But witch hazel won't directly treat the cause of acne or clogged pores. “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.
Also, don't immediately combine witch hazel with other potentially irritating ingredients—such as alpha hydroxy acids (aka, chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid)—until you see how your skin reacts. “You want to balance out your skin rather than attack it too strongly,” says Dr. Del Campo.
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.
Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Corey L. Hartman warns that, “though witch hazel may initially improve oily skin, when used for long periods of time it can damage the barrier of the skin. Also, one of the antioxidant components of witch hazel, tannins, can be overly drying when used in excess.
Witch hazel is best for people with oily, acne-prone skin. Its astringent and pore-tightening properties help fight the inflammation and overproduction of oil associated with acne. It can also help clear clogged pores – a primary cause of acne breakouts.
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.
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.
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. Plus, it acts as a great base for moisturizers and other serums.
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.
Does Witch Hazel Cause Skin Irritation? The witch hazel plant naturally contains eugenol, a potential skin irritant and allergen. Thayers unique maceration technique uses water only to create our witch hazel extract. This means the eugenol is virtually not present in the final product.
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.
But witch hazel won't directly treat the cause of acne or clogged pores. “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.
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.
Everything has a pH value between 0 (the most acidic) and 14 (the most alkaline). Water is considered neutral at 7, and our skin is naturally moderately acidic, with a pH between 4 and 5. Witch hazel has a pH between 3 and 4.
In general, Dr. Shamban says you can use your witch hazel toner anywhere from twice a week to every day, depending on how your skin responds. But when it comes to an alcohol-based astringent, don't overdo it.
This witch-hazel-containing toner is mixed with chemical exfoliants, like alpha and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), for a deep clean effect.
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.
NATURAL & EFFECTIVE. Blemishes begone! THAYERS Blemish Clearing Acne Treatment and Facial Toner is alcohol-free and leaves skin feeling renewed, soothed and hydrated. With maximum strength 2% salicylic acid, our formula helps clear acne blemishes, blackheads and whiteheads and helps prevent new ones from forming.
Thayers Blemish Clearing Toner is alcohol-free and leave skin feeling renewed, soothed and hydrated. Maximum strength 2% salicylic acid formula helps clear acne blemishes, blackheads and whiteheads and helps prevent new ones from forming.
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.
Salicylic acid works best on blackheads and whiteheads.
"Salicylic acid helps with the first cause by dissolving the type of skin debris that clogs pores and causes acne," he says. Therefore, salicylic acid is ideal for treating blackheads and whiteheads.