Know in one minute about Witch hazel
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Introduction
The use of natural toning ingredients is increasing the concern of people and gaining popularity again in the beauty community. Witch hazel is a plant that is valued for its various pharmaceutical properties. But, one question may come to mind that is witch hazel bad for your skin, or is good?
What is witch hazel?
Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana L. Family Hamamelidaceae) is a shrub-like deciduous tree. The leaf, bark, extract or a product called witch hazel water contains magical, medicinal, and healing properties. It has light yellow flowers, which appear in autumn, the bark is silvery gray and smooth, or dark gray and scaly. The inner surface is pinkish and often bears fragments of whitish wood. Witch hazel is easily acceptable and readily available in the drug store, pharmacies, and online beauty sites for external use.
The German Commission E and European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP) monographs approve the topical use of this herb. It is mainly used to treat sores, skin injuries, inflammations, or hemorrhoids because it contains anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. It also possesses antimutagenic as well as antioxidant properties (1).
Geographical Distribution
It originated from the Eastern part of North America and parts of Asia such as in Canada and the USA.
Main constitutes of Witch hazel
Witch hazel mainly contains tannin, gallic acid, catechins, proanthocyanins, flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin), essential oil (carvacrol, eugenol, hexenol), choline, saponins, and bitters.
Health benefits of Witch hazel
1. Good for sensitive and irritated skin
Witch hazel helps to moisturize sensitive skin and reduce the redness of the skin induced by UV radiation (2). The presence of proanthocyanidin in bark seals the water in the body and repairs skin barrier disruption. Therefore, witch hazel can easily be applied to sensitive skin without wounding, burning sensation, and irritation (3).
2. Effective in the treatment of scalp related problems
Witch hazel contains antioxidants such as flavonoids and tannins, which decrease scalp irritation, promote skin metabolism and blood flow (4). Thus, witch hazel-based shampoo and tonic helps to treat the sensitive scalp, red scalp, and excessive pain on the scalp.
4. Treat acne
Witch hazel contains high amounts of tannin which acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and astringent agent (5). It helps to remove excess oil, dirt, and bacteria from the pores, tone up and tightens skin pores thus treat acne (6).
5. Anti-aging properties
Witch hazel-containing gel is effective to reduce wrinkles and improve elasticity (tighten the skin) by the production of collagen (protein) that improves skin health (7). It also helps to prevent sunburn and premature aging of the skin caused by repeated exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) (8).
6. Anti-inflammatory properties
Witch hazel contains a good amount of proanthocyanidins and tannins which are beneficial to reduce inflammation (9).
Its creams and ointments also effective in patients suffering from itchy, scratchy skin, psoriasis (itchy, red, patches, scaly skin), and eczema (10).
7. Effect of witch hazel in Children(age 27 days to 11 years)
Witch hazel ointment is useful to treat minor skin injuries, diaper dermatitis, or localized inflammation of the skin with children (11).
8. Anticancer properties
Witch hazel bark is an excellent source of gallate esters such as proanthocyanidins, tannins (galloylated sugars), and methyl gallate (12).
Therefore, witch hazel inhibits the proliferation of tumor cells and induces apoptosis at lower concentrations than grape and pine (13).
9. Antioxidant properties
Witch hazel bark contains tannins that are more effective to remove harmful radicals from the body than grape and pine.
Therefore witch hazel protects red blood cells from damage and stimulates the defense systems to protect the body from various diseases (14).
10. Antiviral properties
Tannin (8–12%) and proanthocyanidins obtained from witch hazel halt the virus’s life cycle and inhibits its attachment to the host (16). Thus, it shows antiviral activity against Influenza A Virus, Human Papillomavirus, and Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) (15).
11. Antibacterial properties
Witch hazel contains tannin and other compounds which suppress the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, Candida albicans, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (18).
12. Treat Vaginal dryness
Vaginal dryness is a common problem after menopause and may occur in women of any age. However, the application of long-acting non-hormonal vaginal creams containing witch hazel is well tolerated by the patient, gives quick relief, and lasts up to 21 h (19).
13. Treat hemorrhoids and varicose veins
Hemorrhoids and varicose veins (enlarged, swollen, and twisting veins) are common problems nowadays. Therefore witch hazel oral dietary supplements and the application of its ointments are good options for the treatment of hemorrhoids and varicose veins (20).
Side effect of witch hazel
1. Witch hazel may cause erythema and edema
Witch hazel can be used as a facial massage to rejuvenate the skin and give soothing and relaxing. However, it may cause erythema and edema, as well as delayed problems, such as dermatitis and acneiform eruption, in about one-third of patients (21).
2. Risk of contact dermatitis
Witch hazel-containing facial wet wipes that are used for cleansing may be an under-recognized source of allergens and may cause allergic contact dermatitis (22).
3. Other side effects
Witch hazel-containing cream is very effective to solve the vaginal dryness problem, however, it may cause a side effect in some people. These adverse effects are urinary urgency, diarrhea, and mild spotting after the first application, although these effects are not serious and of mild intensity.
Q&A
Is witch hazel an antiseptic?
Witch hazel has antimicrobial properties that inhibit bacterial colonization, effective to treat atopic dermatitis, diaper dermatitis, and other skin problems. Moreover, it has anti-inflammatory, hydrating, restore, and maintains healthy skin barrier effects, thus may be useful as an antiseptic agent (23).
Is witch hazel good for wrinkles?
Witch hazel containing gel, cleanser, and moisturizer induces collagen (protein) formation that improves skin health by reducing wrinkles and dryness.
Is Witch Hazel bad for your skin?
Nope, witch hazel can be used as a natural topical remedy for various skin conditions because it is well tolerated by the individual. However, anyone can be allergic to anything, it may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions, and take precautions if you have highly sensitive skin. Moreover, no one knows its long-term effect, therefore it is advisable to use this plant extract in moderation.
What do you use witch hazel for?
It can be used as a cream, moisturizer, or toner for relaxing and soothing skin
1. Witch hazel can be used as a sunscreen because it prevents cell death and DNA damage thus may be used as a protective agent for UV radiation (24).
2. It can also be applied directly to the skin for itching, pain, swelling (inflammation), eye inflammation, skin injury, mucous membrane inflammation.
3. It is also used as a cream or gel to treat vaginal dryness after menopause, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, bruises, insect bites, minor burns, acne, sensitive scalp, and other skin irritations.