What Does Witch Hazel Do For Skin?

Don’t let its bewitching name fool you, there’s nothing mythical or enchanting about witch hazel. Though for some, witch hazel is a magical essence with the sorcery to soothe skin. Witch hazel is nothing new, and was in fact used by our ancestors for its natural healing powers dating back centuries.

Whether it’s fighting bacteria, soothing sensitive skin, or removing excess oil, there are a multitude of uses for witch hazel, and it doesn’t stop there. It’s no wonder our grandmother’s grandmother likely had witch hazel on her vanity. So grab your broom sticks, Moody Mystics, and follow us on this journey as we explore all that witch hazel has to offer.

What is witch hazel?

Derived from a shrub native to North America, witch hazel is a plant extract with skin-healing properties. An organically-sourced secret ingredient, witch hazel is commonly used as an astringent. Both the bark and leaves of the witch hazel plant have been found to possess such soothing properties, which is why you’ll often spot it in skin care products. Witch hazel can be found in many forms. From face wipes to skin-balancing balms and everything in between—there’s no shortage of options when it comes to working witch hazel into your regular routine.

Because witch hazel products often contain alcohol, be sure to browse the label before buying. If you have sensitive, dry, or eczema-prone skin, it’s best to avoid alcohol, which may exacerbate these concerns.

What are the skin benefits of witch hazel?

Witch hazel serves a number of purposes when it comes to caring for your skin. It’s no wonder it’s been used as a natural remedy for centuries. If you prefer your skincare stripped down and acquired directly from Mother Earth herself, there’s no better way than with witch hazel. Without further delay, here are just a handful of the benefits witch hazel can deliver.

Reduces inflammation

Your skin can experience inflammation for a number of reasons, most of them not serious. Prolonged sun exposure, dietary sensitivities, and acne are some of the most common causes of skin inflammation. Witch hazel can be useful in calming inflammation, and reducing redness so you can comfortably go about your day.

Soothes skin sensitivities

Insect bites, exposure to poisonous plant life, or an unexpected allergy may cause sensitive skin. Fortunately, witch hazel can provide immediate relief from the redness, itchiness, and general irritation that are inevitable to follow. Ease your discomfort with just a few drops of this extract.

Helps prevent breakouts

Witch hazel rids your face of bacteria, shrinks your pores, and dries out blemishes till they simply fade away. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, witch hazel also reduces redness so you don’t have to cake on the concealer to cover up any surprise breakouts.

Removes excess oil

Individuals with oily skin can benefit greatly from using witch hazel immediately after cleansing their face. Because witch hazel acts as an astringent, it quickly removes any leftover dirt, oil, or makeup that your cleanser might’ve missed.

Protects skin from everyday damage

Witch hazel contains a little-known compound called tannins that’s rich in antioxidants. When applied topically, these antioxidants act as a shield to protect your skin from pollution, sun exposure, and other airborne impurities.

Is witch hazel good for skin?

At this point, we hope the answer to this question is obvious—witch hazel is absolutely good for your skin. You’ll find the most skin benefits of witch hazel when used for normal, acne prone, oily or combination skin types. If you have large pores witch hazel can help reduce your pore size, calm blemish redness and frequency and help control oil.

However, just because it will do the most for those with oily, acne prone or combination skin types, does not mean that it doesn’t have benefits for other skin types. Witch Hazel is a very mild and gentle toning ingredient, all natural and extremely effective. Even for those with dry or sensitive skin witch hazel can provide soothing and balancing skin benefits. As with any new product, test it first on a small patch of skin before applying too liberally to your face.

How to Use Witch Hazel in Skincare

Witch Hazel can be incorporated into any skin care products to provide you with amazing skin benefits. While it’s most likely found in skincare for oily, acne prone or combination skin types it’s used in many facial care products because it is so gentle and effective.

Here are the best selling witch hazel infused products in the Moody Health & Beauty store: