So whats the deal with Witch Hazel?

[Msan]

So after reading a bit about how everyone seems to like Witch Hazel, I went out and got a bottle at the local drug store. My face really wanted something, as I looked like a victim out of a horror movie after practicing lathering and trying a 3 pass shave with a cheap disposable 2 blade thing.
I applied the WH and nothing... I heard that it doesn't sting, but it didn't relieve my irritation either.. even a day later my face still feels rough (It is better now after some Nivea sensitive skin ASB though)
So what is WH actually supposed to do? is this more for a long term effect?

 

[Mick]

Witch hazel is an astringent. It does not burn as it has no alcohol in it.

If you want something to sooth your irritation find some Nivea sensitive after shave balm in your local grocery or pharmacy. that works about the best to relieve irritation.

 

[Msan]

So in other words it just helps stop the bleeding of some minor nicks then.. As for the Nivea, that exactly what I used this morning and that did the trick.. (I did say that in my original post )

 

[Lmarkow]

I find it to effectively reduce irritation after I shave. I use it after each shave, before the aftershave splash. Many aftershaves have wh in them (e.g., Speick, and I think Proraso).

 

[Mick]

So in other words it just helps stop the bleeding of some minor nicks then..

Yes, it is just to stop minor weepers and moisturize a little instead of using an alcohol based after shave which would sting and dry out your skin

 

[Haggises]

most non-Thayers brand Witch Hazels are 14% alcohol....

 

[Msan]

Thanks guys! That clears up things

 

[BaritoneJP]

[FONT=verdana, georgia, arial, sans-serif]WH has anti-inflammatory properties that ~may~ YMMV stop bumps from forming around irritated hair follicles ... and just about any external inflammatory symptoms are said to be helped by WH. I have used, after reading B&B, that crushed up aspirin on ingrown hairs (made into a paste and worked into the problem hair) does the trick. I used WH to make the paste from the aspirin.

I use WH after and let air dry however I didn't know about [/FONT]Nivea sensitive ... may give that a go.[FONT=verdana, georgia, arial, sans-serif]
[/FONT]

 

[Msan]

WH has anti-inflammatory properties that ~may~ YMMV stop bumps from forming around irritated hair follicles ... and just about any external inflammatory symptoms are said to be helped by WH. I have used, after reading B&B, that crushed up aspirin on ingrown hairs (made into a paste and worked into the problem hair) does the trick. I used WH to make the paste from the aspirin.

I use WH after and let air dry however I didn't know about Nivea sensitive ... may give that a go.

Thanks for the info, I will keep that in mind with the aspirin!

 

[menghai]

I have a bottle of Thayer's alcohol free cucumber witch hazel that I keep in the fridge, and it feels amazing post-shave. I also use it before going to bed, and whenever I want a little pick me up throughout the day.

 

[Ron Scott]

Dickinson's: You don't have to believe in it. Just do it. It's good for you.

 

[Toltepeceno]

I use local Witch hazel (alcohol free and to me seems stronger than the us stuff) and rose water 50/50 as after shave and my problems with alcohol based stuff is gone. between this, de shaving and shaving soap instead of cream I have kissed my face bumps and razor burn goodbye. My face is clearer than it had been for years and I love the fresh feel. I use a chunk of local, natural alum before the wh and that takes care of any weepers. The sting of alcohol feels kind of cool does not mean much, and alum tales care of weepers better and the wh (non alcohol anyway) does not dry out the skin and if you search you can the benefits of it on skin. Alcohol based after shaves is mainly putting alcohol on weepers, etc.

I'm not saying witch hazle is for everyone, just that my face personally is much better for it.

 

[August West]

Witch Hazel controlled my teenage sons acne when he started shaving years back.

 

[milkmanv1]

REAL Witch Hazel has 14% alcohol. Not sure if thats what you got. I use Dickinson's (Partially because that's my mother's maiden/family name) and if I had a really rough shave I get a little sting, and then quickly- relief. I usually follow it directly with another aftershave. It seems to lessen the shock of any of the alcohol-based face scorchers.

WH+ A good preforming AS leaves my face feeling great after a shave.

 

[dpm802]

WH is also good for treating insect bites, poison ivy, minor burns and rashes and other skin problems. Its a good way to treat your feet after a soak in epsom salts, and it will help to smooth out wrinkles on the face, crow's feet and bags under your eyes. Even if you don't use it in the shave den, WH should be a staple in every home's medicine cabinet and first-aid kit.

 

[Teppanyaki]

I love my Thayer's Cucumber (alcohol free). Feels great, smells great.

The technical definition of witch hazel includes 14% ethyl alcohol. However, I prefer alcohol-free formulas as I do not care for the sting or the drying effect.

I assume that when Thayer's says "alcohol free," that they mean "ethyl alcohol" free but that it still contains the various witch hazel extracts which include organic alcohols.

 

[Ron Scott]

What chemical is used as the preservative in Thayers "alcohol-free" WH?

 

[Warpiper]

What chemical is used as the preservative in Thayers "alcohol-free" WH?

I don't think WH needs a preservative but I noticed that citric acid and vitamin E is on the ingredient list. Those can be used as natural preservatives.

 

[Warpiper]

I've been using Thayer's Peach and aloe vera WH and I find that to have a nice soothing and smoothing effect on my face after a shave. They added 10% grain alcohol to it but you would never know it. I'm trying some of the other Thayer WH but peach is my favorite so far. Now, if I can find some mentholated WH......

 

[bryan1980]

I use Thayer's Superhazel, which contains about 20% alcohol. So, you do get a bit of a sting with it compared to the other formulas. But, it has wonderful healing properties, and an extra bit of cooling from the peppermint in it.