How To Use Witch Hazel On Eczema
Like with other home remedies, it is always best to seek professional help if you are suffering from severe eczema.
When trying any new ingredient or remedy, it is also best to start slowly. Patch testing witch hazel on a clean area of skin can best determine whether you are allergic to the herb.
To get started with using witch hazel on eczema, we suggest starting with a natural, organic Witch Hazel oil like this or this.
Although there are many witch hazel products sold in pharmacies and stores, we suggest avoiding these for eczema. Many of these solutions contain alcohol that will exacerbate and dry eczema even further.
Once you purchase the solution of your choice, you want to make sure to dilute it with water or a carrier oil like coconut oil or Organic olive oil.
Opting for a natural witch hazel oil will allow you to avoid additional ingredients that might cause your eczema to flare. It can also be easily added to any cream or balm you might be using like this Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream.
Once your witch hazel oil is diluted, you can use a cotton pad or towel to dab it on skin. Remember to avoid rubbing skin, as this can cause further irritation.
Potentialside Effects Of Witch Hazel
When it comes down to it, witch hazel can be very beneficialfor the treatment of many skin conditions. Natural remedies are becomingmainstream and witch hazel is leading the revolution. Nevertheless, you shouldknow that some of these natural remedies can cause problems for some people.With this in mind, you must be careful when experimenting with naturalremedies. Some people will experience an allergic reaction to witch hazel.
It is very rare, but anything can happen. If you develop aserious allergic reaction, you should seek out medical attention immediately.When going through an allergic reaction, you will develop a rash, beginitching, and your skin will start swelling. In the worst cases, the individual willhave trouble breathing and theyll experience severe dizziness. Again, this isvery rare, but you should be prepared for anything.
Most people will not experience any problems whatsoever.Either way, you should use the product cautiously to avoid problems.
What Is The Most Important Information I Should Know About Witch Hazel Topical
Before using witch hazel topical, talk to your healthcare provider. You may not be able to use this product if you have certain medical conditions.
Witch hazel topical is thought to be possibly safe when used on a child’s skin. Ask a healthcare provider about using this medicine on a child.
Ask a doctor before using this product if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
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Protects Against Skin Damage
Witch hazel is rich in tannins, a natural plant compound with powerful antioxidant properties that can help protect your skin against damage when applied topically.
One animal study found that tannins can act as a barrier, preventing inflammation-causing substances from entering your skin cells .
Whats more, a test-tube study showed that witch hazel helped neutralize harmful free radicals and prevented the spread of skin cancer cells .
Similarly, another animal study discovered that the tannins in witch hazel were able to slow skin tumor growth in mice exposed to radiation .
However, most research is currently limited to test-tube and animal studies. More studies are needed to evaluate the effects of witch hazel on humans.
Summary
Animal and test-tube studies have found that witch hazel and its components could prevent skin cancer growth and protect against skin damage.
Soothe Your Symptoms Without A Prescription
Eczema is a chronic skin disorder characterized by itching rashes which may be red, scaly, dry, or leathery. There may be skin blisters with oozing and crusting. It usually occurs for the first time in infants, with rashes typically occurring on the cheeks, elbows, or knees.
Although it is often less of a problem in adulthood, eczema can persist, especially if a person is exposed to allergens or chemical irritants or is under stress. In adults, eczema is commonly located on the inner elbow or behind the knee. People with eczema frequently have family members with asthma, hay fever, or eczema.
So far, scientific support for the claim that any remedy can treat eczema is fairly lacking. Here’s a look at remedies that are often said to prevent eczema or help relieve symptoms:
Also Check: The Cure For Eczema Book
Witch Hazel As A Moisturizer For Kids With Skin Disorders
Many parents of children who suffer from skin disorders want to ensure that they have an effective treatment for their childs condition that is also safe to apply to delicate skin and is as natural as possible.
Witch hazel can prove a useful addition to the medicine cabinet as it is a completely natural and safe ingredient that has been proven to be as or even more effective than other available treatments.
Studies of more than 300 children showed that witch hazel was more efficient than the control substance, Dexpanthenol and marginally better tolerated when used as a treatment for minor abrasions, diaper rash and other skin inflammations6.
What Is The Safe Way To Use Witch Hazel For Oily Skin
Too much alcohol in a toner can dry out the skin and make it more prone to breakouts, so be sure to use less than you think you need.
My favorite toner is from Thayers. They steam distill the witch hazel, and they dont use alcohol.
Being an astringent, take caution. Astringents often over-dampen the skin and make it produce more oil.
Think of witch hazel as a quick fix, rather than a lasting one. A dab of this ingredient on a burn or an insect bite will ease the pain and itching. You can also use witch hazel to soothe sunburn.
If you have oily skin, you may find that using make-up can be a little tricky. If you do not want to use oil-based make-up, you can use alcohol-free products, such as those with hyaluronic acid or aloe vera.
