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.
Some people apply witch hazel directly to the skin for itching, pain and swelling (inflammation), eyeinflammation, skin injury, mucous membrane inflammation, vaginal dryness after menopause, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, bruises, insect bites, minor burns, acne, sensitive scalp, and other skin irritations.
DIY Body Acne-Banishing Toner Spray
In a 4 oz spray bottle, combine the witch hazel, rose water, and tea tree oil. (A small funnel helps immensely!) Shake to combine, and shake before each use. Spray onto affected areas after showering, and use a cotton pad to remove any excess wetness (optional).
Does Witch Hazel Help Cystic Acne? Cystic acne is the inflammatory stage of acne development. Witch hazel contains a combination of natural anti-inflammatory compounds that are efficient in reducing acne lesions. Therefore witch hazel containing moisturizers are good to use during cystic acne.
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 for Oily Skin
Witch hazel can remove oil from the skin, but that's due to the denatured alcohol (ethanol) it contains. As we mentioned above, most of the witch hazel preparations contain between 14% and 15% alcohol, an amount that can significantly irritate skin.
However, it is safe to say that most dermatologists recommend witch hazel, but there are a few caveats to this answer. Those that understand the beneficial properties of adding this product to your skincare routine insist that the brand you choose must be alcohol-free.
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.
Alternatives to Rubbing Alcohol
Witch hazel, derived from flowering plants in the Hamamelidaceae family, is a great natural alternative to rubbing alcohol. It is an effective astringent, can prevent dehydration, and even reduce the swelling and irritation of inflamed skin.
Doctors say back acne can be treated with salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide.
Epsom salt bath for body acne
Try pouring one cup of Epsom salt into a warm bath and soak for 20 minutes. Rinse off with mild soap and warm water.
Luckily, witch hazel's astringent properties make it great for soothing inflammation of the skin and mucus membranes. You can use a witch-hazel-medicated pad on the area, or you can put ½ a cup of witch hazel in your bath.
Witch hazel soothes irritation and itchiness.
Witch hazel can relieve itchiness, including minor skin irritations from insect bites, eczema, psoriasis, diaper rash, and hemorrhoids. You can also use witch hazel to treat scalp itchiness and irritation.
Witch hazel acts as an astringent to help shrink your pores, soothe your skin and reduce inflammation.
Witch hazel treats greasy roots in-between washes
This is because it's an astringent – which means it works to tighten pores and dry out the oil that scalp-sweat produces. This makes it a great option for those who don't wash their hair everyday (especially if you play a lot of sport or work out regularly).
Let the rounds sit on your skin for 3 to 5 minutes and remove them. The witch hazel should tighten your skin and reduce the puffiness.
We feature witch hazel in products like Exposed Skincare's Clearing Tonic or Body Wash along with other, proven acne-fighting ingredients. Both the Clearing Tonic and Body Wash also contain salicylic acid, a mild astringent that has proven especially effective with blackheads and whiteheads.
When used topically, tea tree oil is generally safe and might be helpful in treating acne and other superficial skin infections. Avoid oral use of tea tree oil, which is toxic when swallowed.
“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.
For treating acne on oily skin, people can use toners with salicylic acid or glycolic acid instead of witch hazel. These ingredients help exfoliate the skin and remove dirt and dead skin cells. Those with drier skin may want to consider using products with glycerin or hyaluronic acid instead of witch hazel.
Can I use witch hazel on my face every day? A. Yes, witch hazel can be used as a natural toner, cleanser or moisturiser in your daily skincare routine. It can be used after the cleanser as a toner to target skin problems like acne, enlarged pores, redness, under-eye puffiness and more.