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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
Witch Hazel: One of the most natural alternatives to salicylic acid, witch hazel works as an astringent. With witch hazel, you can both tighten your skin and decrease inflammation.
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.
Coconut Water. Looking for the best toner for acne? Thayers Coconut Water Toner features all of the benefits of witch hazel, plus added coconut water that is known to deeply hydrate and calm redness.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It's thought to calm redness, swelling, and inflammation. It may even help to prevent and reduce acne scars, leaving you with smooth, clear skin. How to use: Dilute 3 drops of tea tree oil into 2 ounces of witch hazel. Use it as a toner throughout the day.
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.
But to prevent your skin from drying out or becoming irritated, both dermatologists recommend using witch hazel that comes in an oily vehicle and is alcohol free. Gross adds, "It's important to remember that any type of over-cleansing puts people at risk for the hazards of over-drying the skin, including breakouts.
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.
Do a spot test first to see how your skin reacts.
Wait 5 to 10 minutes to see if your skin reacts. Witch hazel usually works best for oily skin because witch hazel is an astringent. If your skin reacts, you may notice red, irritated skin or a rash develop.
“Witch Hazel is best used 2-3 times a week, after cleansing, because it removes traces of cleanser, makeup, dirt, or oil.
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.