Recommended Reading: Best Sunscreen For Eczema Skin
What Does Witch Hazel Work Well With
Since witch hazel can have a drying effect, Dr. Chwalek favors products that include moisturizing humectants, like glycerin, and other gentle ingredients, like rose extract and niacinamide, that can calm skin irritation and offset any irritation or dryness.
“The particular formulation is important becausedepending on its alcohol, tannin, or eugenol componentit may strip the skin of moisture and cause irritation,” she adds.
Luckily, Dr. Chwalek and Dr. MacGregor shared a few of their favorite skin-healthy products with witch hazel in them. See below to shop some of these dermatologist-approved witch hazel products.
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Dr. Chwalek recommends this multitasking Skinceuticals Equalizing Toner, which contains a combination of botanicals including witch hazel and a blend of alpha hydroxy acids that help to gently exfoliate the skin. “It is gentle enough it can be used by people with sensitive skin, and this combination can help to clear acne, unclog pores, and improve overall pigmentation,” she adds.
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Dr. Chwalek recommends this toner since it minimizes the appearance of pores without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. The Differin Pore Minimizing Toner contains soothing ingredients such as chamomile, vitamin B, rosehip, and aloe and is formulated to suit all skin types.
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Remove Hair Dye From Skin
Hair dye always seems to end up on the skin in the most unwelcome spots. Like so many natural cleansers, witch hazel is great to remove hair dye from skin. Use a little witch hazel on a cotton pad to remove hair dye stains while they are fresh. For large stains, you may need to change the pad. Keep scrubbing until all stains are gone.
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Why Use Witch Hazel For Eczema
Witch hazel contains natural chemicals such as tannins, flavonoids and resin that are beneficial to eczema prone skin. These natural chemicals contain anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that can benefit dry, irritated and itchy skin caused by eczema.
There is very little research done on witch hazel on eczema, but most studies do not consider witch hazel as an eczema remedy. In fact, one study that compared two different products: hydrocortisone steroid cream and a placebo cream against a witch hazel cream showed that all the treatments reduced itching, scaling, and redness at one week, but the steroid cream was the best at reducing symptoms . This proves that witch hazel might not be considered an eczema therapy, but can perhaps help in providing relief.
In fact, the herb has shown to help with not only itching, but calming irritated, red skin as well as drying up oozing skin brought on by weeping eczema.
Researching online, youll find many eczema sufferers who have and still do have significant results using witch hazel for eczema. Like many other home remedies, testing will determine its effect on your skin.
Topical Lotions Creams And Oil
In a research review published in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews in 2017, researchers found that moisturizers showed some benefits in people with eczema. Specifically, moisturizers prolonged the time to flareups, reduced the number of flareups, and decreased the amount of topical corticosteroid medication needed for a similar reduction in severity.
The researchers also found that a cream containing the licorice-compound glycyrrhetinic acid was more effective at reducing eczema severity than a cream without the substance. Four studies in the review evaluated a urea cream, and participants reported more improvement with the urea cream than a cream without urea.
Consult your healthcare provider before using any topical applications. Some herbs, such as chamomile and tea tree oil, are known to cause allergic contact dermatitis. According to a study in Contact Dermatitis, tea tree oil produces ascaridole when the oil is oxidized, which may cause allergic contact dermatitis.
In a German study, 72 people with moderately severe eczema used either a cream containing witch hazel extract, 0.5 percent hydrocortisone cream, or a placebo cream for 14 days. The hydrocortisone was found to be more effective than witch hazel. Witch hazel was not significantly more effective than the placebo cream.
According to a report published in Pediatric Dermatology, olive oil may exacerbate dry skin and eczema.
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Use Witch Hazel To Remove Ticks
Ticks are repelled by witch hazel and will let go when they come into contact with it. Its a natural tick repellent for humans and pets. To use witch hazel to remove ticks, you need tweezers and witch hazel.
Pour a capful of witch hazel on the tick. Grab the tick firmly with tweezers and carefully pull the tick away. Add witch hazel to a bottle sprayer to make a homemade sanitizer spray. Apply the witch hazel to the area to disinfect it after removing the tick.
Natural Remedies For Eczema That Are Backed By Science
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Those living with eczema know it can range from being an occasional inconvenience to a constant nuisance. While there are a handful of approaches for keeping the condition at bay, we reached out to dermatologist Dan Siegel to highlight natural remedies for eczema that are backed by science. First, he explained exactly what eczema is and how to spot it, then he outlined the various ways you can take a natural approach to treating it.
“Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is an allergic disorder that has both genetic and environmental factors that can flare or worsen it,” explains Siegel. “It often runs in families where is a history of ‘atopic’ diseases such as asthma and hay fever along with rash.”
