Ingredient Spotlight - Witch Hazel

Beauty
April 28, 2023
Author: Doré
Beauty
April 28, 2023

Ingredient Spotlight - Witch Hazel

Author: Doré
What is witch hazel? Witch hazel is a natural astringent derived from the leaves and bark of the witch hazel shrub. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and is currently having a moment in skincare. We’ve long loved this ingredient for its benefits, especially in cleansers. Witch hazel can be found in Le Cleanser.Witch Hazel PropertiesThe name « Golden Spider Tree », derived from its bouquets of yellow flowers, gives the witch hazel a wonderful touch that is particularly suited to its properties. The leaves and bark of this tree, which can grow up to 7 meters high, contain polyphenols, including hydrolyzable tannins such as witch hazel, as well as proanthocyanidols.Beneficial to health, its tannins and polyphenols give witch hazel antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, vascular endothelium-protective and vasoconstrictive properties. It also has a bacteriostatic effect on gram-negative bacteria, as well as an antiviral effect. Some witch hazel uses in addition to skincare are for things like bug bites, poison ivy and sunburn. Benefits of Witch Hazel in SkincareWitch hazel is commonly used in skincare for its many benefits stemming from its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nature. Witch hazel is included in Le Cleanser, and it’s good for relieving inflammation, preventing acne bacteria from infecting the skin, and shrinking pores.Reduces Inflammation and RednessWhat does witch hazel do? It’s known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great solution for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. It can help reduce redness and inflammation caused by breakouts and other skin irritations. Applying witch hazel to the skin can also help soothe sunburns, insect bites, and other types of skin irritation.Minimizes Pores and Controls Oil ProductionOne of witch hazel’s benefits is that it is a natural astringent, meaning it can help tighten and tone the skin. It works by reducing the size of pores and controlling oil production, which can lead to a reduction in blackheads and breakouts. Witch hazel is also effective at removing excess oil from the skin without stripping it of its natural moisture, making it a great alternative to harsher toners.Helps Improve Overall Skin AppearanceWitch hazel for skin can help improve the overall appearance of your skin. Its astringent properties help to smooth and tighten the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Witch hazel also contains antioxidants that can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.Reduces PuffinessWitch hazel may also be able to help reduce the look of puffiness in the face. Because of its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, it can constrict the skin and reduce swelling. Tips for Integrating Witch Hazel Into Your Skincare Routine
  • Go alcohol-free: Witch hazel is typically extracted with alcohol to create an astringent toner; however, if the alcohol content is too high it can dry out your skin. For this reason, dermatologists recommend choosing a witch hazel product that’s alcohol-free—especially if you’re planning on making the ingredient a regular in your skin care routine. You can find witch hazel in gentle, hydrating formulas like Le Cleanser which are safe for regular, daily use.
  • Use witch hazel several times a day: You can apply witch hazel extract to problem areas on your skin multiple times a day.
  • Use a moisturizer: If using witch hazel to treat oily skin or acne-prone skin, use a moisturizer after you apply the witch hazel to restore moisture to the skin.
Witch hazel has been around for ages, but is on-trend again when it comes to your skincare. It’s no surprise given the many benefits witch hazel can have on the skin when used in the right, gentle formulas.
What is witch hazel? Witch hazel is a natural astringent derived from the leaves and bark of the witch hazel shrub. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and is currently having a moment in skincare. We’ve long loved this ingredient for its benefits, especially in cleansers. Witch hazel can be found in Le Cleanser.Witch Hazel PropertiesThe name « Golden Spider Tree », derived from its bouquets of yellow flowers, gives the witch hazel a wonderful touch that is particularly suited to its properties. The leaves and bark of this tree, which can grow up to 7 meters high, contain polyphenols, including hydrolyzable tannins such as witch hazel, as well as proanthocyanidols.Beneficial to health, its tannins and polyphenols give witch hazel antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, vascular endothelium-protective and vasoconstrictive properties. It also has a bacteriostatic effect on gram-negative bacteria, as well as an antiviral effect. Some witch hazel uses in addition to skincare are for things like bug bites, poison ivy and sunburn. Benefits of Witch Hazel in SkincareWitch hazel is commonly used in skincare for its many benefits stemming from its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nature. Witch hazel is included in Le Cleanser, and it’s good for relieving inflammation, preventing acne bacteria from infecting the skin, and shrinking pores.Reduces Inflammation and RednessWhat does witch hazel do? It’s known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great solution for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. It can help reduce redness and inflammation caused by breakouts and other skin irritations. Applying witch hazel to the skin can also help soothe sunburns, insect bites, and other types of skin irritation.Minimizes Pores and Controls Oil ProductionOne of witch hazel’s benefits is that it is a natural astringent, meaning it can help tighten and tone the skin. It works by reducing the size of pores and controlling oil production, which can lead to a reduction in blackheads and breakouts. Witch hazel is also effective at removing excess oil from the skin without stripping it of its natural moisture, making it a great alternative to harsher toners.Helps Improve Overall Skin AppearanceWitch hazel for skin can help improve the overall appearance of your skin. Its astringent properties help to smooth and tighten the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Witch hazel also contains antioxidants that can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.Reduces PuffinessWitch hazel may also be able to help reduce the look of puffiness in the face. Because of its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, it can constrict the skin and reduce swelling. Tips for Integrating Witch Hazel Into Your Skincare Routine
  • Go alcohol-free: Witch hazel is typically extracted with alcohol to create an astringent toner; however, if the alcohol content is too high it can dry out your skin. For this reason, dermatologists recommend choosing a witch hazel product that’s alcohol-free—especially if you’re planning on making the ingredient a regular in your skin care routine. You can find witch hazel in gentle, hydrating formulas like Le Cleanser which are safe for regular, daily use.
  • Use witch hazel several times a day: You can apply witch hazel extract to problem areas on your skin multiple times a day.
  • Use a moisturizer: If using witch hazel to treat oily skin or acne-prone skin, use a moisturizer after you apply the witch hazel to restore moisture to the skin.
Witch hazel has been around for ages, but is on-trend again when it comes to your skincare. It’s no surprise given the many benefits witch hazel can have on the skin when used in the right, gentle formulas.