What is Witch Hazel Good For? A Godsend For Oily Skin

AcneLauren Petrullo
Witch hazel flowers with serum bottle
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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, derived from the Hamamelis virginiana plant, is a herbal remedy that has been utilized for centuries by Native Americans for its medicinal properties. With its small yellow flowers, this plant is native to North America and parts of East Asia. In contemporary times, witch hazel has gained popularity within the skincare and wellness communities as a natural alternative to chemical treatments. Extracts from the leaves, bark, and twigs of the witch hazel plant are frequently used in topical beauty products, boasting antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that may soothe irritated skin.

Witch hazel extract offers numerous benefits for skin health. It helps reduce inflammation, cleanse pores, tone skin, and even fights acne and dandruff when used consistently. These extracts are available in various forms such as tinctures, gels, lotions, and creams, providing an accessible natural option for those seeking gentler skincare solutions.

8 Witch hazel benefits for skin

Witch hazel has a rich history in traditional medicine and is increasingly recognized for its skin-healing properties. Below are the top 8 benefits of witch hazel that can elevate your skincare routine:

1. Reduces excess oil

Witch hazel contains tannins, polyphenols that act as natural astringents. When applied topically, these tannins bind to excess oils in the pores, helping to reduce sebum production. This can lead to less oily skin, making it particularly beneficial for those with oily skin and acne-prone conditions.

2. Clears acne-prone skin

The astringent properties of witch hazel work to reduce acne breakouts by helping draw out impurities from clogged pores, addressing blemishes and blackheads, which is why it's often incorporated into cleansers.

3. It has anti-inflammatory properties

For skin conditions, witch hazel proves beneficial in alleviating irritating conditions. The tannins and flavonoids present contribute to reduced inflammation while also offering antimicrobial properties, combating skin disorders like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. Its soothing qualities provide relief from skin irritation, enhancing overall skin comfort.

4. Witch hazel for sunburn

Witch hazel serves as a powerful herbal remedy for sunburn and skin irritations. The active compounds within the extract help alleviate symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling. By tightening skin pores and reducing inflammation, it mitigates further damage while providing soothing relief from pain caused by burns.

5. Treats bug bites

With its antiseptic properties, witch hazel serves as an effective herbal remedy for discomfort from bug bites. Acting as an astringent, it reduces inflammation, swelling, and irritation while simultaneously preventing further skin damage from scratching.

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

The active compounds in witch hazel, including tannins, gallic acids, and essential oils, form a protective barrier for your scalp, shielding it from environmental stressors like dryness and pollution. This barrier not only helps prevent clogged hair follicles but also contributes to easing the burning sensation often associated with a sensitive scalp.

7. Repairs skin cells

Witch hazel is a natural remedy for various skin issues, as its astringent properties aid in healing inflammatory conditions and minor wounds. Its rich antioxidant content, including tannins and polyphenols paired with Vitamin C, supports skin cell repair while protecting against environmental pollutants.

8. Can treat varicose veins

Historically, witch hazel has been used to treat varicose veins effectively. Its astringent qualities strengthen vein walls and reduce inflammation, alleviating associated swelling and pain. Moreover, its antioxidants promote cellular regeneration and may reduce the visibility of wrinkles around treated areas, providing added benefits for tired legs suffering from varicose veins.

When incorporating witch hazel into your skincare regimen, consider patch-testing to assess any skin reactions, especially if you have sensitive or dry skin. It's advisable to consult with a dermatologist if you have underlying skin conditions or concerns. Witch hazel's versatility as a holistic remedy extends beyond just skincare, making it a valuable addition to wellness routines. Stay informed about emerging research surrounding this botanical powerhouse and its expanding uses in health and beauty.

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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