Hamamelis für die Haut: Vorteile und Kontraindikationen
Witch Hazel is a clear example of how modern research confirms the traditional use of a medicinal plant. Native Americans have used its fresh leaves, twigs and bark as an effective remedy for centuries to treat burns, sores, bug bites, ulcers and hemorrhoids.
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis Virginiana in Spanish) is a shrub originating from North America and part of Asia, which has recently gained a reputation in cosmetics due to its multiple properties, including anti-inflammatory, astringent and antioxidant ones.
Nowadays, it's very common to find witch hazel products, such as toners, pads and cleaning solutions at your local shopping mall. But, is this plant as good as the people said? Join me throughout this article to discover the possible benefits, contraindications and applications it could have for your skin.
Is Witch Hazel good for skin?
Numerous clinical studies evidence an interesting activity of the witch hazel extract in various pathologies, especially when it is used as a topical anti-inflammatory. If you put a product based on this plant on your face, such as a tonic or cream, you should know that these are some of the problems that it will help you fight.
Acne
One of the problems that most concern the beauty sector is acne and how to solve or minimize its appearance. Therefore, new anti-acne products with very complex formulations are manufactured every day. If you are not a fan of these cosmetics, there is always an organic option, which is to use resources from mother earth.
In this case, distillate extracts from Hamamelis will be great for treating this condition. Thanks to tannins and their potential astringent properties, it effectively dries out pimples and reduces inflammation.
Oily skin
If you are a person who has an oily skin type, it will do you good to know that witch hazel-based toners can help you regulate the oiliness of your skin. Do not doubt to include it in your skincare routine to remove excess oil.
Signs of aging
Another major focus of today's cosmetics is anti-aging treatments. And this is only understandable since we all like to look young. That's why it's never too late to start a facial care habit and decrease these possible symptoms.
Hazel witch can help you to reduce the size of pores, which become more noticeable with age. It also has powerful antioxidants effects, helping to eliminate free radicals.
Inflammatory skin conditions
You may have heard of problems such as psoriasis, eczema and seborrheic dermatitis. This is because most of the population suffers from these diaseases. They are characterized by the appearance of redness, swelling, and irritation of the skin, as well as extreme dryness that causes it to flake off.
Witch Hazel is rich in components that are effective in reducing itching and irritation. If your treatment allows it, you can combine and apply remedies of this plant to enhance the effects.
Other uses
Other know uses of this plant are:
- Burns
- Razor burns or bumps
- Superficial cuts and wounds types
- Diaper rash
- Hemorrhoids
Despite all the benefits it possesses, it is safe to incorporate the use of witch hazel in our skincare routine, or should we be cautious about its use?
Witch Hazel contraindications
In spite of having demonstrated some of the benefits of this plant, it is necessary to take care of certain aspects of its use.
- Rosacea and sensitive skin. If you have identified yourself with the words I have just mentioned, you should know that certain products based on this plant are not good for you. Always opt for cream formats, as they will be more pleasant for your skin.
- Alcohol free-formulas. Witch Hazel products formulated with alcohol tend to dry the skin, so it is advisable to use low-alcohol or alcohol-free ones. If you are concerned that your skin may dry out, you can always supplement your treatment with a key moisturizing ingredient like aloe vera or hyaluronic acid.
- Avoid its use in damaged skin, major wounds or infected skin.
TIP: before using this type of product, we recommend you make a patch test. If you have any doubts, always consult your trusted dermatologist.
Q&A
- Could Witch Hazel be used as a disinfectant?
Yes. It has antiviral properties that can help protect the skin's natural barrier by efficiently killing bacteria.
- Can it be ingested orally?
No. If you ingest it in large quantities, you run the risk of having stomach problems.
- Does it calm insects and other plant stings?
Yes. If, for example, you get an itch from poison ivy, you can use a witch hazel-based product to relieve it.
- What is the best way to apply it to your face?
The best way is to spray witch hazel on the face, at a suitable distance and evenly. You can also choose to use a cotton pad, especially if you are treating an injury.
