THAYERS PH Balancing Organic Unscented Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel

While witch hazel sounds like an otherworldly potion that someone in a pointy black hat adds to a bubbling caldron, it is actually a plant that has been used for its medicinal effects for many, many years. The leaf, bark and twigs of the plant are dried and distilled to make a liquid, which is then used to help manage various symptoms and ailments, and it’s particularly helpful for skin issues.

How does witch hazel work? It contains chemicals called tannins, which are useful in fighting bacteria and repairing skin when applied topically. Depending on the type of witch hazel liquid, it can also be taken orally for issues such as diarrhea, tuberculosis, tumors, fever, colds and many other ailments. For skin-related challenges such as itching, inflammation, dryness and other issues, it can be applied to the skin to manage pain and discomfort.

When buying witch hazel, be sure to look at how the product is made and what other ingredients are combined with the plant. For example, if the product also includes cucumber, aloe, rosewater or hyaluronic acid, it will be a good choice for treating oily skin. If it includes BHAs and AHAs, the witch hazel will help to brighten the skin. If you’re going for skin clarity, opt for a witch hazel that includes niacinamide.

• Organic unscented alcohol-free witch hazel is available in different sizes, including 4 ounces, 8 ounces and 12 ounces. Consider how often you’ll be using the witch hazel, how many people will be using it and how much you will use at a time to determine the amount you need.
• Did you know that witch hazel is sensitive to sunlight? It’s important to get a bottle that is dark and opaque to keep light away from the liquid. If the bottle is transparent, then store it in a dark and dry place like a cabinet or cupboard. Otherwise, the witch hazel can begin to lose potency.
• How often should you use witch hazel? If it’s on your skin, you don’t want to overdo it because it can dry out your skin and cause irritation. It’s best to use witch hazel around twice a week or slightly more, depending on the type of results you’re trying to achieve. Speak with a health professional if you’re unsure how to use the witch hazel and how often to apply it.
• If you’re not sure how your skin will react to the organic unscented alcohol-free witch hazel, do a little test on the inside of your wrist, which is a sensitive part of the skin. Wait a day or two to see if you have any reactions, and if not, then you can safely start using witch hazel on other parts of your skin.