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The healing properties of witch hazel were valued by the American Indians hundreds of years ago. Today, the extract of this plant is included in the composition of beauty products for problematic, sensitive and prone to rosacea skin, as well as in cosmetics for men.
What is witch hazel
Hamamelis (aka witch hazel) is a thin shrub that looks like a hazel familiar to all of us. He loves a warm, humid climate, so he “lives” mainly in North America and East Asia, and is found in the Caucasus.
Witch hazel
In general, this plant is strange: it blooms in winter; gives fruit simultaneously with flowering; “shoots” nuts from ripened fruits over long distances. For such non-standard behavior, the American Indians attributed magical properties to him. And they were not far from the truth. Indeed, witch hazel’s ability to heal the skin, reduce the inflammatory process and pain can not be called otherwise than by magic.
The healing properties of witch hazel were discovered by the North American Indians. They used decoctions from the bark, leaves, flowers and roots of this plant as an antiseptic, treated wounds and burns.
Useful properties for the skin
Witch hazel (Hamamelis Virginiana) is commonly found in cosmetic formulas. Its bark, flowers and leaves serve as raw materials for obtaining extracts that are added to the formulas of creams, gels, serums, tonics.
Hamamelis extract is used in products for various skin types and for various problems, as it has a wide spectrum of action.
- Calms and tones.
- It has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
- Reduces itching and irritation.
- Helps strengthen the walls of blood vessels and capillaries.
- Fights puffiness.
- Activates blood microcirculation.
- As a natural antioxidant, it neutralizes the action of free radicals, accelerates cell regeneration, and slows down their aging.
- It has a positive effect on problem skin: it regulates the production of sebum, helps to narrow pores.
Chemical composition of witch hazel extract
Witch hazel is high in antioxidants.
The extract obtained from witch hazel contains a large amount of useful substances and trace elements, including:
- tannins;
- glycosides;
- quercetin;
- essential oils;
- flavonoids.
Indications for use
Due to the huge range of useful properties, witch hazel extract can be found in beauty products of any category.
- In tonics, creams and cleansers for problem skin it reduces the risk of acne, reduces the production of sebum and helps to narrow the pores.
- The ability of witch hazel to strengthen blood vessels has found application in remedies for couperose.
- In men’s cosmetics lines this component is most often found in aftershaves – it takes care of restoring and soothing the skin, removing irritation.
Restrictions on use
In fact, witch hazel extract is one of those ingredients to which there is almost no allergic reaction. However, individual intolerance cannot be ruled out.
Funds overview
Moisturizing tonic for all skin types Equalizing Toner, SkinCeuticals It does not contain alcohol and artificial fragrances, so it is suitable even for sensitive skin. Extracts of witch hazel, thyme, aloe and chamomile refresh and relieve stress, help maintain pH balance.
Light moisturizer with a mattifying effect Daily Moisture, SkinCeuticals – light formula is great for oily skin – tightens pores, has an antiseptic effect. A cocktail of witch hazel, cinnamon, ginger and Brazilian algae, rich in amino acids, moisturizes and enhances barrier functions.
Cleansing gel with herbs for problem skin Blue Herbal Gel Cleanser, Kiehl’s with salicylic acid provides gentle cleansing, does not violate the hydrolipidic mantle, does not overdry. Reduces the risk of inflammation and acne, mattifies, regulates the sebaceous glands.