Is Witch Hazel Good for Rosacea? It Depends!
Rosacea is a skin condition that affects over 16 million Americans. It can cause redness, swelling, and even acne-like bumps on your face. But there is hope!
Many people who suffer from rosacea have found relief through the use of certain skincare products, including witch hazel. So if you’re looking for answers about how to manage your rosacea, read on!
What Is Witch Hazel?
First things first: what even is witch hazel? Witch hazel is a natural astringent. Witch hazel extract comes from the bark and leaves of the hamamelis virginiana shrub.
It’s used in many skincare products because it helps to reduce inflammation and soothe irritation caused by conditions like rosacea. It can also be great for oily skin.
In addition to being an anti-inflammatory, witch hazel also acts as an antiseptic which is beneficial to acne prone skin. This means it can help cleanse your skin and protect it from bacteria that could worsen your rosacea symptoms.
Although, witch hazel is a popular natural remedy and addition to a skincare routine, but it might not be right for everyone.
Before using this ingredient on your face, take the precaution of testing it out in an inconspicuous area first - like inside your arm - to ensure you don't experience any adverse effects such as redness or dryness.
It's also important to exercise caution with witch hazel if you have ocular rosacea and/or sensitive skin. Some OTC formulas may contain additional ingredients that can cause irritation, too.
If ever in doubt regarding which products are most suitable for your particular condition, always contact a dermatologist who will be able to advise accordingly.
Which Products Should You Avoid if You Have Rosacea?
Unfortunately, some skincare products can actually make rosacea worse. Products with fragrances or harsh chemicals should be avoided as they may irritate your skin further.
In general, people with rosacea should avoid anything that claims to “deep clean” or “exfoliate” as these ingredients are often too strong for sensitive skin types. Instead, opt for mild cleansers and moisturizers specifically formulated for sensitive skin types.
Which Products Help Rosacea?
When shopping for skincare products to help manage your rosacea symptoms, look out for those containing natural ingredients such as aloe vera and witch hazel which are known to be good for calming inflammation.
Antioxidants like vitamins C and E are also beneficial as they help protect against environmental factors like pollution which can aggravate rosacea flare-ups.
In addition to topical treatments, oral medications prescribed by your doctor may also be necessary in order to control symptoms long term.
Living with Rosacea
With the right skin care routine and products tailored specifically towards managing rosacea symptoms, you can take control of this pesky condition in no time.
If you’re still unsure about how best to go about treating your own unique case of rosacea prone skin then make sure you speak with a professional who will be able to provide personalized advice tailored towards you and your irritated skin needs! Trust us—it’ll be worth it!
If you're looking for some organic witch hazel for your sensitive skin, we have some suggestions. Tap the button below for a list of the best witch hazel toners according to customer reviews.