Generally, witch hazel is used as a toner. That means that you'll want to apply it after using a cleanser to re-balance skin pH. After you've washed your face thoroughly, pat it dry with a soft cloth. Then apply your favorite formulation of Thayers Witch Hazel before adding a moisturizing cream or serum.
How does witch hazel tone skin? According to Nazarian, witch hazel contains something called tannins—which naturally offer astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. “So it's a toner that more deeply cleanses skin by removing surface oils and bacteria, but also a calming active ingredient,” she says.
The most convenient way to add witch hazel to your skin care routine is to use it as a toner: Wash and rinse your face with a gentle cleanser, then add a few drops of witch hazel to a cotton ball and apply it to your face, says Dr. Jaliman. (There's no need to rinse it.)
Using witch hazel as a facial toner is not recommended because of its potential to irritate and dehydrate skin. A well-formulated toner should deliver replenishing substances that keep skin hydrated while reinforcing its barrier— the opposite of what witch hazel does.
“Witch Hazel is best used 2-3 times a week, after cleansing, because it removes traces of cleanser, makeup, dirt, or oil.
Witch hazel toner is an effective treatment for the inflammation associated with acne. Astringent toners with a high tannin concentration can particularly benefit people whose skin is oily and prone to acne breakouts. It's simple to incorporate witch hazel toner into your daily skin care regimen.
By now we know that witch hazel can absorb excess oil and banish blemishes, but its acne-fighting benefits don't stop there. In fact, the calming, anti-inflammatory properties of witch hazel can help you reduce the size of pimples, which makes it a powerful acne treatment in its own right.
Overall, witch hazel is proven as safe for the skin. The caveat is that witch hazel, like anything else applied to your skin, may not work for everyone. If you're trying out witch hazel for the first time, it's a good idea to test it out in a small area of skin away from your face, such as the inside of your arm.
Though witch hazel may improve oily skin initially, Dr. Chwalek cautions that the ingredient could damage the barrier function of skin over time if used in excess. Also, she explains that one of the antioxidant components of witch hazel includes naturally occurring polyphenols, or tannins, which can over-dry the skin.
Rose water is, indeed, a natural toner. It comes from the Rosa damascena flower, commonly known as the Damask rose, and is created by distilling rose petals with steam. While it's become more popular in recent years, rose water has actually been used for centuries.
Follow up with moisturizer: It's best to pair witch hazel with a moisturizer to avoid over-drying your skin, says Dr. Schlessinger. Otherwise, you run the risk of triggering more acne. We recommend these dermatologist-approved moisturizers for oily, acne-prone skin.
A. 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.
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."
Witch hazel astringents are great types of acne caused by an overproduction of oil or sebum. Thayers witch hazel toners provide the same benefits, and are best suited for sensitive or dry skin to help replenish moisture with our unique Aloe Vera formula.
Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner
"This traditional toner has been used for decades and is a great option for people with oily or overly shiny skin," says Dr. Zeichner. It's also vegan and claims to be suitable for all skin types, despite its oil-wicking properties.
Originally toners were used to pH balance the skin after using a cleanser. Since you can easily get pH-balanced cleansers these days, toners are no longer necessary in a skincare regimen, says Dr.
Which is best, rosewater vs witch hazel? Both rosewater and witch hazel are commonly used ingredients in toner. Rosewater is a more gentle option, good for all skin types. Witch hazel tends to be a little more drying, and is better for oily skin.
Witch hazel acts as an astringent to help shrink your pores, soothe your skin and reduce inflammation.
What is the Best Time to use a Toner? One must use a toner on a regular basis, preferably on a daily basis. Most ideally, a toner should be applied twice a day, once after the cleansing process in the morning and the second time, during the night-time skin care routine after thorough removal of makeup.
Best Toner: Ole Henriksen Glow2OH Dark Spot Toner
This refreshing toner by Ole Henriksen uses two types of AHAs (glycolic and lactic acid) and licorice root to help fade dark spots and even out skin tone.
Shari Sperling says witch hazel can actually help with a number of skin ailments. Among the long list of benefits? Relieving inflammation and redness, calming eczema, acne and psoriasis, assisting in shrinking pores, and even reducing puffiness and brightening skin.