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
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
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
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
Witch hazel applied to razor-burned skin will help decrease the itch and redness.
5. Soothe poison ivy and poison oak
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
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
Add a few drops to your shampoo or conditioner to control frizzy hair.
8. Treat sunburn
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
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
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
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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