Lovers of skincare products (skincare) may already be familiar with the benefits of facial toner that contains witch hazel. Naturally, witch hazel is so popular, because the myriad benefits of this plant extract have the potential to overcome various skin problems that have been experienced by many people.
What is a witch hazel?
Witch hazel is a plant that is believed to have medical properties, especially for skin and beauty.
This plant has several species, but the type of Hamamelis virginiana which was originally used by the North American community, has now crossed the globe.
Currently, the leaves and bark from witch hazel are processed into toner, tea, and ointment that store benefits for overcoming various skin health problems in the face and body.
Benefits of witch hazel for facial skin
Among all the processed products for witch hazel, facial toner is probably the most familiar to the ear.
The most well-known benefit of toner containing witch hazel is to treat facial skin problems, including acne and burns.
Here is a further explanation about the benefits of witch hazel for facial skin, from acne to burns:
1. Fighting zits
Witch hazel can act as an astringent, a substance capable of shrinking tissue. That way, witch hazel has the potential to dry up blemishes.
Witch hazel has been widely used to fight acne due to inflammation, such as pustules, or non-inflammation such as blackheads.
The tannin content in witch hazel acts as an antioxidant molecule to ward off free radicals.
2. Handle burns on the scalp
Witch hazel is believed to be effective in dealing with scalp burn, a burning sensation on the scalp. The burning sensation can be caused by chemical compounds or sunburn.
To treat burns using a witch hazel, you can apply it directly to the scalp when bathing or mix it with shampoo.
3. Overcoming inflammation of the skin
Witch hazel also has the potential to treat inflamed skin, including psoriasis and eczema. If the inflammation is treated, the possibility of rashes due to psoriasis or eczema can be reduced.
4. Other benefits of witch hazel
In addition to the three skin conditions above, witch hazel has also been used to overcome several problems in the following:
- Bruises
- Insect bites
- wounds
- Diaper rash in infants
- Hemorrhoids
- Other burns
Side effects of using witch hazel
Witch hazel does have amazing benefits for treating skin problems. Even so, this material is not without risks and side effects.
Research on the use of witch hazel is still anecdotal (based on community experience), it is difficult to know whether it is effective in dealing with various skin problems that have been mentioned above.
In fact, some witch hazel users claim this ingredient causes excessive dryness of the skin when used to treat acne. The report also mentions witch hazel exacerbating breakouts.
The effectiveness of witch hazel is also not optimal if it is not accompanied by other ingredients, such as in the treatment of eczema.
If you have heard of the efficacy of witch hazel to prevent signs of skin aging, including fine lines and wrinkles, it is important to stress that medical research does not support this.
If you still want to try it, make sure you use an ointment or facial toner that contains natural witch hazel and no other ingredients are added.
Also be careful with products containing perfume and alcohol. Because, this content can exacerbate inflammation, sores and skin sensitivity.
Use witch hazel safely
In general, witch hazel is safe to use on the skin. Even so, this material will not be effective for everyone.
To avoid the risk of witch hazel on the face, you can first apply a small amount of this material to the arm.
If after a few days there is no redness, rash, or dryness on the skin, you can use a witch hazel to deal with facial problems.
In addition, if you have sensitive skin types, you must be more careful in using this material.
Patients with rosacea skin problems (skin diseases that are marked by red rashes and blood vessels clearly visible on the face) and people who have excess dry skin is not recommended to wear witch hazel.
Consulting with a dermatologist is the best way to deal with problems with your facial skin. Your doctor will be able to suggest the best types of products and which are safe to use.