He describes that those with eczema will likely react more vigorously than the average person would to allergens in the environment. If you suspect you might have eczema, one way to tell is if you have itches that turn into rashes. As Siegel explains, “Instead of a simple scratch eliminating the itch, the scratch sets a cycle that results in a feedback loop that worsens over time.” He warns that if you have a family history of eczema, hay fever, or asthma and exhibit rashes, you likely have eczema. Here are Siegel’s natural remedies for eczema.
Pay attention to your food allergies.“If you eat somethingchocolate, citrus, and strawberries often come up in discussion with patientsthat makes you itch and break out, avoid it,” warns Siegel.
Recommended Reading: Best Body Wash For Eczema
Mistake: Minding The Rashand Neglecting The Stress
Even mild-to-moderate eczema can be stressful, researchers say, especially if the rash is on your face or genitals. Unfortunately, its a vicious cycle: Eczema causes stress, and heightened stress can trigger an eczema flare. It also lowers the itch threshold so that eczema sufferers become more sensitive to skin irritation. Mindfulness meditation techniques can help, says Dr. Gelfand. Setting aside a few minutes a day to meditate can make eczema more manageable and may even reduce your flares.
Possible Side Effects Of Witch Hazel
The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database lists witch hazel water as Likely Safe when it is used topically and appropriately. If you have unusually sensitive skin, apply a small amount of a water infusion or ointment and wait 12 hours to see if irritation develops.
Some herbal guides recommend drinking various dilutions of witch hazel to treat throat or stomach conditions. But tannin-rich astringent extracts can be irritating to the digestive tract, and some sources have even suggested they could be carcinogenic. Do not take witch hazel orally without consulting a physician who has training in herbal medicine.
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Any Witch Way You Like It
Witch hazel uses and benefits are numerous. It is a wonderful skin cleanser, also a useful household product for cleaning and antiseptic use. In generations past, it was found in almost every medicine cabinet and used daily.
But times have changed, and now we tend to use 10 or 20 different products, each for a different use or benefit when one would do the job just as well.
In this article, you learned more than 40 terrific witch hazel uses and benefits. You now know a variety of purposes for the plant, from witch hazel for acne to witch hazel tea.
Did we miss any uses for witch hazel? If you know of one that we have left out, please add it below and share this article about witch hazel on social media so that more people can learn about the uses and benefits of this amazing natural healer.
Can Witch Hazel Treat Acne
The tannins found in witch hazel have long been thought to help inflamed skinDr. Sperling contends the ingredient effectively fights bacteria, relieves inflammation and repairs broken skin, all musts for acne-prone skin.
Witch hazel can help treat acne by drying out the blemishes by eliminating oil, so I recommend it for acne patients, Dr. Gonzalez says. It is an astringent, so it contracts the skin cells and cleans oil out of the pores, preventing and removing blemishes, says the doctor. However, similar to many other acne-fighting ingredients, witch hazel can be drying to the skin if used too much, so be cautious.
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Cooling Deep Cleansing Hydrating
Eczema Honey Premium Witch Hazel and Aloe Spray provides you with deep cleansing and hydration. With its emollient properties, our Aloe Vera and Witch Hazel formula can moisturize skin without feeling greasy. Its a soothing and smoothing win for your skin to feel clean and refreshed. You can use it for help with dry skin, as an after shave, or even as a post-makeup application to give skin a dewy finish.
Leaping Bunny Certified Cruelty Free.
Eczema Honey Premium Witch Hazel and Aloe Spray provides you with deep cleansing and hydration. With its emollient properties, our Aloe Vera and Witch Hazel formula can moisturize skin without feeling greasy. Its a soothing and smoothing win for your skin to feel clean and refreshed. You can use it for help with dry skin, as an after shave, or even as a post-makeup application to give skin a dewy finish.
Leaping Bunny Certified Cruelty Free.
How to use
What Can Witch Hazel Treat
While applying an astringent ingredient to red, itchy skin may seem like a bad idea, Florham Park, NJ dermatologist Dr. Shari Sperling says witch hazel can actually help with a number of skin ailments. Among the long list of benefits? Relieving inflammation and redness, calming eczema, acne and psoriasis, assisting in shrinking pores, and even reducing puffiness and brightening skin.
Witch hazel contains tannins, which have a tightening effect on the skin and help pores appear smaller after being applied to the skin, says Miami dermatologist Annie Gonzalez, MD. This tightening effect also can result in the skin looking younger, so witch hazel can also be used as an anti-aging agent. But the benefits dont stop there. Dr. Gonzalez continues: Witch hazel can also treat inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis and eczema, and can also provide some sunburn relief. You should not use witch hazel as sunscreen, but it can relieve symptoms of the burn, such as irritation and inflammation.
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What Is Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is a plant with strong medicinal properties. It helps in soothing inflammation and heals sensitive skin. It possesses potent anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It restores skin hydration in the outer layer of the skin- one of the symptoms of Eczema. The leaves and bark of the plant can be used for making tea and ointments.