Witch Hazel, commonly known as winter bloom, is basically the extract that is derived from the barks and leaves of a shrub called Hamamelis Virginiana, which is originally found in North America. Witch Hazel now is also harvested in Europe for its rejuvenating and healing properties. Witch Hazel has been in use for centuries as medicinal treatment and known for its faster healing properties. There are over 30 conventional uses of Witch Hazel, such as in colds, cancers, tuberculosis, burns, hemorrhoids, fever and even for skincare. The primary use of this extract for centuries has been for the treatment of skin conditions. According to studies, there is a variety of Benefits of Witch Hazel for Skin Care and people may benefit from the use of this extract in long run.
13 Benefits of Witch Hazel for Skin Care
Benefits of Witch Hazel in Treating Acne
Witch Hazel is effective for skin disorders like acne, as it works like anti-inflammatory agent for acne and shrinks the inflammation and swelling in tissues of your skin. Take a cotton ball and dip it into the oil of Witch Hazel and dab it on the affected areas of your face, especially on the acne. The Witch Hazel oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce the secretion of the sebum, which is the triggering factor for acne. You will see vast changes on your acne and skin health after only a few days of using Witch Hazel.
Witch Hazel is Beneficial in Getting Rid of Clogged Pores of Skin
Another benefit of Witch Hazel for Skincare is that it helps you get rid of clogged pores on skin. The Witch Hazel oil is astringent, which is a substance that makes your skin dry out and decreases the size of the skin pores. It reduces the size of pores, which gives less space for debris to accumulate. Using the Witch Hazel oil will reduce the size of the pores significantly, while making the skin smoother and softer with minimal pores.
Witch Hazel and its Antimicrobial Properties
Witch Hazel has been traditionally used for centuries to treat chicken pox, to soothe poison ivy and heal cuts and bruises on skin. According to studies, Witch Hazel extract is rich in antimicrobial properties and it can treat the skin conditions caused or irritated by bacteria or viruses. It is proved helpful in preventing different types of bacterial colonization which is the prime factor for triggering atopic dermatitis and intertrigo and other microbial skin conditions.
Benefits of Witch Hazel in Removing Under-Eye Bags
The under eye bags and puffiness are the common skin conditions that result from inflammation of the delicate skin tissues around the eyes. For such conditions, Witch Hazel cream is very effective as it has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the puffiness and under-eye bags caused by inflammation of skin tissues around the eyes.
Witch Hazel is Beneficial as a Natural Moisturizer
Witch Hazel cream and oil is widely used by people to retain the natural moisture level of the skin. According to studies, it can lock the natural moisture level and hydration of the skin to make the skin look younger and smoother for years to come. It can be used as a daily moisturizer to enhance the hydration of the stratum corneum, which is the exterior surface of the skin layer. It decreases the water loss of skin and maintains the elasticity and softness of the skin if used regularly.
Witch Hazel is Beneficial in Sun Damage Protection
Another most popular Benefit of Witch Hazel is that it protects the skin from the damages of environmental factors and UV rays from sunlight. The Witch Hazel cream can be used to treat sunburns and also to prevent flaking and peeling of skin. Apart from medicinal and healing properties, Witch Hazel is also known to have sun-protection properties. In clinical trials, it has been found that the lotion containing Witch Hazel extract can significantly suppress the skin inflammation and redness and burning sensation after exposure to sun rays.
Benefits of Witch Hazel in Treating Varicose Veins
One of the primary Witch Hazel Benefits is that it helps reduce the visible varicose veins. Since it is an all-natural astringent, it can efficiently reduce the appearance of the varicose veins. The tannins present in the oil of Witch Hazel are clinically proven to reduce the size of blood vessels and reduce swelling and inflammation to remove the appearance of varicose veins.
Witch Hazel is Beneficial in Treatment of Razor Burns
Razor burn is the most common and literally irritating skin issues in people. But the Witch Hazel oil can effectively treat the razor burns. Both gents and ladies can enjoy the Benefits of Witch Hazel by applying the oil directly on the irritated skin with a cotton pad to moisten the razor bumps.
Witch Hazel is Beneficial in Refreshing and Rejuvenating Skin
Witch Hazel is globally acclaimed to treat all types of skin conditions and acne, but it can also be used to rejuvenate and refresh the skin. With regular use of Witch Hazel cream, you can have healthy and bright skin. Application of organic Witch Hazel oil can lock the natural hydration and moisture level of the skin and refine the pores. Besides providing age-defying benefits and enhancing overall appearance of your skin, Witch Hazel can also protect the skin from external factors, environmental pollutants and other external toxins, which can cause skin damage and trigger premature signs of aging.
Witch Hazel is Beneficial in Soothing Itchiness
Since Witch Hazel is a powerful anti-inflammatory, it can effectively soothe the itchiness that is associated with poisonous plant contact, insect bites and diaper rashes. It has been found that tonics and shampoos that contain Witch Hazel as the primary ingredient can significantly alleviate the irritation that is associated with all dermatological conditions like sensitive scalp and redness.
Benefits of Witch Hazel in Healing the Wounds Faster
As already mentioned, Witch Hazel can compress the blood vessels and even tighten the skin which make it the top choice to treat scrapes, cuts, bruises and even wounds on skin that lead to bleeding. Witch Hazel is also known to faster the healing process of the wounds and bruises as it accelerates the flow of blood near the skin surface of the wounds, thereby disbanding the blood that is pooled or lost in bruised area.
Witch Hazel is Beneficial in Removing Stretch Marks
Another Witch Hazel Benefit is that it can lighten and remove the stretch marks from your skin. Although it works gradually and may take months to fade the stretch marks, but it is the permanent treatment for minimizing the stretch marks at home with the use of Witch Hazel oil or cream.
Benefits of Witch Hazel in Treating Psoriasis & Eczema
The Skincare Benefits of Witch Hazel are amazing for the treatment of skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Since it has anti-inflammatory properties, it can help people to treat the skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. From redness to itching and painful burning and even scarring that comes along with all these skin conditions, all these can be taken care of with the use of Witch Hazel.
These were some of the Benefits of Witch Hazel for Skin Care. But, before using Witch Hazel for any skin condition it is necessary for you to consult your doctor to avoid any complications. If you notice any adverse effects after using Witch Hazel, simply stop using and consult your dermatologist for further assistance.
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