The miracle medicinal herb- witch hazel has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. As acne is caused due to closed pores and bacterial build-up resulting in inflamed, red patches, witch hazel proves to be a boon to the cause(1). While many people struggle with self-confidence with a face having acne, it is recommended to use witch hazel for acne scars.
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If you are looking for a natural remedy to clear up acne up, consider the following witch hazel benefits for acne: reduces oiliness, lessens pores, reduces redness, and relieves inflammation. As an herbal disinfectant, witch hazel helps in further preventing acne breakouts.
Witch hazel has these wondrous properties owing to the presence of tannins. Regularly using witch hazel as a cleanser will help get rid of acne scars as it is an herbal antioxidant. Witch hazel cream available at drugstores does not contain tannins crucial to reduce acne scars.
Tannins in witch hazel creams bought over the counter are lost due to the distillation process, which nullifies witch hazel benefits for acne. One must keep a check on the alcohol content of witch hazel products purchased commercially. Many products have high alcohol percentages making the skin excessively dry.
If you are wondering how to use witch hazel for acne, it is recommended to make witch hazel water, witch hazel toner, and witch hazel cream at home.
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Store this in the fridge for a week. Apply the witch hazel water topically and keep it away from direct sunlight.
Note:- ensure the witch hazel used in the toner does not exceed an alcohol concentration of 20%.
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Use the tonic of tea tree oil and witch hazel for acne twice daily for the best results. This tonic acts as a great toner and should be followed up with an herbal moisturizer to lock in the hydration.
[Also Read: Tips To Cure Closed Comedones]
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All homemade mixtures have a short shelf life unless alcohol is added to it. If you opt for store-bought witch hazel, look for a sign mentioning “fresh extract” over distilled options. If you apply witch hazel to sunburnt skin with acne, it may lead to excessive skin irritation or redness. Avoid applying witch hazel over broken skin or wounds.
Dermatologists recommend using witch hazel for the treatment of acne due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, improved skin barrier function. As per data shared by the Environmental Working Group, witch hazel is added to almost every scar treatment cream, anti-aging serum, sunscreens, and makeup products(2).
You may choose to use the best witch hazel in any of its forms depending on your skin type. However, note that witch hazel water and witch hazel toner work best for most skin types.
Witch hazel cream would be of good use to someone with dry skin. Witch hazel cream may also block pores as it is in a cream base. Always do a patch test before applying any product to your face. While considering the best witch hazel, also take into account moisturizing ingredients such as aloe vera and essential oils in the product.
Depending on how long you have had acne, witch hazel can clear up acne scars in a few weeks or a few months.
Yes. Witch hazel has sun-blocking properties due to the presence of tannins. Tannins reduce free radicals in the body that cause skin cancer.