When it comes to red, inflamed skin, one of the most timeless remedies is witch hazel. This liquid (distilled from dried leaves bark and twigs of the plant) often makes its way into our favorite skincare products thanks to its soothing and pore-shrinking abilities.
The plant has been used to treat medical conditions for hundreds of years, as Allure notes, and the astringent ingredient was “first introduced in skincare products way back in the 1800s, but was used medicinally in Native American cultures long before that.”
We reached out to skincare experts to learn more about witch hazel’s effectiveness in treating skin issues like inflammation, dryness, patchiness and more. Read on for tips, suggestions and insight from Dr. Anna Chacon, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and writer for My Psoriasis Team and Krista Elkins, BA, RN, CFRN, NRP, CCP-C, Registered Nurse (RN), skincare expert and specialist at Healthcanal.
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How Witch Hazel Works To Treat Inflammation
Gallic acid and tannins are just "two of the many substances found in witch hazel" that have strong anti-inflammatory effects," Chacon explains. Your favorite witch hazel toner or lotion, she adds, has anti-inflammatory properties and neutralizes free radicals, "which can accumulate in your body and cause disease."
While witch hazel is often credited for soothing inflamed skin patches and redness, Chacon says that it can also help with "a variety of body and skin issues." Witch hazel is used to the skin directly for "itching, discomfort and swelling (inflammation), eye inflammation, skin injury, mucous membrane inflammation, vaginal dryness after menopause, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, bruises, insect bites, small burns, acne, sensitive scalp, and other skin irritations," she notes.
As for tips for beginners and how to use witch hazel on any inflamed spot on your skin, she says that "for direct application to the skin's irritation, it is often rubbed with a cloth or cotton ball."
Elkins points out that witch hazel is "all-natural and free from harsh chemicals," making it a great choice for sensitive skin. "People who suffer from acne, eczema, or psoriasis would greatly benefit from topical witch hazel," she continues.
She deems the skincare ingredient to be "fantastic for treating minor wounds or burns, insect stings, or erythema," as well as "beneficial in treating cold sores, and hemorrhoids, and it is a powerful astringent and antiseptic for facial cleansing."
Common Causes Of Inflamed Skin
Inflammation, Elkins defines, is an "immune response," and while an inflammatory response may be "normal when your body is attempting to protect itself from infection or injury," chronic inflammation can "harm your body, even causing certain diseases."
Your diet, use of certain skincare products (or lack thereof) can all contribute to skin inflammation, Chacon says. It is also caused by "exposure to pollutants or chemicals," and skincare ingredients that could trigger this often include alcohol and fragrances.
Additional Tips For Preventing Inflammation
In the case of acute inflammation, Chacon says that the pain is frequently quickly alleviated by "rest, ice, and excellent wound care." If you suffer from persistent inflammation, she also advises taking supplements, as certain vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc may help to reduce inflammation and improve repair."
Elkins recommends eating a diet "rich in anti-inflammatory foods." It will also be "important to maintain a healthy weight, manage stress, exercise, and consume alcohol in moderation," she continues.
"Some people find that diets without dairy or gluten help to decrease their tendency for inflammation," she concludes, and echoes Chacon by noting that supplements such as "omega-3 fatty acids and turmeric are powerful anti-inflammatories."
