9 Skin Benefits and Uses of Witch Hazel
This post is sponsored by Bioré, but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.
Witch hazel is a multi-purpose remedy extracted from the leaves, bark, and twigs of shrub, Hamamelis virginiana. It’s no wonder the Native American used witch hazel for several medical treatments many, many years ago. If you’re not too aware of the uses of witch hazel, here are 9 skin benefits and uses of witch hazel.
9 Skin Benefits and Uses of Witch Hazel
Tightens pores
Since witch hazel is a powerful astringent, it can temporarily shrink pores and constrict capillaries near the skin’s surface. Now, don’t expect magic—nothing can permanently shrink your pores.
Treats Acne
Since witch hazel contains powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, it may help treat acne. Moreover, this potent astringent also helps calm blemishes and loosen blackheads.
Heals minor cuts and bruises
Witch hazel is an effective way to slow down or stop bleeding from minor cuts since it tightens the skin and contracts blood vessels.
Relieves itching, swelling, and irritation
Thanks to witch hazel anti-inflammatory properties, it’s a natural way to help reduce itching, swelling, and irritation on insect bites, poison ivy, and razor burns. Witch hazel can even temporarily reduce under bags.
Helps with irritated scalp
Witch hazel is an anti-fungal that is claimed to help sooth a flaking and dry scalp caused by dermatitis and dandruff.
Sunburn
Not only can witch hazel help soothe and cool a sunburn, studies have shown that witch hazel’s antioxidant properties can actually help protect against sunburn and aging.
Bioré Witch Hazel Ultra Deep Cleansing Pore Strips
and Clarifying Toner
Since witch hazel contains impressive properties, I love using skincare products infused with witch hazel. I’ve been recently loving Bioré Witch Hazel Ultra Deep Cleansing Pore Strips and Clarifying Toner since they make my skin feel so refreshed (and they are super affordable!). The witch hazel in these products help tighten pores, cleanse, and heal skin.
Bioré Ultra Deep Cleansing Pore Strips
The Ultra Deep Cleansing Pore Strips are super to use and really help get the gunk out of the pores (which is so satisfying!). I have always been a fan of Bioré pore strips—and the witch hazel ones are no different! Though, I personally think these strips are a step up from the original one because the witch hazel tightens the pores on the nose (which we all know is where our pores are the most apparent).These pore strips are available at Walmart just under $6.
Bioré Witch Hazel Clarifying Toner
This light-weight witch hazel clarifying toner helps remove any residue a cleanser may have missed and contains salicylic acid (one of my favorite skincare ingredients) to dissolve dead skin, control oil, and help prevent future breakouts. This toner is available at Walmart just under $7.
References:
https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/Witch%20Hazel.pdf
Witch Hazel: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage, and Warning.” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-227/witch-hazel
Thring, Tamsyn Sa et al. “Antioxidant and potential anti-inflammatory activity of extracts and formulations of white tea, rose, and witch hazel on primary human dermal fibroblast cells” Journal of inflammation (London, England) vol. 8,1 27. 13 Oct. 2011, doi:10.1186/1476-9255-8-27
I had no idea that witch hazel was good on sunburn. Totally something I’ll have to keep in mind for the future!
I didn’t always know that either 🙂
I’ve used witch hazel for years to minimize the look of my pores. I always like to find new forms of it. Glad to see Biore has added a new one to try from the drugstore!
Do you feel like the witch hazel made a difference? I’m glad as well 🙂
I’ve heard of witch hazel before, but haven’t ever tried it. We always go to Florida for a few weeks in the summer and at least one person ends up burned so I’ll have to try this next time.
Yeah definitely try it 🙂
I love using Witch Hazel in my skincare routine! Thank you for outlining all the good things about it!!
You’re welcome, thanks for taking the time to read my post 🙂
I had no idea that witch hazel had so many benefits. I love that this toner helps to control oil and prevent breakouts. Need to go and find this.
A lot of people are not aware! It’s available at Walmart 🙂
Honestly I wasn’t even aware of witch hazel……. This was a great post for me. I would love to try the stripes
If you end up trying them, let me know how you like them 🙂
Ooh I love Biore products – and these witch hazel ones look so good!
They are!! 🙂
I love Witch Hazel for acne but didn’t know there were so many other uses. It’s awesome!
It really is 🙂 Do you find witch hazel helpful for acne?
Oh wow this goes to show, I had no idea. Wow so many benefits witch Hazel has for sure xx
I am not the biggest witch hazel fan but I know for some it can really be helpful!
It’s not for everyone 🙂 & wonderful!
This is the first time I hear about witch hazel. I don’t think we have this though in the Philippines.
I believe they do 🙂
I live Biore products! I haven’t really used witch hazel in my skin care routine. It looks great!
Ooooo first time I have ever heard of WITCH HAZEL!!!! Sounds like something I need to bring into my skincare routine!
I think you would love it as long as you don’t have really sensitive skin 🙂
Witch Hazel is amazing for the skin. I love these Bioré products.
Xx, Nailil