The reputation of witch hazel as a skin tonic is exaggerated. Witch hazel can be used to treat skin conditions such as oily skin, acne, eczema, and rosacea. It can also be used to reduce varicose veins and hemorrhoids.
Witch hazel has been used for thousands of years to treat skin conditions, but there is not much scientific evidence to support its use. If you want to try it, use it for a few days and see how it works for you. In this post, let’s discuss – “is witch hazel good for oily skin?”
What is Witch Hazel?
The witch hazel (Hammamelis virginiana) is a plant native to North America, Asia, and Europe. Witch hazel leaves, twigs, and bark are used to make witch hazel liquid. Witch hazel toner is also available.
Witch hazel has many beneficial properties, and one of them is that it has a lot of antioxidants. Witch hazel also has tannins, which are a group of chemical compounds that have been shown to have antioxidant properties.
The tannins in witch hazel can make your skin feel tight and dry, and they can also make it less pore-clogging. While that is good for the moment, it’s not good for the long term.
What Is Witch Hazel Used For?
Few skincare products are as well known as the Thayers facial toner. If you open a beauty supply store, you’re likely to find a bottle of this toner on the shelf. You may be surprised to learn that this toner has been used for many years to soothe irritated skin. The witch hazel in this toner is what makes it so effective.
Since witch hazel has anti-inflammatory and astringent effects on the skin, it can be used for many purposes. Dr. Jennifer Chwalek, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, says, “Witch hazel is a great toner for acne, eczema, and other skin irritations. It also has astringent and anti-inflammatory properties that can help with bug bites and diaper rash.
Witch hazel has been used for centuries to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2011 showed that witch hazel can reduce inflammation and redness after exposure to sunlight.
Why Do Some People Say It’s Bad For Your Skin?
Witch hazel is a plant that has a lot of tannin in it. Witch hazel has between 8 and 12 percent tannin.
Along with tannins, witch hazel is normally distilled with 14 percent to 15 percent denatured alcohol. The tannin in witch hazel is what makes it so irritating to the skin.
By the way, a 14 percent to 15 percent alcohol content may seem low, but research shows that even lower levels can damage the skin.
Witch hazel has a volatile oil that can be irritating to the skin, so it should be used with caution. The eugenol in witch hazel can irritate the skin and cause it to become dry and flaky. The best way to take care of your skin is to avoid witch hazel altogether.
Is Witch Hazel Good For Oily Skin?
Witch hazel is one of the most popular toners for those with oily skin. You can find it at your local health food store for a very reasonable price. However, witch hazel is not a great toner because it contains alcohol.
The alcohol in witch hazel can irritate the skin and cause redness and swelling. If you see this happening on your skin, it means that the alcohol is doing its job.
Witch hazel is a very effective treatment for oily skin, but it can also make it worse. You need to find out which products work best for your skin type.
Using mattifying and drying agents for oily skin are outdated approaches to skin care.
If you have oily skin, you may find that some of the products on the market can make your skin look and feel better, but in the long run, they can make your skin even greasier. It’s not surprising that many people with oily skin turn to these products in an attempt to make their skin look and feel better, but in the long run, they can do more harm than good.
What Is The Safe Way To Use Witch Hazel For Oily Skin
Too much alcohol in a toner can dry out the skin and make it more prone to breakouts, so be sure to use less than you think you need.
My favorite toner is from Thayers. They steam distill the witch hazel, and they don’t use alcohol.
Being an astringent, take caution. Astringents often over-dampen the skin and make it produce more oil.
Think of witch hazel as a quick fix, rather than a lasting one. A dab of this ingredient on a burn or an insect bite will ease the pain and itching. You can also use witch hazel to soothe sunburn.
If you have oily skin, you may find that using make-up can be a little tricky. If you do not want to use oil-based make-up, you can use alcohol-free products, such as those with hyaluronic acid or aloe vera.
What Are The Better Alternatives?
If your skin is prone to acne, you may want to consider using a product containing salicylic acid as a part of your daily skincare routine. One to two percent of salicylic acid can be a good starting point for your daily skincare routine.
SA can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as the appearance of blackheads and whiteheads. Salicylic acid is a great exfoliant because it can help to clear up spots and oily skin.
SA can also help to reduce the appearance of blemishes. Try using Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant or Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser.
Learn more about the ingredients that are good for oily skin.
Final Verdict – Is Witch Hazel Good For Oily Skin?
Keep in mind that just because a product is effective for a short time does not mean that it is also effective for a long period of time. Some of the products that claim to be good for your skin may actually do more harm than good.
To sum up, witch hazel has its place, but it’s not the skincare fix it’s often touted to be. So, the best thing to do to avoid irritation is to steer clear of witch hazel.
