toner to remove excess oil.
First, cleanse your face, then apply by squirting the toner onto a cotton pad and apply to the entire face, avoiding the eye area. Do not rinse after use.
Finally, the toner helps to refine the appearance of pores and control facial shine, giving a clean, fresh-faced feel. This witch hazel face toner helps to rebalance your skin’s pH and uses witch hazel, a natural astringent, glycolic acid, and it has an aloe vera that helps to remove excess oil, dirt, and shine.
10. Neutrogena Oil- and Alcohol-Free Facial Toner
This Neutrogena oil- and alcohol-free facial toner, with a hypoallergenic formula this contains mild purifiers that work to gently remove impurities and help recondition the skin. And it works to cleanse and tone without stripping the skin of its natural moisture.
As it’s alcohol-free so it will not cause irritation. So you can apply it onto the face with gentle upward strokes. This Neutrogena is a very cooling feeling at first that’s why you will be surprised.
If you have very sensitive skin and am allergic to many things, this is definitely good for sensitive skin. This toner works well for cleaning the face without drying it out and if you have def need some extra moisturizer if you have normal skin and use it but it’s great for oily skin.
Pros
- This Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Facial witch hazel toner help to purify, cleanse and refresh skin without stripping its natural moisture
- It helps to gently remove impurities and help recondition the skin, plus it is non-comedogenic so it won’t clog pores
- This is the totally oil-free, hypoallergenic, and alcohol-free formula of this soft toner cleanses and refreshes skin without causing irritation or drying skin
- It almost feels like water, but it also has good effects on the skin!
- Neutrogena witch hazel is alcohol-free but it has a beautiful perfume
Cons
- If you have dry acne skin don’t try because it may disaffect your skin
Finally, You can apply it to your face without hesitation to leave the skin feeling fresh and clean without any dryness or stinging.
Why is witch hazel a good toner?
Most of the peoples want to know, Is Using Witch Hazel as a Facial Toner a Good Idea? The Question answer is yes! Because the witch hazel has an extract of a natural toner with anti-irritant properties. The most common use is to remove excess oil deposits in the skin and to clean pores by dissolving any debris.” Hence, the immediate results of a glowing, smoother complexion. Rich in a particular type of polyphenol antioxidant called tannins that are known to attract the free radicals that damage your skin, witch hazel face toner helps you whisk them away more easily, and perhaps prevent the visible signs of aging they can cause.
Witch Hazel for Oily Skin
Witch hazel for oily skin also receives a lot of interest. We understand how tempting a witch hazel toner sounds, as it’s readily available, inexpensive, natural, and seems to be a smart choice for keeping oily skin in check. Witch hazel can remove oil from the skin, but that’s due to the denatured alcohol (ethanol) it contains.
As we mentioned above, most witch hazel preparations contain between 14% and 15% alcohol, an amount that can significantly irritate the skin. Even if you don’t see or feel that happening on the surface of the skin, the irritation is still taking place, below the surface.
It comes down to this: Using witch hazel to control oily skin can end up making it worse! Find out what research has shown works to get oily skin under control.
Is witch hazel a good toner for dry skin?
Probably, most of the dry skin’s women have a question, Is Witch Hazel good for dry skin? The answer is yes! Witch hazel is good for dry skin. The beauty of the Witch Hazel Face Toner is that it nourishes and moisturizes the skin as it effectively removes excess oils, dirt, and debris. It has a similar pH to your skin so it won’t dry it out and the witch hazel will reduce, minimize, and tighten your pores on your face.
However, witch hazel will not over-dry the skin like other astringents, and it can even help your skin maintain its natural moisture. Actually, using the witch hazel as a toner has lots of amazing benefits and astringent properties that help to tighten your blood vessels and blood tissues which will then reduce your under-eye puffiness.
Witch Hazel for Acne and Blemishes
A lot of people wonder if witch hazel can clear up acne on the face or body. It’s commonly thought that because witch hazel has “astringent” properties, it can “dry up” acne. However, acne isn’t about skin being wet, so drying it with astringent ingredients won’t help. In truth, the irritation caused by the witch hazel can make blemishes worse.
You may have also read that witch hazel’s astringent action can help control the microbes on the skin that play a role in causing acne, but research hasn’t shown that to be true. For certain, witch hazel is not a replacement for benzoyl peroxide, one of the gold standard anti-acne ingredients. Stick with what years of research have shown what really works to get acne under control.
Witch Hazel as a Makeup Remover or Cleanser
Should you use witch hazel as a makeup remover or cleanser? No! That’s a really bad idea, as the trace amounts of tannins and the alcohol content are just too sensitizing for skin, to say nothing of using witch hazel to remove eye makeup. Please don’t do this.
There’s also the fact that witch hazel isn’t really that effective at removing most types of makeup, especially today’s long-wearing formulas. This poor performance might lead to you pull and tug at your skin, unlike how a gentle, efficient makeup remover works. All that extra pulling can hasten skin sagging.
