Amazing Benefits of Witch Hazel on Skin
Derived from the leaves and bark of Hamamelis virginiana shrub, Witch Hazel is a topical astringent. Recognized by Native Americans for its medicinal properties, witch hazel is now a popular herbal remedy which is utilized as a natural cleaner and toner. However, there are many more uses to witch hazel apart from these few.
Growing in Popularity Worldwide
Witch hazel contains natural chemicals which are known as tannins. Witch hazel helps in fighting bacteria, repairing broken skin and reducing swelling when it is directly applied on skin. There are hundreds of different beauty products which are available nowadays, like scrubs, toners, acne washes and others which utilize witch hazel as an ingredient. Witch hazel to remove hair dye is an excellent solution which provides numerous benefits for your epidermis.
Beneficial Properties of Witch Hazel
Skin is a natural barrier to the outside world and the most vulnerable part as such. It can therefore use all the support that it can get. Skin provides efficient protection against environmental pollutants, bacteria, other germs, chemicals and UV radiation. All that our bodies undergo each day both internally and externally eventually shows upon our skin in various forms like inflammation, infection, puffiness or aging. Here are some of the properties of witch hazel that are beneficial for skin.
Antimicrobial – Witch hazel has been traditionally used for treating chicken pox, soothing poison ivy and healing cuts and bruises which are caused or irritated by bacteria and viruses. A 2002 study on antimicrobial activity of witch hazel have led to the conclusion that it is helpful in preventing bacterial colonization which can cause several microbial skin conditions.
Astringent – Due to high-level of tannins in witch hazel leaves, it is a potent astringent. Tannins are extremely helpful in tightening skin proteins alongside forming a protective covering which helps stop bleeding and promote healing. Particularly this property makes witch hazel very useful in treating skin conditions like eczema, varicose veins and for soothing hemorrhoids.
Skin Moisturizer – Witch hazel is frequently used by women for locking moisture into skin. Witch hazel ointment is a safe and effective remedy for treating injuries and skin disorders. It is often used as a moisturizer for improving hydration of the outer skin layer. Witch hazel also reduces loss of water from skin while maintaining skin softness and elasticity.
Protects Skin from Sun Damage – Treating sunburn and preventing flaking and peeling have been other traditional uses of witch hazel. Studies have found that witch hazel lotion significantly suppresses burning or redness of skin after exposure to UV radiation.
For Mouth, Lips & Gums – You can turn to witch hazel for speeding up healing and getting rid of pain and swelling in case you are having blisters on lips, inner cheeks or gums. Witch hazel can help with cold sores and canker sores. Witch hazel can also be combined with other healing oils like peppermint oil and coconut oil.
Cleansing Hair and Protecting Scalp –Witch hazel on hair helps in reducing oil buildup and leaves hair shinier and healthier. Witch hazel is excellent for removing hair odors. It is also great help for improving irritated scalp and for speeding up healing from acne or bites at the base of the neck for people who are prone to sweating.
Ristrah’s Schild Hair Color Stain Remover
Witch hazel, vegetable glycerine and green tea extract are the key ingredients in Ristrah’s Schild Hair Color Stain Remover and which are extremely helpful in gently removing hair color stains without damaging skin. Application of Schild Hair Color Stain Remover is simple & easy. Take it on a cotton pad and gently rub the stained areas of skin for removing hair color. Schild Hair Color Stain Remover is 100% vegan and rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties of witch hazel.
Sources
Medicinal plants used in treatment of inflammatory skin diseases: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3834722/#CIT0024
Witch Hazel Uses: http://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hn-2186007
Anti-inflammatory effect of hamamelis lotion in a UVB erythema test:
