While certain types of acne (such as cysts and pustules) are inflammatory, witch hazel may possible benefit noninflammatory acne (blackheads and whiteheads) too. The idea behind witch hazel for acne treatment is that it can act as an astringent by drying out your acne blemishes, much like other OTC treatments.
Salicylic acid is the preferred ingredient for treating blackheads and whiteheads because it breaks down the materials that clog pores: excess oil. dead skin cells.
Use Products With Salicylic Acid
One go-to ingredient for eliminating blackheads is salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid that increases cell turnover and unclogs pores, says Saedi. Suozzi adds that the acne treatment can help dry active acne lesions because it is a mild chemical irritant.
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 acts as an astringent to help shrink your pores, soothe your skin and reduce inflammation.
There isn't anything out there that's going to shrink pores instantly, but you can cleanse your pores to remove any dirt that can be making them more noticeable. You can cover your face with makeup to get a temporary impact, but oftentimes this will only clog your pores even more.
“For that, proven ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are the gold-standard and have years of research behind them. In fact, witch hazel can actually make blemishes worse in the long-term by causing irritation,” says Begoun. Witch hazel won't improve the texture and tone of your skin, either.
Yes, witch hazel is definitely safe enough to apply directly to your skin. In fact, that's the only way to use it! Our Thayers Witch Hazel Toner is formulated with certified organic aloe vera and glycerin to help keep your skin moisturized and feeling soft.
Via Refinery29, Elizabeth Tanzi, M.D., agrees that after the clay mask brings all the junk to the surface, physical massage can "indeed dislodge clogged pores and whatever's inside them."
Your pores can become clogged for a number of reasons – excess oil resulting from hormonal changes, dry skin, a buildup of dead skin cells, or dirt and oil becoming stuck beneath the surface.
A person who produces too much sebum may be more likely to develop clogged pores. Stress, genetics, hormonal changes, and humidity can cause the overproduction of sebum. Nose pores can also become clogged with substances such as makeup or sunscreen.
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 is a very popular astringent that can be used to treat anything from bug bites to first aid because of its antiseptic properties, says Dendy Engelman, MD, board-certified dermatologist. "It also helps reduce inflammation.
The esthetician will prepare your skin with light steam. This softens the plugs of debris and expands pore openings so the clogged material come out more easily. They may then exfoliate your skin. This also helps prepare the pores for easier extracting.
It tightens pores
Those who have oily skin and large pores can benefit from apple cider vinegar. The substance contains alpha-hydroxy acids (organic acids that improve cell turnover and reduce the appearance of wrinkles), which can shrink and tighten pores.
Vaseline itself won't shrink your pores or treat wrinkles, but keeping your skin moisturized is an essential preventative measure to slow the signs of aging on your skin.