When it comes to banishing breakouts, natural remedies like witch hazel acne treatments can be just as effective on breakout-prone skin as ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Witch hazel has astringent properties, which can help to wipe away pore-clogging dirt and residue. Read on to learn more about how natural witch hazel acne treatments can help you achieve clear, glowing skin.



What Is Witch Hazel?
Native to North America and some parts of Asia, witch hazel belongs to the hamamelidaceae plant family. It's often referred to as "winterbloom," and its bark and leaves are often used to heal skin irritations such as blisters and insect bites. Witch hazel acne products are popular because of the plant's powerful antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Witch hazel can eliminate bacteria on the skin, clearing pores and reducing oil buildup in the T-zone and other acne-prone areas.

How Does Witch Hazel Work?
How can witch hazel help you achieve clearer skin? The answer involves a bit of science. The plant's leaves, bark and twigs contain tannins, which can be added to water or alcohol to make a concentrated product. This extract can be placed topically to reduce a pimple's swelling. The witch hazel's tannins remove excess oil from the skin, helping to unclog pores.

In addition to clearing acne, witch hazel offers anti-aging benefits to the skin. Witch hazel works to combat free radicals, protecting the skin against UV damage. It can ease puffiness, blotchiness and other signs of aging, damaged skin.

Who Should Use Witch Hazel?
Those who suffer from breakouts, blackheads, or oily skin may be good candidates for witch hazel acne treatments. Witch hazel is also suitable for sensitive skin although an alcohol-free solution is the best bet for those with dry skin.

If using an extract, you can combine it with other antibacterial products like coconut and tea tree oil. These ingredients enhance witch hazel's natural bacteria-fighting abilities. Witch hazel is also safe to use on pimples that have been irritated due to picking.

How to Use Witch Hazel at Home
When purchasing a witch hazel product, be sure that the ingredient label contains the name hamamelis virginiana. Witch hazel acne-preventing products are available in concentrated extract formulas, toners and gels.

To treat acne, apply witch hazel to breakout-prone areas to ease inflammation. It's best to use the product when you first notice a pimple forming so that you can immediately eliminate the bacteria and sebum. Use a cotton ball to gently apply witch hazel to the area several times a day. Start slowly, giving your skin time to adjust to the substance's astringent properties. You might even notice oil and dirt coming off your skin onto the pad right away.