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12 Benefits and Uses for Witch Hazel

By now, you have probably already heard about witch hazel. This ingredient with the interesting name is beloved in the beauty industry for its many benefits and uses. It’s hailed by many as almost a miracle ingredient, considering all of the ways in which it can help skin. However, it still also has its uses beyond skincare.

In today’s article, we will be talking about all of the witch hazel extract uses and the witch hazel toner benefits. Our aim is to tell you all of the ways this wondrous extract can help you, both when it comes to skincare and otherwise. If you’re ready, we’re here to discuss twelve benefits and uses for witch toner – so let’s get started!

What is Witch Hazel?

Witch hazel is an extract that is used as a toner or a topical treatment. It’s a plant that is extracted into an astringent form that offers a myriad of powerful medicinal uses. Witch hazel has a number of different species, but the most popular one is Hamamelis Virginiana, a shrub that is found endemic in North America. This is the type that is most commonly used in the US in folk medicine. The bark, as well as the leaves, are made into ointments and teas. And then, of course, it’s turned into the toner we all know and love today.

When applied to the scalp and the skin, this extract is most known for its ability to reduce inflammation and to soothe any skin irritations. It’s also beneficial to sensitive skin. This is why it’s available in many different forms – as a toner, as a witch hazel spray, or even as witch hazel pads for your convenience.

Now that we know what witch hazel is, it’s time to talk about the benefits of witch hazel for topical use!

Uses and Benefits of Witch Hazel

This extract is available in its many different forms online. You can order it easily off the big retailers or through smaller websites. If you’re wondering where to find witch hazel in store, it’s actually pretty available pretty much everywhere – you can find it in drugstores and department stores. It’s also likely available in health stores and beauty boutiques like Sephora. You can also check out a wide variety of Witch Hazel products on Amazon. With all of that said, here are 12 different ways witch hazel extract can help you:

Relief from Inflammation

If you’re suffering from some inflammation on your skin, witch hazel can help. Inflammation can be caused by things like a pimple or a painful bug bite, for example. When applied to the skin, the extract works to soothe the surrounding area, lessening the inflammation naturally. This is why witch hazel toner for acne is a thing – many have found success in using this product to ease their skin’s swelling.

In some cases, you can soak a cotton pad with toner and place it on top of a zit that is still under the skin. This can sometimes be effective in stopping the zit in its tracks.

Acne, Eczema, Psoriasis

Because witch hazel is so helpful against inflammation, it is often used as a treatment (or as a supplementary treatment) against skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Applied topically, this extract will soothe skin.

Helps Irritated Skin

If you have irritated or broken skin, or even if you just have sensitive skin, this extract can help. For this situation we recommend pure witch hazel no alcohol should be included. This extract has been shown to help with reducing skin redness (caused by irritation or injury) by as much as 27%. Thus, if you also have red skin due to a skin reaction, you might find some success with this extract as that’s one of the many witch hazel toner benefits.

Hemorrhoids

The fact is, witch hazel isn’t just for your face – witch hazel good for hemorrhoids does exist out there too. This will often come in pad form so that it can be gently applied to the area to soothe any pain and inflammation.

Helps Sensitive Scalps

If you have a sensitive scalp for one reason or another, this extract can be quite helpful. Applying it before you wash your hair can help to alleviate the sensitivity. It may also be helpful in providing relief against any symptoms that you might be feeling. If you’d rather use a shampoo infused with witch hazel, that works well too.

Protects Your Skin

The plant witch hazel is quite rich in what is called tannins, which help to protect your skin due to its powerful antioxidants. Applying WH to your skin forms a protective barrier against substances that may cause inflammation.

Helps to Disinfect Cuts and Scrapes

If you scrape or cut yourself, witch hazel works as a fantastic disinfectant in a pinch. Add to that its benefits as an anti-inflammatory, and you’ve got a winner in the first aid kit. Just make sure you use alcohol-free variants!

Can Ward Off Certain Infections

Certain studies have indicated that WH can be beneficial in fighting off some infections. Some studies have found that witch hazel helps to protect against HPV and influenza A. Another study has even shown that it can help to fight off herpes simplex 1, the virus responsible for cold sores. Know, however, that human studies still need to be more thoroughly explored – so until actual results are published, take other precautions.

Great for Oily Skin

This extract is a natural cleanser for the face, fantastic for oily skin. Use once or twice daily. Need we say more?

Helps to Heal Small Wounds and Cold Sores

Due to the nature of this extract, it’s fantastic for helping to heal minor wounds as well as cold sores. Use an alcohol-free version and dab some on your skin throughout the day for extra relief.

Soothing Razor Burns

If your skin is irritated after shaving, you’d be happy to know that an alcohol-free witch hazel toner can be incredibly helpful. It can help to reduce irritation, bumps, and redness – a win-win all around!

Bonus: Clean… Well, Everything!

This one is a bit of a bonus, not related to skin use. You can use witch hazel as a cleaning agent; it’s all-purpose which makes it even better. Combine extract with some lemon juice and water, and you’ve got an all natural cleanser that works on glass, metal, jewelry, and tile!

Final Thoughts on Witch Hazel

Witch Hazel is a wondrous discovery that has since then made it to many medicine cabinets and dressers worldwide. If you haven’t tried it yet, you should – you might just find your new favorite holy grail!

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