What Does Witch Hazel Do for Your Skin?

Just like the paleo and foraging trends in diet and cuisine, we are revisiting ingredients in skin care that have been around for centuries and that can be sustainably grown and harvested. Witch Hazel is one of those ingredients getting its share of the attention.  Below we’ll give a quick guide to this plant-derived ingredient, the skin benefits of witch hazel, and discuss the best witch hazel products for your skin. What is Witch Hazel? In skin care and beauty, Witch Hazel water is a common ingredient you’ll find in many of your favorite products. This is an aqueous solution that is obtained by distilling the leaves of Hamamelis Virginiana, a small tree native to North America and is known to be rich in tannins, flavonoids and antioxidants. Numerous studies have found that this distillation of the leaves from of a small tree native to North America can possibly have multiple benefits, from cold sores and eczema to varicose veins.¹ The Skin Benefits of Witch Hazel In skincare, Witch Hazel is known for its versatility – from helping to address problem skin, oily skin to even dry and sensitive skin.  Used in skin care and cosmetics, Witch Hazel is known to have the following skin care benefits: Soothing Toning Calming Drying Pore-minimizing Witch Hazel for Oily Skin and Problem Skin The soothing, calming, drying and pore-minimizing properties make witch hazel an ideal ingredient for oily skin and problem skin. Oily and problem skin types tend to produce more oil, which when combined with bacteria and dead skin cells, can lead to problem areas. The drying and astringent properties can help reduce the appearance of oil on the skin. The soothing and calming properties are beneficial for improving the look of problem skin that can appear red or stressed. Where you can find it: Repêchage T-Zone Balance Shine Control Serum Who’s it for? All skin types, combination skin, oily skin What is it? This lightweight, pore refining serum contains Witch Hazel and a blend of extracts that fight the appearance of excess oil and remove dead skin cells without over-drying. Skin is left fresh, clean and shine-free. Repêchage Herbal Astringent Who’s it for? All skin types and oily skin What is it? This astringent helps reduce the appearance of pores and oily skin with extracts of seven natural herbs: Witch Hazel, Sage, Rosemary, Chamomile, Colt's Foot, Dutch Rush, and Balm Mint. Also great for men to use as an astringent after shaving. Repêchage Hydra Medic Face Wash Who’s it for? Oily skin and problem skin What is it? This face wash for problem skin contains a combination of Witch Hazel, Laminaria Digitata seaweed extracts, and other botanicals that work together to deep cleanse while also preventing the skin from over-drying. Witch Hazel for Sensitive Skin Witch Hazel is also a terrific ingredient for sensitive skin². Sensitive skin types often appear red or irritated, thus ingredients that help calm the skin's appearance are ideal. Where you can find it: Repêchage Hydra 4 Tonic Who’s it for? Sensitive skin What is it? This soothing and calming toner combines Witch Hazel and natural extracts to balance skin post-cleansing, and prepare the skin for moisture and hydration.   SOURCES: https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hn-2186007 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4524272/