That sounds great, but can witch hazel ever make acne worse? Unfortunately, yes. If used too much, witch hazel can dry out your skin and lead to adverse acne effects.
That doesn't mean it's a cure-all for acne though
Because witch hazel is so astringent, it can make acne worse. Dryness and irritation can affect the skin, along with increasing the chance of leaving post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) behind once the pimple heals.
Aside from the key substance (tannins), many witch hazel products contain alcohol ingredients (like ethanol) that over-dry the skin and sometimes do more harm than good. Some variations can have up to 15 percent alcohol, which might be irritating to certain skin types like people with dry, acne-prone or sensitive skin.
Witch hazel acts as an astringent to help shrink your pores, soothe your skin and reduce inflammation.
“Witch Hazel is best used 2-3 times a week, after cleansing, because it removes traces of cleanser, makeup, dirt, or oil.
Do a spot test first to see how your skin reacts.
Wait 5 to 10 minutes to see if your skin reacts. Witch hazel usually works best for oily skin because witch hazel is an astringent. If your skin reacts, you may notice red, irritated skin or a rash develop.
Is witch hazel good for acne? Yes, research suggests that the anti-inflammatory and astringent properties in witch hazel can minimize acne breakouts. The anti-inflammatory properties calm the skin, while the astringent properties reduce excess oil on the skin that can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.
Witch hazel, when used regularly can diminish dark spots and blemishes, thereby improving and correcting skin tone. You can add a few drops of witch hazel to your cleanser and use the mixture to wash your face.
Thayers witch hazel astringent products help fight acne and cleanse the skin by reducing oil and bacteria without drying out the skin's natural moisture barrier. Witch hazel astringents are great types of acne caused by an overproduction of oil or sebum.
Salicylic acid can be helpful for all types of acne.” Salicylic acid is a go-to OTC ingredient for acne since it dissolves the dead skin cells in clogged pores, helping treat existing acne and prevent future breakouts.
Dermatologists give the toner their seal of approval
"Witch hazel is a botanical ingredient used in skin care for its astringent effects on the skin," he said. "It can effectively remove oil from the skin to improve shine and minimize the appearance of pores, and may help soothe inflammation."
The anti-inflammatory properties reduce redness and decrease inflammation, while soothing irritated skin. Studies also show that rosewater may kill the bacteria associated with acne to keep your face balanced.
Witch hazel has many benefits for skin, including relieving inflammation, tightening pores, and helping with razor bumps. It may also help reduce acne, since it can cleanse your skin of excess oil.
Should I Use Witch Hazel as a Toner? Absolutely! Witch hazel makes a fantastic toner. In fact, it is one of the best ways to remove dirt, grime, and excess traces of makeup at the end of the day to keep your skin looking clear and beautiful.
Witch hazel is LIKELY SAFE for most adults when applied directly to the skin. In some people, it might cause minor skin irritation. Witch hazel is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults when small doses are taken by mouth. In some people, witch hazel might cause stomach upset when taken by mouth.
Don't use rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on wounds or to control oily skin or acne breakouts. They're not effective and they can damage your skin, making the problem worse. Just use soap and water to clean a wound, and for acne, use an over-the-counter product with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
Studies show that allergic reactions to witch hazel are rare. 1 Healthcare providers consider witch hazel safe when applied to the skin, but not when swallowed. Ingesting witch hazel can cause problems like nausea, vomiting, and liver damage.
Witch hazel's gentle yet effective benefits allow it to be used daily on most skin types. For deep blackheads, especially on the nose, use a retinol or a prescription retinoid at night along with the toner to help re-layer the pore walls from the inside out.
When it comes to witch hazel, moderation is key—otherwise, you run the risk of voiding the potential benefits. Using too much too often can cause adverse reactions (such as drying out the skin and damaging the protective skin barrier) that leave skin irritated and more sensitive to topical products, says Dr.
Thayers Lavender Facial Toner has a specialized formula that includes lavender water that's known to help calm skin, soothe acne, and minimize redness and irritation. It is super gentle and ideal for use on all skin types, including as a toner for oily skin.