Witch hazel can be a good toner for some skin types, but it may not work for everyone. Here are some details about witch hazel as a toner:
Positive effects:
- Can balance oil production without being harsh enough to strip the skin of its natural oils
- Can remove impurities from the skin and balance the pH level of skin
- Can visibly improve the appearance of skin and protect the skin from external damage
- Can help to diminish swelling, redness, and irritation by neutralizing the free radicals causing inflammation and drawing
- Can help to heal complexion issues like sunburn, sun spots, dark marks, and melasma
Negative effects:
- Can be sensitizing to the skin over time, especially for folks with dry or sensitive skin
- Can cause excessive dryness and even worse breakouts for some users
- Can strip the skin and leave it dry or irritated if used in high concentrations
Ingredients:
- Witch hazel naturally contains between 8% and 12% tannins, which offer a drying and tightening effect
- Witch hazel contains antioxidants which can help to reduce the environmental damage our skin faces
- Some toners may also contain fragrances and alcohol, which can aggravate your skin if you have inflammation, wounds, or have sensitive skin overall
Overall, witch hazel can be a good toner for oily, combination, and mildly dry skin types, but it may not work for everyone. Its important to make sure ingredients and formulas work for your skin before adopting them into your skincare routine.