Witch hazel flowers with serum bottle

If you have an oily complexion, then you’re probably no stranger to the skincare struggles it can bring. From excessive shine to clogged pores and breakouts; having overly greasy skin isn’t exactly a walk in the park. 

While there are many ways out there to manage this issue—like adjusting your diet or searching for oil-absorbing powders—did you know that witch hazel may be a miraculous solution? This natural remedy is not only one of the most versatile ingredients in any skincare routine, but also has medicinal properties that make it perfect for treating oily skin! 

So, do you wanna know what is witch hazel good for and learn how incorporating it into your daily regimen might turn those shiny days around forever? Keep reading

What does witch hazel do?

Witch hazel is an extract derived from Hamamelis virginiana, a plant that is native to North America and parts of East Asia. It produces small yellow flowers and is native to North America. Extracts from the leaves, bark, and twigs of the witch hazel plant are frequently used in topical beauty products, as they have antiseptic properties that may soothe irritated skin. 

Witch hazel extract has many benefits when used on the skin and can help reduce inflammation, cleanse pores, tone skin, and even fight acne or dandruff when used consistently. In addition to skincare products, they can be found in various forms like tinctures, gels, lotions, and creams. Those seeking a natural alternative to harsh chemical treatments could benefit from using witch hazel for beauty purposes.

Witch hazel benefits for skin

Witch hazel has long been used for medicinal purposes and is gaining traction for its skin-healing properties. Here are the X benefits of witch hazel that will help your skin go from “blah” to oh-so-amazing: 

1. Reduces excess oil

Witch hazel contains tannin, a polyphenol that works as an astringent when applied topically. Astringents bind to the excess oils in our pores, tightening them which then helps reduce the production of sebum - the greasy substance that can lead to acne and clogged pores. 

2. Clears acne-prone skin

The astringent action of witch hazel helps to reduce acne breakouts. Witch Hazel's ability to draw out impurities from clogged pores on the skin helps fight blemishes and blackheads, hence why it is often used as a cleanser. 

3. It has anti-inflammatory properties

If you were wondering for which skin disease is witch hazel good for, here’s the answer: irritating conditions! Tannins and flavonoids help reduce inflammation and contain antimicrobial properties to ward off bacteria, which can cause several skin disorders including eczema, acne, psoriasis, and dermatitis.  Additionally, it has soothing properties that offer relief from irritation

4. Witch hazel for sunburn

Witch hazel is an incredibly useful herbal remedy for sunburn and other types of skin irritation. The plant extract contains several active compounds that work together to help reduce symptoms of sunburn, such as itching, redness, and swelling. It acts as an astringent, which means that it can reduce inflammation and tighten skin pores to prevent further damage from the sun. Additionally, witch hazel can also help ease pain caused by the burn. 

5. Treats bug bites

Witch hazel is a natural, herbal remedy that can help relieve the discomfort associated with bug bites. Its antiseptic properties act as an astringent and reduce inflammation to decrease swelling and irritation. 

On the other hand, its anti-inflammatory properties can help stop itching and prevent further skin damage caused by scratching. In addition, witch hazel contains skin-conditioning properties which help the bite heal quicker. 

6. Helps with scalp burn out (burning scalp syndrome)

Witch hazel's active compounds tannins, gallic acids, polyphenols and essential oils also work together to protect your scalp from environmental damage by forming a protective barrier on the scalp surface. Besides providing protection from environmental factors like dryness or cold weather, this barrier prevents grease and dirt from getting trapped in the hair follicles and clogging them up. 

These benefits, combined with witch hazel’s soothing properties, can help ease the burning sensation on a sensitive scalp

7. Repairs skin cells

Witch hazel is a natural remedy for many skin problems, as its astringent properties can help inflammatory skin conditions and aid in the healing process of cuts, bruises, and other minor wounds. Its unique antioxidant content *you know it, tannins and polyphenols* makes it incredibly effective in repairing skin cells, combined with Vitamin C which provides protection from environmental pollutants that can further damage the skin. 

8. Can treat varicose veins

Witch hazel has long been used to treat varicose veins and has been proven effective in the process. The astringent in this ingredient strengthens the walls of veins and reduces inflammation. This means that it can reduce the swelling associated with varicose veins, making them less visible and painful. 

Additionally, the antioxidants present in witch hazel work to regenerate cells and even prevent wrinkles around the treated area. Not only that, but its anti-inflammatory properties also help to soothe tired legs as well as reducing fatigue, aches, and pains caused by varicose veins.

Is witch hazel good for all skin types?

Witch hazel is a natural astringent that has been used for hundreds of years as an effective treatment for skin conditions. It contains tannins and oils which help to reduce inflammation and may be helpful for acne-prone, oily and combination skin types. 

In the same way, it’s gentle enough to be used on sensitive and dry skin. However, it’s important that you do a patch test before including witch hazel since it may be too harsh for certain people and could lead to irritation if you’re allergic to it or if your skin can’t handle it. 

How to use witch hazel on face?

To use witch hazel on your face, simply add some to a soft cotton ball or pad and wipe away any impurities, oils, and dirt. This will help clear built-up gunk, while tightening pores. However, here is the warning: using pure, unformulated witch hazel can result in a lot of irritation, itching, and even burning. That’s why it’s recommended to find skincare products with witch hazel instead. 

Unlike DIY witch hazel recipes, formulated products contain concentrated doses of this beneficial compound at safe levels designed for topical use. Formulated skincare also combines other active ingredients to target specific skin conditions, making them much more effective than homemade recipes that become ineffective after a week or two. Ultimately, using formulated goodies guarantees that you get the best possible benefit without worrying of any potential skin reactions or expired ingredients used in DIY recipes. 

Is witch hazel a good toner?

Witch hazel is increasingly becoming a popular choice for toners these days due to its ability to help reduce skin inflammation and redness, as well as tighten pores, decrease oiliness, and lock in skin moisture. Due to its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, witch hazel is also known to help fight skin blemishes such as pimples and acne. That’s why applying witch hazel toners is so good for skin! 

Nonetheless, it should be noted that the level of astringency can vary depending on the concentration of witch hazel in the formulation; so be sure to read product labels carefully!

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 Witch hazel side effects you should be aware off

While witch hazel can be good for some skin issues, it may cause adverse side effects in some people when applied to the face. These effects can vary, but include redness and irritation, dry and flaky skin, or even burning sensations. 

Though witch hazel is amazing for soothing, some people who suffer from eczema, sensitive skin, and rosacea can still experience these adverse effects from using witch hazel on the face. That’s why it is important to test any new product on a small patch of skin before applying to the entire face. In the same way, people should avoid harsh ingredients like retinol and alcohol, since they can further damage the skin when mixed with witch hazel

Where to find witch hazel products

If you have acne-prone, combination, or oily skin and, after discovering the benefits of witch hazel for skin, you’re dying to prove its magic, you’ve come to the right place! 

In Asian Beauty Essentials we’ve curated a list of our top must-have witch hazel goodies to reduce oil excess, treat inflammation and disappear acne for good. Visit our witch hazel skincare collection and get your hands on your fave product before it goes away. 

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