Witch hazel has several fantastic uses that go beyond it just being an inexpensive topical astringent. You may have a bottle of it in your medicine cabinet and have dabbed it on your skin here and there. But there is so much more this substance can do than just tone the skin on your face! But first, have you ever wondered what exactly witch hazel is? This common substance is made from the bark and leaves of Hamamelis virginiana, the North American witch hazel shrub. And the high concentrations of tannins in witch hazel make it a great astringent, to be sure. However, witch hazel uses extend to other areas of natural remedies, as well, many of which have been in practice for years. For example, chances are you have never considered using witch hazel as a remedy for diaper rash. Want to learn more? Read on!
If witch hazel isn't already in your home, here are 10 reasons why it should be!
1. It Removes Stubborn Makeup
Removing makeup can be easier said than done. Sticky or resistant makeup can be difficult to remove completely. And you definitely do not want to fall asleep with makeup on your face. That's a surefire way to wake up with an acne breakout. Give your skin the proper care it craves by ensuring you remove your makeup and wash your face every night before you go to bed. You can help do this by using witch hazel as a makeup-remover. Thanks to the astringent properties in witch hazel, it can help remove even the most stubborn makeup residue to help prevent breakouts.
2. It Heals Cuts and Scrapes
Witch hazel is often used with antiseptics like alcohol to clean cuts and scrapes. It may cause an initial sting, but it will almost instantly relieve the pain from a small injury. All in all, it's a worthy trade-off, to bear just a tiny amount of pain in order to relieve a bigger source of pain. But that's not all witch hazel can do for your scraped up skin! It also encourages the skin to contract, which helps to slow bleeding and jump start the healing process.3. It Helps Destroy Dandruff
Dandruff can be an absolute nightmare! Dandruff occurs when the skin on your scalp begins to flake, and can cause your skin to become quite itchy and uncomfortable. While people with dry and brittle hair should avoid witch hazel, those with oily hair can use it to remove excess skin and oil from the hair before shampooing, to help get rid of dandruff. Help ditch the dandruff itch by using witch hazel!4. It Relieves Itchy Skin
Speaking of itching, what's a good way to treat itchy skin? If you're suffering from chicken pox or eczema, adding witch hazel to Aloe Vera can be soothing and provide itch relief. As mentioned above, witch hazel can also help encourage sores to close and heal. Witch hazel can even help relieve itchy bug bites on your skin. Be sure to keep it stocked up in your house to help combat those summertime itchy bug bites!