Introduction
Witches are all about the witch hazel. Not only does it give them their glowing skin, but it can also help you with your complexion. But is witch hazel good for you? Does it work? In this post, we’re going to cover everything from where it comes from to how often you should use it and how often (or not) children should be exposed to its magic powers. So grab a cauldron full of brew and let’s get started!
What is witch hazel exactly?
Witch hazel is actually a type of shrub that grows in the eastern and central parts of the United States. It’s native to North America, but it can also be found in other parts of the world—like Europe and Asia. The witch hazel plant produces small flowers and purple berries, which turn into bright yellow fruits when they ripen.
The bark from witch hazel trees is used to make medicine for skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis; as an astringent (which means it helps reduce inflammation); as a decongestant; as an antiseptic (killing bacteria); and as an anti-itch agent.
Where does witch hazel come from?
Witch hazel comes from a plant that grows in the wild and can be found across North America. It also goes by the name “hamamelis,” which means “together” and “sweet,” in Greek. The name refers to its sweet scent, similar to that of apples or pears.
The shrub is cultivated for use as medicine, cleaning products and cosmetics (you read that right!). The leaves are used to make witch hazel extract for topical application on your skin.
Are there different types?
Witch hazel is a type of plant and there are a few different types that can be used in skincare. The most popular types are the common witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) and dwarf or contorted witch hazel (Ilex cornuta). Common witch hazel has a more intense scent than dwarf varieties, but both can be used in skincare products.
Other types include:
Aromatic Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana var. laciniata) – This species has an especially strong fragrance; it’s also known as winterbloom for its white flowers that bloom in late winter or early spring
Austrian Winterbloom Tree (Sambucus nigra ‘Malus’) – Dwarf varieties of this shrub are also grown as bonsai trees because they have a small stature and beautiful fall foliage
What are the benefits of witch hazel?
Witch hazel is a natural astringent that helps to tighten pores and reduce redness, making it ideal for anyone with acne-prone skin. Witch hazel also acts as an anti-inflammatory, which means it can be used to treat any skin condition that may be causing irritation or redness. It’s also great for soothing minor burns, insect bites and rashes.
One of the main benefits of witch hazel is that it’s an antiseptic—meaning it kills bacteria on contact. This makes it incredibly useful in treating small cuts or wounds because you can use it right after injury instead of waiting until you’re back home to cleanse your cut with soap or disinfectant wipes (which do not work as well).
Are there any side effects or drawbacks?
Are there any side effects or drawbacks?
Witch hazel is not recommended for use during pregnancy. While it’s often used to treat various skin conditions, it can also cause adverse reactions when applied to the skin. If you’re pregnant, talk with your doctor before using witch hazel.
Witch hazel should not be used on children under two years old due to an increased risk of irritation and other adverse reactions. If you’re thinking about trying witch hazel on yourself or a child in this age group, speak with a dermatologist first.
Witch hazel can also cause adverse reactions if applied to sensitive skin (e.g., rosacea).
How often should you use it?
Witch hazel can be used to soothe and freshen your skin, but it shouldn’t be used too often. While it’s not an irritant, there are some limitations on how often you should use witch hazel.
It’s best to use witch hazel once a day.
Limit the number of consecutive days you use it if possible; don’t do more than three days in a row or three weeks in a row at the longest (although this is rare).
Is witch hazel safe for children?
Witch hazel is a mild astringent that helps to tighten and tone the skin. It’s typically used as an aftershave because it’s meant to help prevent razor burn and bumps, but it also works well for acne breakouts or any other time you want to reduce excess oil on your face.
Witch hazel can be applied topically or taken internally; however, there are some safety concerns when using witch hazel in children under three years old. The reason for this is because witch hazel contains alcohol, which can cause dehydration if too much is consumed at once. Witch hazel can also cause irritation of the mouth and throat if swallowed repeatedly over time (and especially if mixed with other liquids). Additionally, since witch hazel has not been proven safe for children under three years old nor has it been approved by the FDA as an effective treatment option for anything except insect bites, eczema flare-ups and sunburns due to its high alcohol content (which might interact negatively with other medications), we recommend against using this product on infants or toddlers under any circumstances whatsoever!
Is there a downside to using witch hazel regularly?
While witch hazel is a natural remedy that many people find effective and safe, it does have some potential downsides. Witch hazel can dry out your skin if you use it too often, so limit how often you apply it when first starting out with this product. It may also cause allergic reactions for some people if used on broken skin or in sensitive areas of the body like around the eyes (this is why we always recommend patch testing).
On top of that, witch hazel can cause irritation and redness in sensitive areas like the face and neck area, which makes sense because these are parts of our bodies that are more prone to irritation than other parts of our bodies such as our legs or arms. Witch hazel can irritate the eyes as well so be careful not to get any into them!
It’s not just for Halloween.
Witch hazel is great for treating acne, as well as many other skin conditions. This can be used as a toner or cleanser, or even to treat rosacea and eczema.
Conclusion
We hope that this article has helped you understand witch hazel a little better. If you’re interested in trying it out for yourself, then be sure to check out our Witch Hazel Reviews page!
