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What is Witch Hazel?
Witch Hazel is a shrub that is native to North America. It has been used by Native Americans for centuries to treat a variety of skin ailments.
You can now find Witch Hazel at your local drugstore (or refill store!) and even as an ingredient in certain over-the-counter products for bug bites & hemorrhoids, and skincare products.
Here are a list of skincare benefits and uses of this natural product. Please remember, however, that the same products don't always work for everyone. Consult with your dermatologist if you have questions, and we always recommend to sample a new skincare product on a small area of your skin, first, to make sure you don't have an adverse reaction.
Skincare Benefits & Uses of Witch Hazel
1. As a natural facial cleanser to cleanse oily skin. Because of witch hazel's antiseptic & anti-inflammatory properties, it can be used as a facial cleanser.
2. As a facial toner. Dab witch hazel with a cotton round to tone the skin. No need to wash off.
3. Reduce inflammation and soothe the skin. Witch Hazel contains gallic acid & tannins which are anti-inflammatory and can help to effectively reduce inflammation and soothe your skin.
4. Reduce skin redness from irritation. Witch hazel has been shown to suppress erythema — a reddening of the skin caused by injury or irritation — by up to 27%.
5. Fight acne. Witch Hazel can help to fight acne by acting as an astringent to help shrink your pores, while also reducing inflammation.
6. Alleviate scalp sensitivity. Using a bit of witch hazel on your scalp before shampooing your hair may help to treat scalp sensitivity and provide relief from symptoms such as itching. (source)
7. Protect against skin damage. Witch hazel contains antioxidants such as tannins which act as a barrier, preventing harmful inflammation-causing substances and free-radicals from entering your skin cells.
8. Treat cold sores. Witch hazel may have antiviral properties that can be useful for helping to fight cold sores.
9. Treat minor wounds. Because of its natural antiseptic properties, witch hazel is useful for treating minor cuts and scrapes.
10. Heal bug bites. Witch hazel helps to soothe itchiness, redness & irritation caused by bug bites.
11. Minimize stretch marks and scars. Witch hazel might help to support healthy collagen fibers which can help to tighten the skin, minimizing the appearance of stretch marks & scars.
12. Soothe razor burn. Because of it's anti-inflammatory properties, alcohol-free witch hazel can help soothe irritating razor burn. (the alcohol-free part is key here.)
13. Remove makeup. Apply witch hazel to a cotton pad or round and use it to gently remove makeup at the end of the day.
Final note:
Please keep in mind that witch hazel is acidic and may irritate sensitive skin with overuse. Only use witch hazel topically, and it is best to use it in its pure, alcohol-free form - which we sell in our refill section here at Protea!
If you've never tried it before, remember to try witch hazel on a small patch of skin first, to make sure you don't have an allergy or adverse reaction.
For a full list of all of the refillable products available at Protea Zero Waste Store - click here!