8 Reasons You Should Be Using Witch Hazel
Witch Hazel is magical. Ancient sources say it was used by witches to heal all sorts of remedies; hence, the name. Native Americans used it as a staple healing item, and your ancestors probably wouldn’t have looked nearly as good without it.
Modern science is determined to undermine my belief in Witch Hazel’s magic by labeling it as an “astringent.” It tightens skin tissue, which allows it to heal faster.
You can find this little solution in almost any drugstore for under $5 a bottle. Once you have it, here are eight ways you can use it.
This is the number one reason I use Witch Hazel. The moment I see a spot pop up on my face, I get out a cotton swab and Witch Hazel and dab that sucker. The Witch Hazel not only heals the pimple faster, it also keeps it from itching so you’re less likely to scratch at it and make it bleed.
You can also use it as a preventative measure. By soaking a cloth in Witch Hazel and wiping your face twice a day, most breakouts can be prevented.
2. Make Your Eyes Shine!
If you have the tendency to wake up with bags under your eyes, just soak a cloth in Witch Hazel and water and press it under your eyes for 10-15 minutes. This works great in reducing puffiness after crying too!
3. Heal Bruises
If you’re clumsy like me, you’ve probably got more than a few unsightly bruises on your arms and legs. Just dab a bit of Witch Hazel on the spot with a cotton ball or soak it with a cloth dipped in Witch Hazel a few times a day, and the bruise will be gone in no time.
4. Stop Bleeding from Nicks and Cuts
Honestly, I use Witch Hazel for this all the time. I’m always hurting myself in little ways. Seriously, I got a severe paper cut from putting away files the other day. For this, I dip a cotton swab in Witch Hazel and press it over the bleeding area until it stops, then dab up any extra moisture with the other side of the swab. It’s the quickest, easiest, most sanitary way to deal with annoying little cuts.
5. Smooth Bumps
You know those little bumps you get on your legs after shaving or waxing? Yeah, Witch Hazel can fix that too. Soak a cloth in Witch Hazel and water and place it on the affected area. Even if the bumps don’t completely disappear, the Witch Hazel will at least soothe them and make you feel better.
6. Prevent and Reduce Razor Burn
Before going in the shower, rub some Witch Hazel on your legs and it should prevent that rash you get from shaving. If not, just put a cloth soaked in Witch Hazel and water on your legs afterwards, and the rash should disappear completely.
7. Soothe Bug Bites
Good for mosquito bites, spider bites, and other nasties, just dab a cotton ball dipped in Witch Hazel on it a few times a day to to reduce itchiness and swelling. Personally, I live in a place where there are no bitey bugs, but let me know if this one works for you! I’ve read it’s one of the most effective uses.
8. Moisturize Skin
Witch Hazel locks in moisture, so if you apply it right after showering, it will keep your skin soft and smooth all day long. You can even use it on your face, since it’s all-natural and not oily, it will make you glow but not shine.
Do you have any other uses for witch hazel? Stories? Magical fairytales? Comment below!
April 14, 2013 @ 6:00 am
I was reading some of your content on this internet site and I believe this website is real informative! Keep putting up.
October 4, 2013 @ 10:14 am
Thanks for the info? I have one question, though? Do these eight reasons apply to witch hazel with and without alcohol?
October 4, 2013 @ 10:15 am
I didn’t mean to add a question mark after my first sentence. That looks condescending.
October 4, 2013 @ 12:27 pm
Yes, these reasons apply to with hazel. Not alcohol. Thanks for your comment!
June 8, 2015 @ 8:10 pm
i got this exact witch hazel and used it twice a day and it made my acne worse? not only were there more pimples but they became boils and cysts. any clue why?
June 9, 2015 @ 11:30 am
Oh no! I’m so sorry that happened. Your skin might just not react well to this particular product. I’ve definitely had that problem with other natural products that people recommend. If you can, I’d see a dermatologist and see if they can help you determine what your skin is sensitive to.
July 21, 2015 @ 3:06 am
Do you have a certain brand you suggest & with out without alcohol?
July 21, 2015 @ 11:37 am
The one I use is T.N. Dickinson’s. It looks like it has 14% alcohol. I have sensitive skin and it hasn’t irritated my skin at all. I have heard great things about Thayers which is alcohol free.
July 22, 2015 @ 10:17 am
Amazing .
July 28, 2015 @ 8:59 am
this stuff is the best and it’s cheap! Somewhere around 5 bucks!! A lot of products have overly dried out my skin and/or didn’t work and I paid lots of money. This stuff is my staple along with coconut oil. Who would of known! Grateful for natural products. I suggest you give it a try if you have acne or oily skin.. Or just looking for a toner that doesn’t break the bank and you will see great results. Lots of bang for your buck!
December 16, 2015 @ 2:27 am
I’ve been using this for about three days now I diluted it with water (50/50) wish me luck!
March 2, 2016 @ 8:35 am
Hope to see d results soon ..its bcmng too difficult fr me to get my hands waxed
April 26, 2016 @ 8:11 pm
I use witch hazel alcohol free from Thayers. It really does wonders. I dont know how quickly i saw results but a month into it and i can really see a glow and clearer skin on my face. I use it as a toner after washing my face with cera ve hydrating soap bar. I have very dry skin but this stuff is GREAT.
Never going back! Since about a week, i have added little tree oil with it as well and its improved it even more.
July 23, 2016 @ 4:36 am
Ive been using witch hazel for about a month as a toner after my skin care at night and omg it’s amazing not only did it take care of all my acne I haven’t had a brake out since…..😃
September 29, 2016 @ 6:27 pm
How come you said that Witch Hazel heals all kinds of remedies? LoL
Thanks for the article!
October 2, 2016 @ 5:41 am
I’ve been using witch hazel, (without dilluting it) and adding tea tree oil for about three days now. It has literally been the only thing to clear up my pregnancy acne. I advise anyone to use this with ancne!
March 25, 2017 @ 2:13 pm
I have been using witch hazel then applying tea tree oil spray for my acne (after pregnancy) and they are the only things that worked!!!
April 16, 2017 @ 8:58 pm
To the people who used the witch hazel and tea tree oil: how much did you use??
March 18, 2018 @ 11:05 am
can you use witch hazel in your scalp, and if so do you have any DIY ways….thanks