Is witch hazel good for skin? A look into its benefits and uses

You might have heard about many uses of witch hazel, but is witch hazel good for skin?

Witch hazel has an overstated perception as the answer to an unending range of issues. It's supposed to treat everything on the skin when applied, including acne, greasy skin, puffy eyes and sunburn. Witch hazel is supposed to diminish hemorrhoids and varicose veins in the body, but how useful is witch hazel in treating skin issues and other issues?

An all-natural skin healer and cleanser is botanical extract witch hazel. The plant's twigs and bark contain healing components that, when extracted and distilled, provide the clear, aromatic, natural astringent that has been used for centuries as a natural skin care product.

---

What makes witch hazel good for skin?

Witch hazel tightens skin pores. (Image via Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio)

Are you wonderingL is witch hazel good for skin? The answere necessitates further explanation. While witch hazel contains many antioxidants, many of which are good for skin, one important antioxidant is a class of compounds known as tannins.

Tannins have a tightening and drying impact when applied to the skin. In a small way, they can temporarily de-grease skin and minimize the appearance of enlarged pores by compressing proteins in the skin and forming an invisible film that does so.

While that's beneficial in the short run, the long run is a different tale, which is not as good. Check out some reasons that make witch hazel good for skin:

1) Tightens pores

Constricting substances found in abundance in witch hazel cause the proteins in skin cells to bind together. Witch hazel can aid if you have enlarged pores. It works as an astringent to help tighten pores, making witch hazel good for skin.

2) Eases up inflammation

Witch hazel absorbs excess oil. (Image via Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio)

The body naturally responds to injury or infection with inflammation, but if it persists for an extended period, it can cause psoriasis, eczema and acne.

Gallic acid and tannins are just two of the anti-inflammatory ingredients found in witch hazel. As a result, it can help calm the skin and lessen the redness and swelling brought on by inflammatory skin problems; making witch hazel good for skin.

3) Wards off infection

If you spend more time outside, witch hazel may be your savior. It assists in reducing itching brought on by insect bites because of its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and astringent properties.

Moreover, it aids in soothing nettle and poison ivy sting rashes. It can momentarily lessen swelling and irritation. See a doctor if the poison ivy rash does not go away after a week. Witch hazel functions as an infection barrier and bactericide.

4) Absorbs oil

Witch hazel makes your skin shiny. (Image via Pexels/ Shiny Diamond)

Being an astringent, witch hazel can help tighten and close pores and skin tissue. It also eliminates oils that could give the skin a shiny appearance; which makes witch hazel good for skin.

Hence, applying witch hazel may help absorb some excess oil if you have oily skin, leaving the skin feeling fresh and less greasy.

5) Prevents skin damage

For cuts and scrapes, witch hazel, being a natural antiseptic, is beneficial. Thanks to its antibacterial properties, it can be applied topically, which can help clean and calm mild skin irritations. After popping a zit, apply a cotton pad soaked in witch-hazel to reduce swelling.