Taking care of our skin is essential for maintaining a healthy and radiant appearance. With the myriad of skincare ingredients available, it is important to make thoughtful choices and choose natural products that not only nurture our skin but also minimize harm to our bodies and the environment.

One skincare ingredient that has rapidly gained popularity in the beauty industry is witch hazel. Derived from the native witch hazel plant, this natural extract boasts numerous benefits for our skin. In this article, we will explore the wonders of witch hazel as an essential skincare ingredient that deserves a place in your daily routine.

What is Witch Hazel?

Witch hazel is a versatile skincare ingredient derived from the leaves and bark of the witch hazel plant (Hamamelis virginiana) native to North America. It is known for its natural astringent properties; thanks to the tannins it contains. The extraction of witch hazel involves a steam distillation process, resulting in a clear, colorless liquid. When selecting witch hazel products, it is important to look for those free of alcohol or additives.

A History of Witch Hazel in Skincare:

Witch hazel has been used for centuries in skincare and traditional remedies by Native American tribes and early European settlers. It gained popularity as a key ingredient in toners, cleansers, and ointments. Despite its name, witch hazel has no association with witchcraft or magic. It is also considered a sacred plant in many cultures due to its healing and protective properties. Today, witch hazel remains celebrated today for its effectiveness* in promoting healthy skin.

Benefits of Witch Hazel for the Skin:

1. Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties¹:

• Witch hazel is rich in antioxidants and possesses anti-inflammatory properties. ¹
• These properties help soothe and calm the skin, reducing redness and inflammation. ¹

2. Acne Prevention and Treatment²:

• Witch hazel is known for its astringent properties. ²
• It helps tighten pores and reduces oil production, and may prevent acne breakouts. ²
• Its anti-inflammatory properties also aid in soothing and reducing the redness associated with acne. ²

3. Soothing Irritation and Reducing Redness ³:

• Witch hazel can be used to soothe skin irritation caused by conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or insect bites. ³
• Its anti-inflammatory properties help diminish redness and swelling. ³
• Witch hazel’s astringent properties also provide a tightening effect, helping to calm and soothe the skin. ³

4. Skin Tightening and Brightening⁴:

• Witch hazel is a popular ingredient in toners due to its tightening effect on the skin. ⁴
• It helps remove excess dirt and oil, leaving the skin looking brighter and refreshed. ⁴
• However, individuals with dry or sensitive skin should use witch hazel sparingly to avoid drying out the skin further. ⁴

Witch Hazel in Sunrider Products: A Natural Skincare Solution:

Sunrider® offers  skincare products leveraging the power of witch hazel- Kandesn® Astringent and Kandesn® Pure Beauty Water. These products have been carefully formulated to address specific skincare concerns while embracing the natural benefits of witch hazel.

Kandesn® Astringent:

• Kandesn® Astringent* is a refreshing toner designed to balance the skin’s pH level.
• With witch hazel as its key ingredient, it provides astringent properties that tighten pores and minimize oil production, resulting in a more refined complexion.
• This product also contains a blend of herbal extracts that work synergistically to purify and clarify the skin, leaving it feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Kandesn Pure® Beauty Water:

• Kandesn Pure® Beauty Water* elevates the benefits of witch hazel to the next level.
• Unlike other toners, this innovative product is a versatile beauty water that hydrates, tones, and revitalizes the skin.
• With the addition of witch hazel, it effectively tightens pores, reduces redness, and regulates excess oil.
• This product is a combination of witch hazel and other natural botanical extracts, creating a potent formula that promotes a healthy, radiant complexion.

Witch hazel plays a crucial role in enhancing the effectiveness of these Sunrider® products. Its astringent properties tighten the skin and minimize the appearance of pores, promoting a smoother and more refined complexion*. Furthermore, the natural anti-inflammatory properties of witch hazel help soothe and calm the skin, reducing redness and irritation. By incorporating witch hazel into their formulas, Sunrider® products tap into the power of this botanical wonder, providing holistic solutions to meet a spectrum of skincare needs.

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*Disclaimers:

Witch hazel is generally safe for most people, but it’s important to be aware of potential side effects and skin sensitivities. Perform a patch test before applying it to a larger area of your skin and discontinue use if you experience any adverse reactions. Witch hazel should only be used topically and not ingested. Dilute it with water to minimize skin irritation and avoid applying it to open wounds or broken skin. Consult with a dermatologist if you have pre-existing skin conditions. Proper storage and checking the product’s shelf life are also important. Everyone’s skin is unique, so if you experience any discomfort or unusual reactions, discontinue use, and consult a healthcare professional.

These statements have not been evaluated by your jurisdictional health agency. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

*These products are available in select markets. Please contact a Sunrider Independent Business Owner for details on its availability.

References:

¹ Thring TS, Hili P, Naughton DP. Antioxidant and potential anti-inflammatory activity of extracts and formulations of white tea, rose, and witch hazel on primary human dermal fibroblast cells. J Inflamm (Lond). 2011 Oct 13;8(1):27. doi: 10.1186/1476-9255-8-27. PMID: 21995704; PMCID: PMC3214789.

² Chovatiya R. Acne Treatment. JAMA. 2021;326(20):2087. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.16599

³ “Witch Hazel – Uses, Side Effects, and More”. ND. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-227/witch-hazel

⁴ “What is Witch Hazel Good For? A Godsend For Oily Skin”. 2023. Lauren Petrullo. https://asianbeautyessentials.com/