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.
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.
Since witch hazel can have a drying effect, Dr. Chwalek favors products that include moisturizing humectants, like glycerin, and other gentle ingredients, like rose extract and niacinamide, that can calm skin irritation and offset any irritation or dryness.
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.)
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.
When Should Witch Hazel Be Used in a Skincare Routine? 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.
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.
Mariana Vergara, NP-C, has no qualms over using witch hazel as a toner. “It is very safe for the skin,” she tells Bustle. “It cleans the skin and removes the excess oil without drying the skin. It is an astringent solution that tones and constricts the pores on the skin, removes makeup leftovers ...
Spread the witch hazel mask over your face and leave it on for 20 minutes. Rinse the mask off with cool water and pat your face dry.
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.
Witch hazel acts as an astringent to help shrink your pores, soothe your skin and reduce inflammation.
After toning/astringent, apply moisturizer and any other skin care products you have (acne treatment medications, anti-aging serums, eye creams, sunscreen and the like). It's best to apply moisturizer immediately, even if your face is slightly damp from your toner or astringent—doing so will help seal in moisture.
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."
Because witch hazel is so astringent, it can make acne worse. Dryness and irritation can affect the skin, along with increasing the chance of leaving post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) behind once the pimple heals.
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.
Yes, witch hazel is good and can provide excellent benefits to any skin type when used correctly as part of a daily routine. Witch Hazel is the hero ingredient in facial toners because it does an excellent job at removing excess sebum without being harsh enough to strip the skin of its natural oils.
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 is safe to use on your face daily, however, it also depends on how your skin reacts to it. If your skin feels dry and stretchy, use it every alternate day, those with oily skin can use it every day.
Some people successfully use witch hazel to treat their acne. Its anti-inflammatory properties calm the swelling and reduce acne on the skin. It is generally safe, but people should test witch hazel on a small patch of skin before applying it to larger areas. Excessive use of witch hazel can dry and irritate the skin.
Dr. Chwalek says that witch hazel can be safe for skin in limited amounts, but since it's sometimes distilled with alcohol, she says it can be overly drying if used too much. So, when shopping for a witch hazel product, be sure to check the label for problematic drying ingredients, like denatured alcohol.
“Toning is considered a prep step in our skin care regimen—it typically takes place after cleansing the skin with traditional cleanser and water, but before application of other active ingredients,” says Nazarian.
For the last three weeks, the witch hazel toner has been in my routine consistently — morning and night. After cleansing, I squirt some on to a cotton round and wipe over my face, followed by moisturizer.
An active form of Vitamin B3, Niacinamide works with Witch Hazel to soothe irritation & control excess oil production to prevent new acne and heal existing scars & blemishes.
Witch hazel has many benefits for skin, including relieving inflammation, tightening pores, and helping with razor bumps. It may also help reduce acne, since it can cleanse your skin of excess oil. However, witch hazel should not be used by people with dry or extremely sensitive skin since it can cause irritation.