Why do I use Witch Hazel????

[gooferbert]

Can someone remind me of the benefits of witch hazel? I just finished off my first bottle (i bought the Target brand). I admit, it does feel refreshing, but what are some of the other benefits? I haven't really seen a lot of others...

It is dirt cheap (about $1 a bottle)..so i suppose I will continue using it. But that is exactly why I want to be "reminded" of why I do so...

I know i sound like a lunatic

 

[DFrancis]

It's a natural astringent and good for your pores and skin.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witch_hazel_(astringent)

 

[Omnichron]

here it is:

Benefits of witch hazel

The benefits of witch hazel are broad and varied. Witch hazel has traditionally been used for the treatment of wounds, itchy and dry skin and bleeding. It has also been used to treat inflamed eyes.

Though an awful lot of purported herbal remedies are of little value, there is no doubt that witch hazel is an effective natural pharmaceutical. It is one of the few natural remedies to have obtained US FDA approval for sale specifically for medicinal use.


Witch hazel does in fact, contain high levels of tannin, which is an astringent, hence it's long association as a skin treatment. The astringent properties of the plant, has seen an increase in the uses of the plant, which is now widely used in skin-care products, after-sun lotions and aftershaves. It also has uses as a haemorrhoid treatment and for treating varicose veins and inflamed gums.

Witch hazel is often used as a cleanser or toner, for facial care routines and has success as a toner in the treatment of acne and is particularly suited to oily and combination skin types.

The key ingredient in witch hazel is a tannin acid derivative called catechol tannin, When applied to wounds, cuts and abrasions, tannins constrict the tiny capillaries and below the skin surface.

 

[Uncle Erik]

I find that witch hazel does a good job of closing my pores without the sting or dryness that rubbing alcohol gives. The regular $1 a bottle stuff works well, but I've been using Thayer's for a couple of months and have been quite happy with it.

 

[njpaddy]

It just plain feels good to splash some on after a shave.

 

[Jslinger]

Sounds like I will definitely have to try that!

 

[pauls51]

+1 to the above posts.

WH is permanently on my rotation and is used prior to an aftershave splash or balm.

 

[gooferbert]

It just plain feels good to splash some on after a shave.

+1

and thanks to everyone for the responses...It does feel good, I guess I just needed some additional justification to use it...

Even though it is cheap, I still consider it a victim of my AD.

 

[RILEY]

Is splashing on Witch Hazel before A/S just not over-kill? Why is this step integral?

Thanks in advance

 

[gooferbert]

Is splashing on Witch Hazel before A/S just not over-kill? Why is this step integral?

Thanks in advance

that is what i was thinking...but now i think the purpose is:

1. witch hazel cleanses and soothes
2. aftershave moisturizes and soothes

two different purposes.

 

[Loner16]

I'm no scientist..

I use it because it feels great and has a great scent, it's cheap and effective, and it harkens back to old barbershop days..

I use it after every shave, and even days I might skip a shave..

 

[gooferbert]

loner...

i will admit ,the first time I smelled it I wanted to barf. I did NOT like the scent. It is slowly growing on me.

- Note: the scent is not the reason I have considered to stop using it.

 

[Patriot45]

I thought witch hazel was also a natural anticeptic?

 

[troy1979]

I use 70% witch hazel and 30% bay run, great after shave.

 

[Masterofsparks]

It's a natural astringent and good for your pores and skin.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witch_hazel_(astringent)

I always use it prior to my AS and I enjoy the feeling on my skin after my shave! Good stuff!

 

[Mr. Imperial]

loner...

i will admit ,the first time I smelled it I wanted to barf. I did NOT like the scent. It is slowly growing on me.

- Note: the scent is not the reason I have considered to stop using it.

I have to say, at first I was a fan of the scent...after all, it smelled like I was rubbing bacon all over my face .

And then one day, I decided I couldn't hack it anymore. So off to Thayers Rose I went, and I haven't gone back.

 

[col conk]

I have to say, at first I was a fan of the scent...after all, it smelled like I was rubbing bacon all over my face .

And then one day, I decided I couldn't hack it anymore. So off to Thayers Rose I went, and I haven't gone back.

Ahh...Bacon

 

[tob1303]

I don't know about anybody else...but after a splash of thayers witch hazel with aloe....my feels feels saturated...which is a great feeling.

I like to use it often. I like it to be right after a long cold rinse post shave (I keep it in the fridge).....then after all is said and done, when the balm is absorded...I like to throw it on one more time. Also, since I find it so moisturizing, when I don't shave and am leaving the house on a cold day, I like to splash it on and quickly cover it was a nice thick, protective ASB......in my head I trap the moisture in there, don't know if it's true or not...but I think it. It also helps that mine is unscented, so it doesn't conflict with anything.

 

[xgunterx]

I never looked into witch hazel since I mainly use AS and ASB when it is necessary in winter (it is an ingredient in the Proraso AS though).

Is it not easy to make your own ASB then by combining some stuff like witch hazel, Aloe vera, glycerine and some other moisterizing and skin treating oils?

 

[Frowzy]

Natural toner; calming.