7 Important Benefits od Witch Diamond for Your Skin, According To Dermatologists

Preferred for alleviating the appearance of pores and inflammation on the skin, witch hazel is an important herb used in various beauty products. “Its unique properties offer medicinal anti-inflammatory and antiviral qualities that are often used as a topical botanical in skincare,” says Joel Schlessinger, Omaha-based board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon. says.

Dr. “The leaves and bark of the plant are often made into tea and ointment,” says Monica Li. explains in the form.

Benefits of witch hazel for your skin

Witch hazel is believed to reduce inflammation and help soothe sensitive or irritated skin. “Limited studies have shown that in addition to improving the redness of the skin, it also provides relief for sensitive skin.” says. Dr. “It can provide relief from minor skin irritations as well as after shaving,” said Li. he explains.

Here are 7 key benefits of witch hazel that will make your skin look flawless:

1. It prevents signs of aging.

Los Angeles-based board-certified dermatologist Tsippora Shainhouse says the polyphenols it contains can help fight premature aging. “Theoretically, witch hazel can have antioxidant effects that help mitigate and prevent free radical damage from UV rays and oxidizing air pollution.” says dermatologist Shainhouse. In addition, its astringent properties can make your skin look firmer.

2. Tightens pores.

“Witch hazel is a rich source of astringent compounds that help the proteins inside skin cells come together,” says Deborah Longwill, a board certified dermatologist and founder of the Miami Dermatology Center. says. In this way, it makes your pores appear smaller.

3. Reduces inflammation.

Dr. Shainhouse; She says that the natural tannins contained in witch hazel can temporarily calm the appearance of red, irritated or blemished skin, making it a useful product to have on hand.

4. It removes excess oil.

Dr. Schlessinger says witch hazel is extremely rich in tannins that can help absorb excess oil by acting as a natural astringent on the skin. This is why it is so popular in tonics and mattifying products.

5. Reduces under-eye puffiness.

Dr. Longwill, “Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and firming properties, it can reduce puffiness and relieve the under-eye area, while at the same time providing a firming effect.” says.

6. Improves skin tone.

Dr. Longwill says witch hazel helps to create a more even skin tone as a result of its properties to improve the appearance of pores, reduce inflammation and tighten the skin.

7. Fights acne.

“In addition to being an astringent that reduces witch hazel oil and redness, the antimicrobial properties of tannins can prevent bacterial growth on the skin.” says NYC-based board-certified dermatologist Debra Jaliman. It also reduces the irritation that can occur when cracks occur.

How do you choose the best witch hazel for your skin?

Witch hazel is typically extracted with alcohol to create a firming tonic, but Dr. “If the alcohol content is too high for your skin, your skin may dry out or your skin’s barrier function may be impaired,” says Longwill. says. That’s why dermatologists recommend choosing an alcohol-free witch hazel product, especially if you plan to use witch hazel regularly in your skincare routine.

Dr. Longwill; When purchasing a product containing witch hazel, she recommends looking for products that also contain moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or aloe vera. Thus, the product does not cause excessive drying on the skin.

Read the label to avoid an adverse reaction and make sure it does not contain any ingredients that you are sensitive or directly allergic to. If you are not sure, test the product first on a small area of ​​the skin (eg on your arm) to see if it could cause an adverse reaction before using it on your face.

How can you use witch hazel in your skincare routine?

Witch hazel is a natural astringent, it activates skin cells and causes vasoconstriction of blood vessels. This reduces redness and inflammation. The most convenient way to add witch hazel to your skincare routine is to use it as a tonic. In a multi-step skincare routine or facial treatment, a tonic is a liquid product that is rubbed or sprayed on the skin with a cotton pad after the use of a cleanser, before serum and moisturizers.

Tonic is not the only place where witch hazel can appear. Because of its natural astringent properties that help cleanse the skin and reduce inflammation, it is used in a number of products formulated to remove blemishes, as well as in professional treatments (such as chemical peels) as a way to prep the skin.

Dr. Shainhouse says that too frequent use can cause adverse reactions that irritate the skin and make it more sensitive to topical products (for example, drying the skin and damaging the protective skin barrier).

Who should use witch hazel in their skincare routine?

As with any product, if you are considering adding witch hazel to your skincare routine, use it in a healthy dose and with caution. “Because it is commonly used in acidic formulations, witch hazel can cause irritation on sensitized or dry skin types,” says Barras. says. Take small steps when trying a new product to achieve optimal results.

Remember that witch hazel is a botanical source and can be a source of contact sensitivities and allergic dermatitis. Any naturally derived essence or oil can have the potential to be irritating, and everyone tolerates different ingredients differently.

“Before using any new skincare product, it would be wise to first apply it to a test point for a week to determine tolerance.” Dr Li said. says. Ideal candidates are those with healthy skin that is free from any acute anxiety or specific conditions. “As scientific studies on this are limited, avoid using skin care products containing witch hazel if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Skin care products containing witch hazel should only be used on intact skin with normal skin barrier function. ” says. Both experts emphasize that if you detect any adverse reactions such as a rash, you should stop using the product and contact a dermatologist for professional support as soon as possible.