Witch hazel as a face wash? Well, it doesn’t have much cleansing ability for skin, not when compared to a well-formulated water-soluble cleanser. Using a witch hazel face wash shortchanges your skin of all the benefits a gentle facial cleanser can provide—and such products are much easier to use!
Is witch hazel good for wrinkles?
Wrinkles are a common dermatological problem that is seen on the face as horizontal lines below your hairline and across the forehead or as vertical lines in between in eyebrows.
Now, the question is, are witch hazel good for wrinkles? Witch Hazel is a natural astringent that tightens pores, reduces acne, and helps to slow the signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles.
The polyphenols found in the bark help prevent cellular damage, so the skin stays clear, youthful, and healthy-looking. Finally, the witch hazel facial toner contains tannins, which can help smooth out wrinkles by tightening your skin.
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What it’s like to use
Until I tried the 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine (and the popular Acwell iteration), my experience with toner was isolated to my early teens. Caught in the first wave of serious acne, I had allied myself with a militaristic understanding of skin-care: the more it stung, the more bacteria it must be killing, and the better it must be working. Under that logic, harsh alcoholic astringents became foundational pillars. Spoiler: they did not fix the issues.
Today, you’d probably have to pay me to slather anything that harshes on my skin again. Dermatologists typically agree that most alcohols only serve to dry out the skin, and a more sustainable approach may be feeding healthy bacteria rather than obliterating as many of them as possible indiscriminately. That way, they can self-manage a healthy microbiome on top of your skin — kind of like an immune system — rather than face the world and its pollutants every day anew.
All this meant I was skeptical of an under-$10 toner that claimed to be gentle and effective — even one that was free of alcohol. However, post-personal use, I get the enthusiastic fandom: for me, the Thayers’ Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner was indeed gentle, relatively non-drying, and did the job of helping clean off the vestiges of earlier cleansers so the rest of my skin-care routine could sink in more effectively. My pores also looked noticeably smaller, and I’ve started using it as an effective spot-treatment to isolate and treat blemishes as they pop up. If you’re looking for a toner, it’s a solid option — and it’s a big bonus that it’s less than $10 for a 12-ounce bottle.
How to use it
To use it, wash your face, pat it dry, and soak either a cotton ball or cleansing pad with the toner. Lightly spread it across your face and neck. If you’re following with essence or moisturizer, let the toner dry before applying other products on top of it. You may want to transition first with once-daily or every-other-day applications, but, typically, toners are fine to use twice daily — depending on how your skin reacts.
My only notes are that, while the fragrance is pleasant and natural, I typically prefer unscented skincare. Fragrance at best is an unnecessary additive and at worst can hide harmful ingredients under a loosely vetted definition. If you’re like-minded, try Thayers’ Unscented version – it’s the same price and also has witch hazel and aloe vera.
And since it’s always wise to test new skin-care products on smaller and/or less visible patches of the body before dousing your face, you may want to dab toner on your wrist to test your body’s reaction first.
How to add witch hazel to your skincare routine
When it comes to witch hazel, It’s a very important part of your daily makeup routine – otherwise, you run the risk of reducing the potential benefits. Dr. Shinehouse says: Excessive use can cause adverse reactions (such as drying out the skin and damaging the skin’s protective skin barrier), which irritates the skin and makes it more sensitive to topical products, says Dr. Shinehouse.
The most convenient way to add witch hazel to your skincare routine is to use it as a toner: wash your face with a gentle cleanser, then add a few drops of witch hazel to a cotton ball and apply it to your face, Jolimon said. (It does not need to be washed)) Finally, apply a face moisturizer to lock the hydration. Or, if you decide to put a product that includes Diane Hazel instead of using such a product directly, apply the product on the label’s instructions. If a reaction occurs, discontinue use and check in with your dermatologist.
Does Witch Hazel Get Rid of Puffy Eyes?
If you’re curious about how to get rid of puffy eyes, there’s some truth to this recommendation if your undereye puffiness is due to fluid retention beneath the eyes. Witch hazel’s astringent and soothing properties can reduce this type of puffiness.
However, witch hazel cannot reduce or eliminate undereye bags that occur with age. In either case, it isn’t something we recommend doing on a regular basis because the resulting daily irritation will be pro-aging, not anti-aging.
Witch Hazel Home Remedies
Keeping a bottle of witch hazel around the house for occasional use can make sense. Research has shown that the calming components and antioxidants in witch hazel can help ease discomfort from:
- Bug bites and stings
- Hemorrhoids
- Bruises
- Diaper rash (witch hazel ointment, not the toner-like liquid)
- Poison oak and poison ivy
Keep in mind: Just because something is good for acute short-term situations doesn’t necessarily make it good for long-term use. The claims for witch hazel Skincare benefits are misleading; you might see short-term results, but ongoing use is likely to cause problems.
