What to Know Before Using Witch Hazel on Skin
Here’s the part Simone underscores: witch hazel does have cons to be aware of. “It can be drying,” he says. “This is the part people must respect. Witch hazel is an astringent, and if you overuse it or choose a formula with alcohol, fragrance, or too little hydration, it can make the skin tight, red, or dehydrated.”
To avoid over-drying your skin, Simone shares three rules of thumb: First, choose alcohol- and fragrance-free formulas, ideally combined with humectants (such as aloe vera, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or rose water) to balance the skin barrier. Next, watch your frequency as it may not be totally necessary as a daily step. “For oily, resilient skin, witch hazel should be used only once daily, ideally in the morning or after sweating,” he says. “For sensitive, dry, rosacea or eczema skin, I would use every other day or as needed.” Last, do not combine witch hazel with other active ingredients, as the combo can be overpowering on even the toughest of complexions: “I would be cautious using it with strong exfoliating acids, retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, or anything that is already drying.”
Simone’s bottom line on whether or not witch hazel is right for you: “If the skin is oily, sweaty, congested, and overheated, witch hazel can be a beautiful summer reset. If the skin is tight, flushed, recently peeled, over-retinized, sunburned, eczema-prone, or barrier-compromised, I would leave witch hazel alone and choose hydration, lipids, and repair,” Simone instructs.
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