Witch hazel, also known as Hamamelis virginiana, is a North American shrub with health benefits for both internal and external use. Its leaves, twigs and bark are high in tannic acids, or tannins, giving it astringent properties. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to treat bruising, swelling, and hemorrhoids. Because of these properties, witch hazel is a common ingredient in many skin care products. It is sold by itself in most pharmacies and health food stores, and is one of the most widely used home remedies in the United States.
Witch hazel tightens pores and reduces inflammation. Compared to the potent astringents in traditional acne medications, witch hazel is extremely mild. While astringents such as witch hazel remove excess sebum from the skin and reduce inflammation of pimples. No controlled studies have yet been conducted to verify witch hazel's effectiveness against acne.
It’s not an old wives’ tale when people say that the application of hemorrhoid cream to those little baggies under your eyes can take them away. One of the magic ingredients in a product like Preparation H is witch hazel, which helps tighten up the skin and reduce the bagginess.
I am taking better care of my skin and would love to completely convert to homemade natural skincare rather than store bought. A general rule of thumb is to not use anything that you wouldn’t/couldn’t ingest. Witch hazel is sold at most pharmacies and health food stores; I actually picked mine up at the local dollar store.
Homemade Brightening Toner
Ingredients:
- 1/2 Cup Lemon juice
- 2/3 Cup Witch hazel
- 1 Cup Water
- 1 Plastic bottle or jar
Mix ingredients together and deposit into the plastic bottle or jar. To use, apply mixture to a cotton ball/pad and gently swipe over face.
The witch hazel tightens pores and reduces inflammation. The lemon juice reduces blemishes and lightens skin. Use facial toner both morning and night for a deeper cleanse, smaller pores and bright, radiant skin!
Do you know where I can purchase CHEAP witch hazel? I seriously used to buy this stuff for like a dollar a bottle. Now it's around $6.00 at Walmart.
ReplyDeleteMight as well buy astringent :(
Do you have any dollar stores in your area? I was able to get mine from a store called the dollar tree.
DeleteI love using witch hazel, it really does help with your skin. Another good home made skin care recipe is to cut a lemon in half and use about a tea spoon of honey on it as a facial rub. The lemon helps with acne and the honey is a natural moistener for your skin. You could do them one at a time to. Sugar on tomato slices are great for exfoliating to and reducing redness. Hope this helps.
ReplyDeleteI had heard about the lemon and honey, but no the sugar and tomatoes! What kind of sugar? Any?
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