To sum up, witch hazel has its place, but it’s not the skincare solution it’s often touted to be.
Why Witch Hazel is a Problem for Skin
In the world of natural ingredients, witch hazel has a somewhat exaggerated reputation as the solution to an endless list of problems. Applied to the skin, it’s said to fix everything from acne to oily skin, puffy eyes, and sunburn; for the body, witch hazel is said to lessen varicose veins and hemorrhoids. But just how effective is witch hazel for skin and other problems?
Aside from the anecdotal information, you may have read, the research is mixed. Witch hazel can indeed help skin when used as a short-term remedy, but long-term use is a problem, no matter your skin type or concern.
5 Reasons You Should Be Using a Witch Hazel Face, Toner
More times than not, Mother Nature has a solution for our skin concerns, and witch hazel is a prime example.
Derived from the bark and leaves of the witch hazel plant (technically called hamamelis), this botanically-based ingredient has long been used around the world as an effective traditional remedy for a wide array of concerns ranging from bruises and insect bites to myriad forms of skin irritation. So what about using witch hazel for acne?
This ingredient’s natural properties make a witch hazel face toner a no-brainer, especially for oily and acne-prone skin.
Often formulated with other ingredients like aloe vera or glycolic acid to enhance its skincare benefits, witch hazel does more than merely remove any dirt, oil, and debris your cleanser leaves behind. Here are five reasons why it’s a win-win for your skin.
Witch hazel is a natural astringent
By definition, an astringent is an agent that causes temporary constriction of body tissues, and this is a major plus for our pores. As anyone with oily skin knows, enlarged pores are often a side effect of excess oil production—and witch hazel helps shrink the appearance of pores on contact. A toner that provides astringent effects is a good thing, but it is best to use an alcohol-free witch hazel toner to remove excess oil (which can help prevent future breakouts) without exposing the skin to natural moisture.
Witch hazel is rich in antioxidants
Antioxidants are key for shielding the skin from damage caused by both internal and external factors, and witch hazel is bursting with these protective compounds. Rich in a particular type of polyphenol antioxidant called tannins that are known to attract the free radicals that damage your skin, witch hazel face toner helps you whisk them away more easily, and perhaps prevent the visible signs of aging they can cause.
Witch hazel is an amazing skin-soother
Witch hazel’s high levels of antioxidants also give it anti-inflammatory properties[ J-Stage Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin 1995; 18(1): 162-166 ] due to the tannin’s ability to neutralize free radicals. By soothing inflammation, witch hazel face toner reduces itching, redness, and irritation—which is why it is one of the top dermatologist recommendations for acne and eczema.
Witch hazel face toner was made for oily skin
Witch Hazel offers oil-absorbing properties and leaves the skin with a matte finish, and oily skin is what anyone wants. After cleansing, just a few swipes help to balance the pH of the skin, and the witch hazel provides the much-needed moisture without leaving any fat residue.
Witch hazel can be added to any anti-acne routine
If you use benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or sulfur to treat your acne, a witch hazel face toner can help care for your skin while using these ingredients—and it won’t make breakouts worse. In fact, witch hazel may actually make your skin better thanks to its soothing and moisturizing benefits.
Our Expert Selected 21 Witch Hazel Toner That’s Reviewed in 2020
- Thayers Alcohol-Free Unscented Witch Hazel Facial Toner
- Obagi Nu-Derm Toner
- Simple Kind to Skin Facial Toner, Soothing, 6.7 Fl Oz
- Glo Skin Beauty Renew Serum, 1 Fl Oz
- Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner, 100% Natural
11. https://www.amazon.com/Exfoliating-Anti-Aging-Alcohol-free-Simplified-Skin/dp/B081V4LJ7S/ref=
12. https://www.amazon.com/Bior%C3%A9-Deep-Cleansing-Strips-Count/dp/B0009EILKS/?tag=
13. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DQ8GZCO?tag=
14. https://www.amazon.com/Quinns-Alcohol-Free-Witch-Hazel-16oz/dp/B01D3ZZZFI?linkCode=
15. https://www.amazon.com/Rose-Leven-Moroccan-Rosewater-Hydrosol/dp/B016LC861A/ref=
16. https://www.amazon.com/Contains-Glycolic-Ingredients-Sensitive-Combination/dp/B016L9QJJY/ref=
17. https://www.amazon.com/InstaNatural-Vitamin-Facial-Toner-Moisturizers/dp/B00NLKAVL4/ref=
18. https://www.amazon.com/Witch-Hazel-Face-Toner-Hydrating/dp/B00OABVT1E/ref=
19. https://www.amazon.com/Witch-Hazel-Alcohol-Free-Unscented-Astringent/dp/B01M6TJFPX/ref=
20. https://www.amazon.com/boscia-Rosewater-Mist-Witch-Hazel/dp/B07GMSLD7Z
21. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D96ZBBW?tag=