Witch hazel, or Hamamelis virginiana, is a shrub that’s native to North America, and it’s been used for hundreds of years to help with inflammation, aromatherapy, and skincare. In fact, one of its biggest uses is its ability to topically treat acne, minor skin irritations, and other problems.
So, does witch hazel help acne? The short answer is yes, but there’s a lot more to it than that. The good news? You won’t be leaving here with any questions because we cover everything you need to know about witch hazel for acne.
Does Witch Hazel Help Acne?
Yes! Witch hazel helps with acne. While it’s not a substitute for proper acne treatment, and you should always connect with a doctor first, it can help with acne. In fact, it can help in a few ways, and we explore them in more detail below.
Reduces Inflammation
First and foremost, witch hazel can reduce the inflammation that comes with acne. While it may not be able to cure it, witch hazel has gallic acid and tannins that soothe swelling, redness, and other acne symptoms.
Antimicrobial
While more research needs to be done on witch hazel oil, you’ll find that it functions well as an antimicrobial. It can help limit the spread of bacteria that cause acne, and this can help you prevent breakouts from spreading. Of course, it won’t kill every bacteria, so make sure you keep this in mind.
Controlling Oils
Another way that witch hazel can help is by controlling oils. It’s a gentle astringent that can absorb the oils on your face without stripping your skin’s moisture barrier. This results in less oils that can clog pores and cause acne outbreaks.
How to Use Witch Hazel for Acne
When it comes to using witch hazel for acne, there are a few things you need to consider. It’s important to understand how to apply the oil, where to source the best oil, and what to avoid.
To help you make the most out of witch hazel for acne, we offer some usage tips below.
Choose Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel
One of the most important factors to consider is the type of witch hazel you’re using. Make sure you choose alcohol-free witch hazel to prevent breakouts that are even worse.
Why? Because ethanol is an irritant, and it can lead to more irritation, inflammation, and other issues.
Use Witch Hazel Alongside Treatments
A quick disclaimer here – make sure you consult with a licensed medical professional before you use witch hazel with any type of acne treatment. Now that we got that out of the way, you’ll want to make sure you’re using witch hazel alongside proper acne treatments.
Ultimately, you don’t want it to be the foundation of your treatment plan because it may not work.
Choose the Best Witch Hazel for Acne
It’s also important to choose the right witch hazel for acne. After all, if you plan on treating your skin, you should make sure you leverage the best possible option. Not only will this help you get results, but it can save you time and money.
The good news? Finding the best witch hazel for acne is easy. You can always count on Wholesale Botanics to supply you with premium options.
Always Patch Test
Last but not least, and perhaps the most important tip, is to always patch test your skin before you commit to witch hazel for acne. Place a little bit of witch hazel on your skin and wait for around 24 hours to determine if there are any adverse reactions.
If you notice any issues, make sure you stop using the witch hazel immediately.
Does Witch Hazel Help Acne? Our Final Thoughts
So, does witch hazel help acne? At the end of the day, yes, witch hazel can help with acne. While this may be the case, make sure you use witch hazel as more of a companion for treatment, rather than a standalone option. What’s more, you should always speak with a medical professional before using a holistic healing method for something like acne.
That said, if you plan on using witch hazel oil for acne, always choose the best possible options to set yourself up for success. For this reason, we always recommend starting with Wholesale Botanics for the best results.