If you’re someone who is constantly browsing through cleaning face skincare tips and tricks, you’ve probably heard of the benefits of using witch hazel before a moisturizer on your face. This natural astringent has been used for centuries to treat a variety of skin issues, from acne to inflammation.
However, with so many conflicting opinions on when and how to use witch hazel on your face, it’s hard to know what advice to follow.
To help clear up the confusion, we reached out to top dermatologists to get their take on when it’s appropriate to use witch hazel on your face and what benefits it can provide.
When to Use Witch Hazel On your Face?
Use Witch hazel on your face soon after a gentle cleanse. Before using Witch hazel on your face as part of your daily routine, ensure that your face is thoroughly washed with a cleanser suitable for your skin type.
Witch hazel, often recognized for its astringent properties, fits seamlessly into a skincare routine as a toner to restore skin’s natural pH balance. Ideally, you would want to use it after a gentle cleanse, ensuring that your face is thoroughly washed with a cleanser suitable for your skin type. For example, if you have oily skin, you might prefer a gel-based cleanser, while those with dry skin might find a cream cleanser more soothing.
After washing your face, gently pat your skin dry with a soft cloth to avoid causing unnecessary friction or irritation. Then, apply a product like Thayers Witch Hazel. Their alcohol-free toner, for instance, combines the benefits of witch hazel with soothing aloe vera, perfect for calming the skin and preparing it for the next steps in your glowing skincare routine.
Following the toner, it’s time for moisturizing. For those with dry skin, a hydrating cream like CeraVe’s Moisturizing Cream is a fantastic choice, while people with oily skin might benefit from a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer such as Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Moisture. A serum, too, can be added after the witch hazel toner but before moisturizing, particularly one with active ingredients like vitamin C or hyaluronic acid, to target specific skin concerns.
In essence, witch hazel is an ideal addition to your daily skincare routine, sitting comfortably between the cleansing and moisturizing steps, helping your skin maintain its balance and optimizing the effectiveness of the products that follow.
Whether you have oily skin or dry skin, are dealing with acne or just want a refreshing toner, read on for expert advice on incorporating this versatile ingredient into your skincare routine.
What Is Witch Hazel And How Does It Work?
Witch hazel is a plant native to North America that has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various ailments.
Its extract, which is derived from the bark and leaves of the witch hazel shrub, contains tannins and antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties.
These properties make it a popular ingredient in many skincare products, including toners and cleansers.
Aside from its uses in skincare, witch hazel has also been used for other purposes such as treating insect bites, reducing swelling, and relieving hemorrhoids.
However, while witch hazel is generally considered safe for use on the skin, it can cause potential side effects when used excessively or in high concentrations.
Some people may experience dryness, irritation, or even allergic reactions when using witch hazel on their face.
Therefore, it’s important to use it in moderation and to patch test first before incorporating it into your skincare routine.
Benefits Of Using Witch Hazel On Your Face
Using witch hazel on your face can provide numerous benefits for your skin. One of the most significant advantages is that it helps to reduce inflammation and redness, making it an excellent option for those with acne-prone or sensitive skin.
Additionally, witch hazel contains tannins, which can help to tighten pores and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
If you’re interested in incorporating witch hazel into your skincare routine, there are several DIY recipes you can try at home.
For example, you can mix equal parts of witch hazel and water to create a toner that you can use after cleansing your face.
Alternatively, you can add a few drops of tea tree oil or lavender oil to your witch hazel toner for added antibacterial and calming effects.
It’s important to note, however, that overusing witch hazel can lead to dryness and irritation, so be sure to use it in moderation and monitor how your skin responds.
When To Use Witch Hazel For Oily Skin
After learning about the benefits of using witch hazel on your face, it’s important to know when exactly to use it. For those with oily skin, witch hazel can be a game-changer in their skincare routine. Oily skin is caused by excess sebum production, which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Witch hazel is a natural astringent that helps to remove excess oil from the skin and tighten pores.
If you have oily skin, here are some instances when you can incorporate witch hazel into your skincare routine:
- After cleansing your face in the morning
- Before applying makeup
- After exercising
- During midday touch-ups
- Before bed
By incorporating witch hazel into your oily skin care routine, you may notice fewer breakouts and less shine throughout the day.
However, it’s important not to overuse this natural astringent as it can lead to dryness or irritation. Start by using it once or twice a day and gradually increase the frequency if needed.
With consistent use, you’ll see the benefits of this natural ingredient on your oily skin.
When To Use Witch Hazel For Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, witch hazel can be a great addition to your skincare routine. Witch hazel is known for its ability to soothe and hydrate the skin, making it an excellent choice for those with dry skin. However, there are both benefits and risks associated with using witch hazel on dry skin.
The benefits of using witch hazel on dry skin include its ability to reduce inflammation, soothe irritation, and provide hydration to the skin. Additionally, witch hazel can help to balance the skin’s pH levels, which can be especially beneficial for those with dry skin. However, there are also some risks associated with using witch hazel on dry skin. Overuse of witch hazel can lead to excessive drying of the skin, which can cause further irritation and discomfort.
To better understand the benefits and risks associated with using witch hazel on dry skin, let’s take a look at a comparison table:
| Criteria | Witch Hazel | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Benefits | Soothes Irritation Provides Hydration Reduces Inflammation Balances pH Levels | Aloe Vera Gel Hyaluronic Acid Serum |
| Risks | Excessive Drying of Skin | None Reported |
As you can see from the table above, while there are some risks associated with using witch hazel on dry skin, it remains a popular choice due to its numerous benefits. If you’re looking for an alternative to witch hazel, options like aloe vera gel or hyaluronic acid serum may also provide similar benefits without the risk of drying out your already-dry skin.
Tips For Incorporating Witch Hazel Into Your Skincare Routine
When it comes to incorporating witch hazel into your skincare routine, timing is key. Dermatologists suggest using witch hazel in the morning after cleansing and before applying moisturizer or sunscreen. This can help remove any excess oil or dirt that may have accumulated overnight and prepare your skin for the day ahead.
Alternatively, you can also use witch hazel at night before bed as a part of your nighttime routine. This can help remove any makeup or impurities that may have built up throughout the day and soothe any inflammation or irritation on your skin. Ultimately, the best time to use witch hazel depends on your individual skincare needs and preferences.
One common question many people have is whether they should use witch hazel as a toner or if it’s better to use a traditional toner instead. While both products can be used to balance the pH level of your skin and remove impurities, there are some differences between them.
Witch hazel is often considered more gentle than traditional toners because it doesn’t contain harsh ingredients like alcohol. However, if you have particularly oily or acne-prone skin, you may benefit from using a toner with salicylic acid or glycolic acid instead. It’s important to experiment with different products to find what works best for your unique skin type.
Conclusion
In conclusion, incorporating witch hazel into your skincare routine can have numerous benefits for both oily and dry skin types.
As explained by top dermatologists, witch hazel is a natural astringent that helps to reduce inflammation and redness while also removing excess oil and impurities from the skin.
This makes it an ideal solution for those looking to combat acne or prevent breakouts.
Whether you choose to use witch hazel as a toner, spot treatment, or in combination with other skincare products, it’s important to listen to your skin and adjust your routine accordingly.
By doing so, you can enjoy all the benefits of this versatile ingredient without causing irritation or disrupting your skin’s natural balance.
