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