If you grew up with oily and acne-prone skin, you're probably familiar with a lot of blemish-busting ingredients due to the hours you've spent scouring the internet for the best skin-clearing product. One of the most popular add-ons you may have encountered is witch hazel, but what is it exactly? Ahead, we discuss this powerful ingredient and its benefits for your face:
What is witch hazel?
Witch hazel is extracted from Hamamelis virginiana, a flowering plant native to North America. It has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help in decreasing germs and oil on the skin, making it a popular ingredient in a lot of products marketed for people with oily and acne-prone complexions.
What are the benefits of witch hazel?
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It relieves inflammation.
Witch hazel contains strong anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritated skin.
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It reduces sebum production.
Since witch hazel is an astringent, it helps to sop up excess oil on the skin, which is why it's a popular ingredient in toners and mattifying products. Some people may find it *too* drying, though, so it's best to use a gentle formulation.
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It fights acne.
Aside from reducing sebum production, the anti-microbial properties of witch hazel can reduce bacteria growth. This, in turn, helps to prevent those pesky pimples from sprouting up.
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It refines pores.
When used as an astringent, witch hazel helps a lot in dislodging the buildup stuck in the pores.
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It prevents skin aging.
Witch hazel has antioxidant effects that help prevent damage to the complexion caused by UV rays and pollution. It also helps improve the skin's elasticity.
Below, we list down witch hazel-infused products to get you started:
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Lush Grease Lightning
There's nothing more annoying than a nasty pimple appearing after you've had so many good skin days. Don't pop it, though. Just dab some spot treatment to the zit with a cotton bud. For maintenance, refine your pores with Lush Grease Lightning. It contains anti-bacterial ingredients such as tea tree extract and witch hazel that purify your complexion. It also has aloe gel extract to hydrate and soothe.
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Lush Grease Lightning, P595, Lush.com.ph -
Thayers Original Witch Hazel Toner
For many of us, this toner from Thayers was our gateway product to the world of ~witch hazel~. It has a gentle, alcohol-free formula that purifies, soothes, and helps minimize the redness of troubled complexions.
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Thayers Original Witch Hazel Toner, P695, BeautyMNL -
Beach Born Witch Hazel Wash
If you're in need of an acne-fighting facial cleanser that won't strip your complexion of its natural moisture, try Beach Born's Witch Hazel Wash. It can help refine pores, reduce inflammation, and soothe irritated skin. It's also gentle enough to be used as a feminine wash.
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Beach Born Witch Hazel Wash, P227.50, Beachborn.ph -
Beauty Bakery Witch Hazel Facial Mist
This face mist from local brand Beauty Bakery is loaded with skin-loving ingredients such as witch hazel, tea tree extract, vitamin C, and lemon extract. You can use this as a mattifying toner or a midday pick-me-up!
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓Beauty Bakery Witch Hazel Facial Mist, P199, BeautyMNL
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Skin Genie ACV Creamy Mask
For a complexion detox, slather on this mask from local brand Skin Genie once or twice a week. It's infused with apple cider vinegar, bentonite clay, kaolin, and witch hazel to help you get smoother, brighter skin.
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Skin Genie ACV Creamy Mask, P350, BeautyMNL -
Mario Badescu Witch Hazel & Rosewater Toner
This toner from cult-favorite brand Mario Badescu boasts of astringent properties that help clear out your skin without drying it out. It's also infused with aloe vera to soothe the complexion.
Mario Badescu Witch Hazel & Rosewater Toner, P870, SephoraADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓ -
Beauty Bakery Witch Hazel + Tea Tree Antioxidant Facial Cream
To cap off your skincare routine, slather a thin layer of this cream from Beauty Bakery. Due to its witch hazel and tea tree oil content (which are both powerful anti-acne ingredients), this product will "tighten" the pores, even out your skin tone, and heal pimples.
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓Beauty Bakery Witch Hazel + Tea Tree Antioxidant Facial Cream, P320, BeautyMNL
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