Why you should re-think using witch hazel and I chat about my fave moisturiser.
Every so often, there is that one product I can just stop talking about. Or in this case, there is one ingredient I just can’t stop raving about. Right now it is Witch Hazel.
Last year it was sheet masks, but after overdosing on sheet masks during the isolation period I have switched from modern day facial treatments to old age skincare remedies, like Witch Hazel infused toners and cleansers.
Used for centuries by our ancient ancestors, Witch Hazel is a hero ingredient in skincare for oily and blemish prone skin types.
Having inherited my late mother’s oily and blemish prone skin type, Witch Hazel has always played an important factor in my skincare from an early age, after being introduced to it in my early teens by my mum who swore by it, as a way of controlling the oil and healing any breakouts faster.
I was taught to cleanse with Witch Hazel every morning before applying moisturiser and at night after showering to clean away any dirt and grime stuck in the skin cells.
It certainly helped me deal with those uncomfortable hormonal breakouts throughout my teenage years in high school, healing them a lot faster by drying them out, killing off any bacteria and it even preventing them spreading to other parts of the skin. Often a common occurrence with oily skin types.
It’s a pretty powerful plant which is native to North America and contains some fairly powerful medicinal properties which can be used in a variety of different ways, but is most often applied to the skin and scalp as helps reduce inflammation, soothe sensitive skin and helps balance excessively oily skin.
Witch Hazel contains many compounds such as gallic acid, which is a strong antioxidant, and tannins, which are antimicrobial bacteria fighting cells which help fight against bacterial infection. They have also been known to help fight off free-radical damage from environmental impacts on the skin too.
But Witch Hazel doesn’t get the respect it should today, in a saturated market of the latest and greatest in skincare, it’s always the ancient remedies which get sidelined for revolutionary skincare treatments such as laster, Microderm and acid peels.
Being a self-proclaimed Witch Hazel expert having been a fan for so long and using any product I can get any hand on which contains this incredible ingredient, I thought I would shed some light on the benefits of introducing Witch Hazel into your skincare routine.
Starting with four products infused with Witch Hazel, to help you achieve healthier, happier skin which is oil controlled and blemish-free.
Biore Witch Hazel Pore Clarifying Toner RRP $8.49
My Top Pick:
This is perfect for night time, right after cleansing. Using a round makeup pad, swipe over clean skin to help seal pores, clarify, tone and clear out excess bacteria in any skin irritations like blemishes.
I saw a significant reduction in blackheads on the nose after using this product for only a week.
T.N.Dickinson’s Witch Hazel Face Wipes RRP $8.39
This product exfoliates and tones at the same time. Inside you’ll find 60 round pads which are smooth on one side and rigid on the other side to help exfoliate away dead skin cells.
With the added benefits of Aloe Vera in this product, skin is well hydrated and cells are dirt free, allowing new cells to regrow to promote healthy skin.
Ellus & Krue pH Balance Gel Toner RRP $65
This is probably one of my favourite toners to use in the morning after cleansing, as it is a soft gel formula which absorbs fast into the skin and helps to protect my skin throughout the day.
It has been specially formulated to control oil too, so using it in the morning helps my skin to naturally balance oil production for most of the day.
Ere Perez Herbal Face Tonic RRP $32
A stunning addition to your skincare regime, and the perfect face spritz which can be used throughout the day when skin is feeling a little dry and under nourished.
This tonic is the perfect skin reviver and is made using a potent blend of Green Tea, Witchhazel, citrus, Geranium, Aloe Vera & Rosemary to stimulate and revitalise skin.
Reduce Skin Inflammation:
Some research has shown when Witch Hazel is topically applied to sensitive skin to treat concern, there is a significant reduction in inflammation, irritation and broken skin, with results also showing how it works to reduce redness in the skin.
Fights Acne:
As Witch Hazel is a powerful anti-inflammatory, research has shown it can be very helpful in the treatment of acne. Applied directly to the face after cleansing, it works to kill bacteria which helps heal blemishes faster. It acts as an astringent, which is the process of shrinking pores.
Protects Skin:
Rich in tannins, a natural plant-based compound which has powerful antioxidant properties which help protect the skin against damage, Witch Hazel acts as a barrier to help protect the cells against harmful substances and neutralise harmful free-radicals which can spread skin cancer cells.
Fights Infection:
Many studies have also shown Witch Hazel to be vital in fighting off viral infections, such as cold sores. Applied directly to a cold sore on the lips or skin, it can help kill off the virus and bacteria inside the sore helping to heal it faster and prevent it from either getting worse or spreading to other areas of the face.
My Favourite Beauty Product of the Week:
Biossance Squalene + Probiotic Gel Moisturiser RRP $81
This weightless, hydrating gel moisturiser is infused with a plant-based squalane and probiotic technology, restores skin leaving it feeling well nourished and radiant.
I’m a real fuss-pot when it comes to facial moisturisers and demand a lot from a product.
Always looking for the right type of texture and formula, which doesn’t clash with my oily skin type, and won’t dry it out either, I am always on the look out for a product which nourishes my skin, keeping it soft and supple throughout the day under foundation.
I was a little apprehensive at first with this product, as the texture is so light, I really didn’t think it would do much to hydrate my skin. I was entirely wrong of course.
This is a fabulous product to wear under foundation on long days. Skin stays soft and is well hydrated for longer, and with the added benefits of probiotics and the plant-based made squalene, both of which are proven anti-ageing ingredients, I saw a significant reduction in fine lines and skin texture too.
As this product is a gel moisturiser it absorbs fast into the skin and works well with any serum and face oil.
