Though research is limited, witch hazel is believed to help treat the itching, redness, pain and swelling associated with hemorrhoids due to its anti-inflammatory effects ( 9 ). What's more, it has hemostatic properties, meaning that it may stop bleeding caused by hemorrhoids ( 10 ).
Some people apply witch hazel directly to the skin for itching, pain and swelling (inflammation), eye inflammation, skin injury, mucous membrane inflammation, vaginal dryness after menopause, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, bruises, insect bites, minor burns, acne, sensitive scalp, and other skin irritations.
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.
The most convenient way to add witch hazel to your skin care routine is to use it as a toner: Wash and rinse your face with a gentle cleanser, then add a few drops of witch hazel to a cotton ball and apply it to your face, says Dr. Jaliman. (There's no need to rinse it.)
When applied to the skin, witch hazel-based toners have the potential to ease irritation, injury, and inflammation. Some of the most common uses include acne, inflammatory conditions, and sunburn.
It's commonly thought that because witch hazel has “astringent” properties, it can “dry up” acne. However, acne isn't about skin being wet, so drying it with astringent ingredients won't help. In truth, the irritation caused by the witch hazel can make blemishes worse.
It can also help even out your skin tone. “Witch hazel is known to treat blemishes on the face and the entire body,” says Matles. “When applying witch hazel directly on bruises, it helps fade discoloration and speeds up the recovery process of underlying symptoms of the bruise and blemish.”
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.
Treat Minor Wounds
Another great use for witch hazel is as a natural disinfectant for cuts and scrapes. "Thanks to its antiseptic properties, it can be used topically to cleanse and soothe minor skin irritations without over-drying or aggravating the wound," Engelman says.
Follow up with moisturizer: It's best to pair witch hazel with a moisturizer to avoid over-drying your skin, says Dr. Schlessinger. Otherwise, you run the risk of triggering more acne. We recommend these dermatologist-approved moisturizers for oily, acne-prone skin.
for short- rubbing alcohol is very extremely hazardous to humans and bacteria, and is chemical based. Witch hazel has the unique ability to clean skin pores and dry up excessive oil without leaving skin too dry. ... The tannin content in witch hazel has strong astringent as well as antioxidant properties.
Alum: yes, rinse it off after it has been on your face for a moment or two. Witch-hazel: no, let it dry. (Same with other aftershaves.) Thayers occasionally has a sampler pack available.
The Bottom line: Witch hazel may be a great way to look younger right now, but long term, don't expect it to prevent wrinkles. You should also be wary of a cream that touts it as its miracle ingredient—once the shrinking effect wears off, your wrinkles will be more noticeable.
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