Day 309- Witch Hazel as a Facial Cleanser

I was recently introduced to the idea of using witch hazel as a natural facial cleanser. I had been completely unaware of witch hazel entirely, I grew up with tea tree oil, but witch hazel had been foreign to me. So this definitely intrigued me and I decided to further research this. As I went to the drug store today to pick up some necessities I checked out some of the ingredients that were in their natural cleansers, and there it was...witch hazel.

According to Discovery Health:

"Witch hazel is often used as a skin conditioning agent and may help relieve or reduce dry, irritated skin [source: Personal Care Products Council]. Some people have also used it to alleviate symptoms of skin conditions such as eczema, but no research has concluded that it actually works [source: Mayo Clinic]."

"Witch hazel is high in tannins, which work to help reduce swelling. Its extract may be used as an astringent to tighten and firm skin to reduce the appearance of pores and signs of aging. Some people also use it to reduce puffiness under the eyes."

According to Wikipedia:

"Distilled witch hazel sold in drug stores and pharmacies typically contains no tannin. Witch hazel hydrosol is used in skin care. It is a strong anti-oxidant and astringent, which makes it very useful in fighting acne. It is often used as a natural remedy for psoriasis, eczema, aftershave applications, ingrown nails, to prevent sweating of the face, cracked or blistered skin, for treating insect bites, poison ivy, and as a treatment for varicose veins and hemorrhoids. It is found in numerous over-the-counter hemorrhoid preparations. It is frequently used by women to reduce swelling and soothe wounds resulting from childbirth. Witch hazel is also traditionally known as a good first reaction against shaving cuts and abrasions, and it is also recommended as effective for helping soothe sunburn."

Natural facial toner recipes:

Ingredients:

• 4oz Witch Hazel
• 10 to 20 drops of your Essential oil. Amount of drops may depend on which oil you are using, their strength and how many different oils you are using. Read the label to see the recommended amount.

Directions:

Mix ingredients well in bottle. Shake before each Use. Apply to face with cotton ball after cleansing

Essential Oils for your skin type:

• Sandalwood Essential Oil has an astringent effect on oily skin and helps soothe irritated skin. Use sandalwood in facial blends to help balance the skin. Also helpful for removing wrinkles and scars.
• Tea Tree Essential Oil is helpful within acne products and can help fight cold sores and heal wounds and is an effective acne fighter.
• Carrot seed essential oil is used primarily for its healing properties and effects on the skin. It stimulates circulation, repairs and tones the skin, increases elasticity, reduces the formation of wrinkles, and scars.
• Patchouli essential oil is an effective anti-inflammatory. Patchouli helps to tighten the pores of the skin and is used to combat wrinkles.
• Rose Otto Essential Oil, Bulgaria is also useful in facial formulations as it helps with dry, maturing skin and wrinkles.

Pura Vida!

Alica Ryan, NTP