Witch Hazel For Acne

Witch hazel has been used as a skincare product for hundreds of years. It contains anti-inflammatory properties, which helps remove excess oil from the skin and shrink pores. Through this, it makes for a great acne treatment you can apply directly to the problem area.

What is witch hazel?

Witch hazel comes from the bark and leaves of Hamamelis virginiana. This is a flowering plant native to Asia and North America. It's been used for centuries for its calming, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory benefits.

The plant is harvested and distilled to create an active chemical compound. The liquid is extracted from the plant, and it can now be found in numerous acne-fighting skincare products.

3 ways witch hazel can help your acne

There are 3 primary ways in which witch hazel fights acne. In addition to other medical treatments, you should speak with your doctor to see if you can benefit from this natural remedy.

1. It reduces inflammation and redness

Acne lesions occur as a result of inflammation. By applying witch hazel to the acne site, it can help remove excess sebum causing the excessive redness. This is why it's highly recommended for people with pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads.

2. It gets rid of excess oil

Clogged pores result in acne. Your skin naturally creates an oil called sebum, which can trap bacteria, dirt, and debris in the pores, leading to a pimple. Witch hazel eliminates excessive oil, so your pores are less likely to become clogged.

3. It prevents acne-causing bacteria from growing

In addition to being anti-inflammatory, witch hazel is also antibacterial. It helps remove potentially harmful bacteria from the skin, so they don't become trapped within pores.

How to make a DIY witch hazel toner for your acne

You can make your very own facial toner using witch hazel as an active ingredient. To do so, follow this recipe.

• 4 oz. of witch hazel

• 3 drops each of lavender, cypress, and geranium essential oils

• 1/2 tsp of vitamin E oil

Mix these together in a bottle. Once you have your very own toner, you're ready to start applying it daily.

• Wash your face, removing any makeup, using a gentle facial cleanser.

• Apply the toner with a cotton swab and apply to the acne-prone area.

• Moisturize your skin.

Other health benefits of using witch hazel

Witch hazel is great for acne. But even if you don't tend to get pimples, there are other reasons why you may want to incorporate it into your routine.

• Treats sunburns

• Heals bruises, bug bites, and other wounds

• Helps heal minor skin burns

Tips to prevent your acne from worsening

Witch hazel is great for getting your acne under control. Make sure to talk with a dermatologist to see if you need a more intense treatment. And follow these tips so that you don't inadvertently make your acne worse.

• Stay hydrated - You need to drink 8 ounces of water daily. Your skin produces more oil when you're dehydrated.

• Avoid touching your face - Your hands contain bacteria and dirt, even if you can't see it. Transferring that debris to your face can worsen acne.

• Don't pop pimples - You may feel tempted to pop a pimple when it has a whitehead. However, popping and squeezing your acne only makes it redder. You also increase your chances of ending up with scarring.

Here's the best ways to treat your acne

While acne breakouts and pimples are inevitable at some point in your life, it's not something you have to live with forever. There's a wide range of treatment options that have shown to combat those pesky red bumps for good.

• Benzoyl Peroxide: Typically a main ingredient in many acne facial cleansers and lotions, benzoyl peroxide goes into your pores to lift and remove excess oil, dirt and debris (acne-causing agents).

• Glycolic Acid: An alpha-hydroxy acid, this ingredient exfoliates dead skin cells and removes surface impurities. This stops your pores from clogging; preventing future breakouts.

• Retinoids: Arguably the most effective acne treatment, retinoids expertly diminish sebum (excess oil), dirt, bacteria, and any other acne-causing agents on your skin's surface to prevent future breakouts. This powerful drug has also been proven to stop acne scars from forming, leaving behind only smooth, radiant skin.

Treat your acne fast! Get a prescription retinoid, today!

We understand how annoying and bothersome acne breakouts can be. Whether it's picture day at school, or you've got a job interview, acne is not a welcome friend. Fortunately, it's a treatable condition. Our licensed physicians make it easy and more comfortable to have a discussion about your skin and the best treatment options available for you.

Talk to one of our reputable online physicians to get your prescription Retinoid, today!