While some people choose to take witch hazel orally for various health concerns, there is no concrete evidence that witch hazel taken orally has any positive effects on the skin. What Are the Side Effects of Witch Hazel? If you are looking for a vegan product, check with the brand and ensure they are cruelty-free. Witch hazel is a vegan ingredient as it is derived from plant-based material. While this effect is temporary, the astringent nature of witch hazel may also help to remove excess makeup, dirt, and oils from the skin.
The astringent properties of witch hazel help to make the skin appear firmer and make pores seem smaller. Witch hazel is often recommended as an alternative treatment to help dry out cold sores.
This combined with witch hazel’s mild antibacterial and soothing properties may help to support the treatment of blemishes. This can be beneficial to the healing of blemishes. There are better alternatives to witch hazel when talking about wound healing. However, it is important to keep in mind that drying out a wound can slow down healing.
Witch hazel’s natural soothing and antibacterial properties may help to support the skin’s wound healing process. The purported benefits of witch hazel include:Īs witch hazel is an astringent ingredient it may help to minimize the production of the skin’s natural oils. The ability to minimize tissues makes products with this extract a viable option to shrink pores and possibly to get rid of acne. An astringent works by constricting the blood vessels or the pores under the surface of the skin. Witch hazel is considered to be an astringent, meaning it causes body tissue to contract. While the research is not yet conclusive, the evidence does suggest that this extract may be an effective tool for ensuring the health of blood vessels, especially the vessels that run within the layers of the skin. Flavonoids may help protect the blood vessels that run throughout the dermis, thus allowing the skin to stay better moisturized and well-nourished.īecause of its flavonoid content, studies have been conducted to see whether witch hazel could be an effective treatment for varicose veins or spider veins. Just below the epidermis is the middle layer of skin, called the dermis.
On the top layer of the skin, called the epidermis, flavonoids work to combat free radicals that can damage skin cells and lead to aging skin. In nature, flavonoids help plants protect themselves from harmful UV rays, and they have the same effect on human skin tissue as well. Flavonoids are antioxidants that can have a positive effect on all layers of the skin. Witch hazel is a good source of flavonoid compounds. This chemical is usually found in witch hazel extract, and many drug store products only use it in a distilled form, along with many other ingredients. However, it is important to understand that most witch hazel that is purchased from a drug store will not contain tannins. This chemical compound has also been shown to have antibacterial properties which may be helpful for people trying to support the treatment of acne. Tannins are vital for a plant’s reproduction and regeneration process, and some of those features translate into effective skincare properties that can reduce irritation and balance the skin. Plants like witch hazel produce tannins to help them to grow and protect themselves in the wild. Free radicals may damage the skin, DNA, and collagen. Free radicals are produced through UV rays, smoking, diet, and pollution. Witch hazel is high in tannins, a polyphenol that may reduce inflammation in the skin and works to combat free radicals with its antioxidant properties.įree radicals are produced by a process called oxidative stress.
Below is a discussion of the different components and their potential benefits Witch hazel is a plant-derived ingredient and as such is a complex mix of a number of different compounds. Keep an eye on:Keep an eye out for irritation and sensitivity. Synergetic ingredients:Works well with most ingredients Who is it for?All skin types except those that have an identified allergy to it. As such it is more likely to cause irritation, dryness and flakiness. The not so good:As witch hazel is a plant-based ingredient, it is more complex than a single ingredient. This helps to improve the appearance of blemishes and fine lines. The good:Witch hazel contains salicylic acid which helps to exfoliate the skin, removing skin cells.