Heather Wheeler | Updated

11 Unexpected Ways to Use Witch Hazel

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I’ve known for a long time that witch hazel is an astringent — but I kinda thought that’s all there is to it. Nope.

I’m blown away by all of this stuff’s various ways it can help me look and feel better! Here are just a few:

 

1. Control blemishes

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Nothing is worse than the almighty zit. Fortunately, witch hazel can reduce its inflammation. Witch hazel is an ingredient in many over-the-counter treatments, and people claim that daily use helps keep blemishes at bay.

 

2. Shrink dark circles under the eyes

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Using a cotton ball, simply rub a little witch hazel under your eyes, and say goodbye to those under-eye bags! Almost as good as actually getting sleep.

 

3. Treat dry skin

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My skin gets much drier in the winter, so this is a particularly good reason to have witch hazel around. Applying it to dry skin helps lock in the moisture — who knew?

 

4. Reduce razor burn

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Witch hazel applied to razor-burned skin will help decrease the itch and redness.

 

 

5. Soothe poison ivy and poison oak

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With camping season just around the corner, consider packing a little witch hazel with your gear. Witch hazel helps reduce the inflammation and swelling from poison ivy and poison oak.

 

6. Cool down diaper rash

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Witch hazel is great on helping soothe diaper rash. If your baby’s bottom isn’t getting better with traditional creams, try a little witch hazel on a cotton ball. People swear by this remedy.

 

7. Tame unruly hair frizz

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Add a few drops to your shampoo or conditioner to control frizzy hair.

 

8. Treat sunburn

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Witch hazel is great at healing damaged skin. Applying it to sunburn will lessen the time it takes to heal and help prevent peeling.

 

 

9. Help heal minor cuts

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Witch hazel is known as “Nature’s Neosporin.” Applying a dab of it on a minor cut will cleanse, protect against infection, and encourage quicker healing.

 

10. Soothe external hemorrhoids

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Witch hazel
 can be combined with aloe, glycerin or petroleum jelly and rubbed on external hemorrhoids for a DIY hemorrhoid cream. It will reduce the itching and dry up most bleeding. Witch hazel is a major ingredient in Preparation H.

 

11. Make bug bites itch less

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Witch hazel has great anti-inflammatory and anti-itch properties. Use a little on a child’s mosquito bite (or your own) to help reduce that tendency to scratch.

 

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