Witch hazel is an astringent extracted from leaves and barks of Witch hazel shrub. A chemical found in witch hazel called tannins helps to break down excess oil; controlling sebum (oil) production is the main criteria in terminating acne cycle.
Because of anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant properties of witch hazel, many cosmetic products include it. After shave cream is the best example, witch hazel in this cream helps to tighten the skin, and many other medications include this astringent to slow down bleeding.
Not just acne you can cure many skin related diseases with witch hazel, which include minor burns, skin irritation, itching, inflammation and insect bites.
How Witch Hazel Works in Treating Acne
As mentioned above a chemical in witch hazel astringent called tannins helps to break down oil resulting is clearing clogged pores which were blocked with excess oil and dead skin cells.
Not just this, if any bacteria (P.acnes) comes in contact with witch hazel it kills them. Thus two main reasons of acne (excess oil production and bacteria) can be resolved by applying witch hazel.
Diseases including diarrhea, vomiting, cough, tuberculosis, cold, eye inflammation and bruises are said to be cured with witch hazel but not yet proved.
Directions to Apply Witch Hazel
Get witch hazel from a local store.
Dip a cotton ball in witch hazel to apply it on washed acne affected area. Leave it for few minutes and rinse it off, apply twice daily.
If you’re like me (I love natural remedies) then you can add honey, avocado or egg white to make it a face mask.
Witch Hazel Face Mask
Things you’ll need
- Witch hazel
- Honey
- Tea tree oil
- Rose water (optional)
Instructions
- Mix 1 tbsp of witch hazel, 1 tbsp of tea tree oil and 2 tbsp of honey in a bowl. Add rose water if you’ve dry skin.
- Once you mixed it thoroughly apply a light layer to acne affected area.
- Then rinse it off after 20 minutes.
You can try adding egg white, avocado, essential oil or sandal wood.
Side Effects
- Though it’s safe for many adults it may cause mild skin irritation in some people.
- Topically application has no high rate of side effects. But internal use is not safe.
- Witch hazel contains safrole, this is a cancer causing chemical. Anyway amount of it is too small to concern.
Do you use witch hazel as face mask? Share your mask ingredients here.