This ingredient has been used for medicinal purposes by Native Americans for centuries thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties1. Witch hazel has been used in commercial skin care products for quite some time as well, with new and improved products coming out every year. While this extract is typically found in toners and astringents, there are plenty more ways to use it. “I would recommend applying this step post-cleansing, before any topical medications or serums, then moisturizers, SPF, and makeup,” King says. And if you find using a witch hazel toner every day dries you out, you may opt for every other or every few days instead. Although, not all witch hazel toners are created equal: Some iterations include alcohol, which is where much of the witch hazel debate in the skin care space comes from (but more on that in a bit). Feel free to brush up on witch hazel’s scalp-supporting properties here. “Topical witch hazel is an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory, and because many acne lesions are inflammatory, witch hazel has been used to decrease the redness and inflammation on the skin,” board-certified dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, M.D., tells mbg about how to get rid of a pimple overnight. Simply dab your witch hazel product of choice over the blemish. Here are step-by-step instructions to make your own bath bomb, plus five spa-grade recipes. Board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, M.D., FAAD, touts witch hazel’s antibacterial properties—which makes it ideal to include in your yoga mat cleanser. As best practice, spritz your mat after every session. Even alcohol-free formulas may irritate those with sensitive skin or allergies, so it’s always best to patch test before going all-in. Further, those with dry skin should proceed with caution when using any astringent, given it can dry out skin even more. For those using witch hazel to help balance sebum production, take note that, “witch hazel won’t address the causes of acne, only the symptoms,” board-certified dermatologist Rebecca Marcus, M.D., FAAD, tells mbg. So if you’re experiencing breakouts, witch hazel alone likely won’t clear your acne. You may need to test out some acne treatments in addition to your witch hazel step.
Jasmine Green Tea Oil Control Toner
Champú de Yucca & Witch Hazel
Restorative Tonic Mist
