witch hazel next to a mature woman in her 50s at sunset

Witch Hazel for Cleansing: Anti-Inflammatory plus Benefits

September 29, 2020

Literally

So, witch hazel is not made from witches. It’s made from a plant. The plant is technically a shrub. The shrub’s actual name is Hamamelis virginiana and grows mostly in the US and Canada. The liquid from its leaves, bark and twigs has been used for centuries as medicine to treat a variety of issues. Its popularity as a toner has grown in recent years, as people started realizing using alcohol-based toners was a very bad idea.

Alcohol Dryness

Alcohol based toners were once very popular, offering a refreshing, cooling effect that made people “feel” cleaner. Unfortunately, that same alcohol strips the skin of healthy oils (along with the unhealthy oil) while drying and tightening the skin. That effect may feel good temporarily, but can contribute to long term skin damage. Yet, of course people used it (especially for acne), because it works. However, these short-term effects come with long term consequences.

Witch hazel benefits infographic by blissani naturals

Over time, the drying and tightening effects of alcohol rob your skin of the moisture your body needs to keep the skin healthy and looking young. It can contribute to signs of pre-mature aging as well as dry skin in general. People figured this out sometime in the 1990’s and suddenly… witch hazel became a thing.

Hazel Returns

First, witch hazel is a natural astringent. An astringent is a liquid used to cleanse skin and tighten pores. This step (astringent/toner) is especially important for those with acne or oily skin. It may not be necessary for everyone and those who don’t need it (not prone to acne or oil) may choose to skip it. However, for those with oily skin, acne-prone or those who wish to even their skin tone and tighten their pores an astringent can help. By removing the bad oils from the face and keeping the good oils, witch hazel can help provide the best of both worlds.

Second, witch hazel is a natural cleanser. As mentioned, it is especially good at cleaning up excess oil. It can reduce the production of sebum and therefore help reduce visible acne.

Third, it can reduce skin irritation and help protect your skin from damage. The anti-oxidant rich tannins in witch hazel reduce free radicals that can cause signs of aging. Regular use of witch hazel can help soothe minor skin irritations while helping to protect the skin from signs of premature aging. Anti-acne plus anti-aging all found in a shrub here in the good ole USA…not bad witch hazel….not bad.

The blissani Mission and Witch Hazel

Witch hazel has become a popular choice for natural face cleansing, and as a natural product creator who uses witch hazel in our own products, We are excited to expand on why it is the best choice for your skincare routine.

One of the primary reasons why witch hazel has gained popularity as a toner is due to its stark contrast with alcohol-based toners, which were once prevalent. Alcohol-based toners were favored for their refreshing and cooling effects, making people feel cleaner. However, the alcohol in these toners also stripped the skin of its healthy oils, leading to dryness and tightening. While these toners may have provided short-term benefits, they had long-term consequences, such as skin damage and premature aging.

Unlike alcohol-based toners, witch hazel offers numerous benefits without the harsh drying effect. It serves as a natural astringent, which cleanses the skin and tightens the pores. This step is particularly crucial for individuals with acne-prone or oily skin. By removing excessive oils from the face while retaining the beneficial ones, witch hazel provides the best of both worlds

Moreover, witch hazel acts as a natural cleanser, specifically targeting excess oil production. It helps reduce the production of sebum, which is responsible for clogging pores and causing visible acne. By regulating sebum production, witch hazel helps maintain a balanced and clearer complexion.

In addition to its cleansing properties, witch hazel possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. The tannins present in witch hazel are rich in antioxidants, which combat free radicals and protect the skin from premature aging. Regular use of witch hazel can help soothe minor skin irritations while preventing signs of aging, making it an excellent choice for those seeking both anti-acne and anti-aging benefits.

The versatility of witch hazel makes it a remarkable natural ingredient for face cleansing. It not only effectively cleanses and tightens pores but also reduces excess oil production and protects the skin from damage. Its natural properties make it a preferred choice for individuals looking to embrace a natural skincare routine and achieve healthier, youthful-looking skin.

As a natural product creator, we understand the importance of harnessing the power of botanical ingredients. Witch hazel, with its multiple skin benefits, exemplifies our commitment to providing effective and natural solutions for skincare. We take pride in incorporating witch hazel into our products, ensuring that you can enjoy the remarkable benefits it offers.

In conclusion, witch hazel has rightfully earned its place as a top choice for natural face cleansing. Its ability to cleanse, tighten pores, regulate sebum production, and protect the skin from damage makes it an ideal addition to any skincare routine. Embrace the power of witch hazel, a versatile shrub found right here in the United States, and experience the benefits it provides for healthy and radiant skin.