Is Witch Hazel Good for Acne
A common skin condition seen in 70 to 87 percent of the teenage population, acne refers to the minute, red, pus-filled bumps appearing on the face, back, shoulders, chest, and neck. Occurring due to clogging of hair follicles with oil and dead skin cells, the pimples come and go, failing to clear completely. As a promising topical remedy for an array of skin conditions, witch hazel is believed to be beneficial for fighting all types of acne, including cystic acne, owing to its astringent properties.
How Does Witch Hazel Help Acne
The tannins in witch hazel play the role of astringents, curbing excess production of sebum from the sebaceous glands, eliminating dead skin cells and bacteria, thus exposing the pores of the skin to more oxygen while keeping the skin moisturized. On the other hand, its anti-inflammatory effects help in reducing the swelling and redness. Above all, it’s suitable for all skin types.
How to Use Witch Hazel for Acne and Scars
Pure Witch Hazel
Although distilled witch hazel is the best treatment for clearing back acne, diluting it with water before use would be advisable.
- Dip a cotton ball in distilled witch hazel and apply over the back.
- Let it dry.
Repeat the method three times a day for faster improvement of the skin.
Applying witch hazel solution on acne scars at night, rinsing it off the next day with warm water helps to lighten the marks.
Tip: Pour few drops of tea tree oil into the witch hazel for faster results.
Witch Hazel Mask
Witch Hazel and Honey
- Prepare a paste of 1 tablespoon of witch hazel and 2 tablespoons of honey.
- Smear the paste over the affected areas and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Rinse the skin off with cool water.
Like witch hazel, honey also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that might be useful for reducing breakouts.
Tip: Adding egg white, mashed avocado, and few drops of tea tree oil would help in making a thicker paste. You can also make it smell pleasant by using any aromatic essential oils such as lavender oil.
Witch Hazel and Clay Powder
- Blend equal amounts of French green clay powder and witch hazel, and apply over the acne-affected skin.
- Wipe away with a clean, moistened cloth after 10 to 15 minutes and wash the face with cool water.
Since both witch hazel and French clay exhibit astringent action, the preparation facilitates removal of excessive oil from the pores, tightening the skin.
Witch Hazel Toner
Witch Hazel and Lavender Oil
- Combine 1 cup of witch hazel, 6 drops of lavender oil, and 1 tablespoon of dried lavender flowers in a glass jar.
- Cover the jar with the lid and keep it in a cool, dry place.
- Allow the mixture to steep for a week while shaking the jar on a daily basis.
- Filter out the dried flowers and pour the mixture into a dark bottle.
- Shake the bottle and apply the herbal infusion with a clean cotton ball over the affected skin regions.
Apply the preparation thrice a day for effective results.
Witch Hazel and Lemon Juice
Treating the skin with a toner made by mixing witch hazel with some lemon juice can also work for acne.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Witch hazel, being valued as an anti-irritant, is less likely to cause skin inflammation when directly applied. However, a small patch test is recommended.
- Pregnant women are generally advised to stay away from it unless used only for a short span of time. Nevertheless, taking prior advice from a physician is necessary in such cases.
Apart from fighting acne, witch hazel is also good for acne-prone skin to prevent breakouts. There are also several witch hazel products like pads and ointments available at medical stores that could be used only after a doctor’s consultation.
References:
- http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/basics/definition/con-20020580
- http://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/witch-hazel-for-acne#2
- http://homeremediesforlife.com/back-acne/
- http://www.adult-acne.net/how-to-prevent-acne-breakouts-and-scars/
- http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/witch-hazel-uses-and-risks
