Yes, witch hazel products help with acne. Using this type of toner can help reduce oil production and help constrict pores, in turn assisting in reducing the number of breakouts you experience. It also helps reduce skin inflammation in the case of existing breakouts.
Witch hazel acts as an astringent to help shrink your pores, soothe your skin and reduce inflammation.
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.)
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.
How often should you use witch hazel toner? 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.
Many of the commercial witch hazels are blended with ethanol (or a type of alcohol used in skin care and beauty products). Avoid these. "Look for witch hazel in its pure form and not mixed with ethanol, which is overly irritating and drying to the skin," says Rabach.
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.
Use salicylic acid.
To get the gunk out of your pores, you need the best gunk buster around—salicylic acid. "Gentile exfoliating cleansers of the salicylic acid variant are great because salicylic acid is a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) that cuts through sebum and breaks it down," says Dr. Gohara.
When applied to the skin, witch hazel-based toners have the potential to ease irritation, injury, and inflammation. Some of the most common uses include acne, inflammatory conditions, and sunburn.
“Witch Hazel is best used 2-3 times a week, after cleansing, because it removes traces of cleanser, makeup, dirt, or oil.
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.
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Toners can help close pores and tighten cell gaps after cleansing, reducing the penetration of impurities and environmental contaminants into the skin. It can even protect and remove chlorine and minerals present in tap water.
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.
Get an Extraction from a Professional
"Manual extraction is a physical modality to remove debris from pores, decongesting them, and making them look smaller," says Libby. Austin says he recommends extractions for those prone to acne. "This is a great treatment," he says.
Yes, we do recommend using it twice a day. The reason for this is that most of our top rated Witch Hazel Toner products include extra moisturizing elements, like certified organic aloe.
“Witch Hazel is best used 2-3 times a week, after cleansing, because it removes traces of cleanser, makeup, dirt, or oil.
If you use witch hazel in appropriate amounts, your risks are relatively minor. But if you take high doses by mouth, it may cause kidney or liver damage. Although witch hazel contains a known cancer-causing ingredient, there's likely no need for concern unless you regularly use high concentrations.
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.