What is Tea Tree and witch hazel good for?
Combined together, tea tree oil and witch hazel help keep your skin clear and healthy-looking. Dr. Hodes says that tea tree oil has both anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which makes it a good choice for treating acne-prone skin. In fact, a 1990 study compared 5% tea tree oil to 5% benzoyl peroxide.When applied to the skin: Tea tree oil is possibly safe for most people. It may cause skin allergy, irritation and swelling. In people with acne, it can sometimes cause skin dryness, itching, stinging, burning, and redness. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Tea tree oil is possibly safe when applied to the skin.In more recent years, studies by the National Library of Medicine have indicated that by applying tea tree oil to your face twice a day, the oil has the ability to improve milder forms of acne and that tea tree oil in combination with other anti-inflammatory natural treatments such as aloe vera can help to improve your .People may put tea tree oil on their skin to treat a variety of conditions. It’s believed that tea tree oil kills germs and fungi. Some ways people use tea tree oil include to treat acne, athlete’s foot, lice, nail fungus and insect bites.Here’s our advice on the best way to safely use tea tree oil: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser for breakout-prone skin. Apply a leave-on exfoliant for acne-prone skin. Dispense a few drops of diluted tea tree oil onto a damp cotton swab and dot it directly on blemishes.
What is witch hazel tea used for?
Witch hazel has a long history of medicinal use. Native Americans used the leaves and bark as a poultice or tea to reduce inflammation and fever. Today, witch hazel is used in cosmetics, and a lotion of the extract and alcohol is marketed as a first aid for abrasions and skin irritations. Witch Hazel can help clear up acne and blemishes by battling excess sebum production, as well as reducing inflammation and the amount of acne causing bacteria on skin. Witch Hazel is excellent at healing skin conditions that include symptoms of itching, redness and inflammation.Dry Skin. If you have dry skin, witch hazel should be used with caution. While it does help refine and tone, it may also remove too much natural oil, leading to increased dryness and irritation. If you choose to use witch hazel, be sure to follow up with a hydrating moisturizer.However, it is safe to say that most dermatologists recommend witch hazel, but there are a few caveats to this answer. Those that understand the beneficial properties of adding this product to your skincare routine insist that the brand you choose must be alcohol-free.Before you go all out and start using witch hazel for skin care, know that not all ingredients work well together. For example, you shouldn’t use products with niacinamide and Vitamin C, or retinoids with AHAs and BHAs, as they can contradict each other.Drying out skin with astringent ingredients, like witch hazel, and applying toners with sensitizing alcohols (like many witch hazel products have) can lead it to create more oil to compensate, triggering breakouts and leaving skin even oilier than before.
What does witch hazel do to your skin?
Witch hazel acts as an astringent and anti-inflammatory. It can be used to improve certain types of acne, soothe minor skin irritations, and help keep your skin barrier healthy. While witch hazel is safe for most people to use, it can dry out your skin. Witch Hazel is used to relieve infections of the skin. It also helps with irritation and roughness or soreness. It can tighten the pores, relieve inflammation and reduce razor bumps.Scientific research has substantiated the positive effects of witch hazel on skin health. Studies have shown that witch hazel extract can effectively reduce inflammation associated with acne, eczema, and other skin conditions using different models [1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8].The polyphenols witch hazel contains may help fight premature aging: “Theoretically, witch hazel may have antioxidant effects that help mitigate and prevent free radical damage to skin from UV [rays] and oxidizing air pollution,” says Los Angeles-based board-certified dermatologist Tsippora Shainhouse, MD.Soothes inflamed skin Research shows that witch hazel has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. These properties allow witch hazel to help relieve itching and burning from hemorrhoids, and can reduce inflammation and pain after vaginal childbirth.
What do dermatologists think of witch hazel?
While experts say anyone can benefit from witch hazel, you might want to think about your skin type first. It is especially important for those with dry or sensitive skin to use an alcohol-free witch hazel product to minimize the potential for dryness or irritation, says Garshick. Native Americans used the plant to treat the common cold, eye and liver conditions, and other illnesses. Early settlers also used the leaves to make tea for various medicinal purposes. Today, witch hazel is used in a variety of products, including ointments, soaps, and lotions.Witch hazel is a botanical astringent from the plant Hamamelis virginiana. Astringents shrink or tighten tissues in your body. This topical solution comes in the form of wipes or pads that you rub on your skin. It can relieve itching, burning and irritation caused by hemorrhoids or bowel movements.Although witch hazel contains a known cancer-causing ingredient, there’s likely no need for concern unless you regularly use high concentrations. The amounts are very small. Because studies are limited, avoid using witch hazel if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.The leaves and bark are made into teas and ointments. Most often applied to the skin and scalp, witch hazel is widely known for its ability to ease inflammation and soothe sensitive skin. It can also be added to herbal teas and ingested orally in small amounts as a natural treatment for other conditions.
When should you not use witch hazel?
Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals: Consult a healthcare professional before using witch hazel to confirm safety and prevent adverse reactions. People with sensitive skin: Those with a history of skin allergies or conditions like eczema should be cautious when introducing witch hazel into their skincare routine. Yes, witch hazel can have side effects. While generally safe, allergic reactions may occur, causing skin irritation, redness, and itching. Oral consumption is not recommended, as it can cause stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, liver problems, and, in extreme cases, kidney damage.From clinical studies, a significant improvement was observed in skin hydration of the sites treated with witch hazel toner at 15 minutes, 4 hours, and 8 hours post application when compared to baseline measurement and untreated site.Natural Witch Hazel Toner: This toner gently tones and tightens the skin, minimising the appearance of pores and controlling excess oil. Its natural astringent properties make it ideal for oily or acne-prone skin. Used twice daily, it helps maintain a clear, smooth complexion.Here’s the bottom line: witch hazel doesn’t lighten skin in the clinical sense. It doesn’t bleach, depigment, or inhibit melanin production. But when used correctly, it can help skin appear visibly brighter, by reducing redness, calming inflammation, and refining texture.For people with dry and sensitive skin, it sometimes worsens irritation. Even though it reduces swelling for some, it may cause irritation and dryness for others. Dermatologists warn against witch hazel – especially if you have sensitive skin.