People using witch hazel to support their health goes back a long way. The first mention of it being used medicinally dates back to the 1600s when indigenous tribes, like the Iroquois and Potawatomi, first used it for treating inflammation, skin irritations, and wounds. Its properties offer soothing and calming effects and you’ll find it listed in the ingredients table on many lotions and creams. So, exactly what does witch hazel do for skin?
Does it actually help your skin? If so, how does it support skin health? That’s precisely what we focus on here, as well as look at why it remains a popular remedy to this day.
What Does Witch Hazel Do For Skin? It Calms, Soothes & Refreshes
So, what does witch hazel do for skin? Well, it is best known for the way it’s able to soothe itch or irritated skin. When applied topically, it’s great for relieving the discomfort of surface injuries like grazes and scrapes, as well as sunburn and bug bites – hence the reason it’s something of a staple for Moms across the U.S.
It’s able to soothe as well as it does because it contains natural compounds called tannins, which help to tackle inflammation and redness. You see, the tannins found in witch hazel help constrict blood vessels slightly, meaning there’s less of it flowing to the area. If you have skin prone to redness, you might find that witch hazel products are one of the best for helping with recovery.
Another reason witch hazel is so frequently included in skincare products is its natural ability to refresh and cool the skin upon application. After a long day outdoors, when your skin feels overheated and irritated, witch hazel offers an immediate cooling sensation that can quickly ease discomfort.
It Also Offers Gentle Hydration Support
Witch hazel isn’t a moisturizer, but by reducing irritation, it helps maintain skin balance. However, it’s best used alongside hydrating ingredients to prevent dryness. Irritated or inflamed skin often struggles to retain moisture, but by reducing inflammation and irritation, witch hazel allows your skin barrier to function better, which naturally helps your skin stay hydrated and healthy-looking.
One of the greatest things about witch hazel is just how gentle it is. Many skincare ingredients promising relief from irritation or itching can end up being too harsh for sensitive skin, making the problem worse.
Witch hazel, by contrast, is generally safe and well-tolerated even for sensitive skin types, especially when used in fragrance-free, dye-free products.
What Does Witch Hazel Do For Skin? Try It & Find Out First-Hand!
The bottom line is that witch hazel offers very real skin benefits and it’s able to deliver them in a very gentle way. So, no matter why you’ve got irritated or uncomfortable skin, lotions containing this popular plant help to soothe, calm and refresh – which is exactly what it needs to look and feel healthy and balanced once again.
While it won’t solve every skincare problem, products with witch hazel inside can help to soothe and calm irritated skin, so having some close by – particularly if you have kids – means you’re always prepared to keep your family’s skin happy. So, why not try some for yourself, first hand? It’s the only way to truly experience how pleasant and soothing it is.
