02 Aug Fab, Fit and Frugal: Witch Hazel’s Numerous Beauty Uses
For as long as I can remember, I’ve had oily, acne prone skin. And I’ve also tried a variety of products, from dermatologist prescribed topical treatments to serums, creams and peels sold over the counter.
But one product I come back to over and over again is witch hazel. Per Web MD, it “contains chemicals called tannins. When applied directly to the skin, witch hazel might help reduce swelling, help repair broken skin, and fight bacteria.”
It’s also just a few dollars and a must have in every bathroom, whether you have problem skin, puffy eyes or irritation.
The uses are endless, but below are a few of my favorite beauty uses for witch hazel.
Blemishes and Acne: As mentioned earlier, witch hazel helps fight bacteria and has anti-inflammatory benefits, so it’s perfect for those with mild acne. After cleansing my skin, I dab a bit on a cotton ball and swipe it across my face. I also use other products with salicylic acid, but every now and then I have to give the harsher stuff a rest. This 100 percent natural astringent is especially great in the summer months when you want your skin to feel refreshed.
Puffy Eyes: I’m sure you’ve heard that applying a bit of Preparation H under your eyes can reduce puffiness. Well, guess what’s a main ingredient in Prep H? Yup, witch hazel. It does wonders at shrinking blood vessels and tightening the skin, which helps decrease the look of puffy eyes. Soaking a cotton ball in witch hazel and then placing them over your eyes for a few minutes can do wonders.
Itchy Skin: Sunburn. Poison ivy. Chicken pox. Diaper rash. All of the aforementioned annoyances can be soothed with the help of witch hazel.
Witch hazel is sold in every first aide aisle, usually near the rubbing alcohol and peroxide and you won’t pay more than 5 bucks, or maybe $10 for the “fancier” stuff.
In addition to buying a bottle of witch hazel and rubbing it on your skin with a cotton ball, you can remove a step by purchasing Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel Wipes.
The towelettes come pre-soaked with witch hazel. I love these for daily use and especially when traveling. No need to worry about the witch hazel spilling in your bag.
Witch hazel has a ton of uses. What are your favorite ways to use witch hazel? Do you have any other frugal skin saving products?
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