can I use distilled witch hazel for skin care?

Noble_Scarlet

I bought a bottle of distilled witch hazel from the chemist - very cheap for under a pound.

I read that witch hazel can be used as for a toner for the face after you cleaned your make-up off.

Is it safe to apply straight from the bottle on a cotton pad to wipe on my face or do I have to mix it with another ingredient?

It smells a bit like the stuff they used to give you at school whenever you bumped and bruised yourself in the playground!

angelavdavis

I think it is one and the same!

Its good for spots - dabbed on - it dries them out.

Might be a bit harsh for toner undiluted though - perhaps you could dilute with distilled water?

ScoobieGirl

I have seen it sold as toner, but I think it had a high alcohol content which some sources recommend you avoid in cosmetics (I know a lot of then contain it anyway though!).

Penny-Wise_4

You can use it on its own, it's especially good for greasy skin.

its actually quite gentle and i think is one of the ingredients in optrex. You can mix it with distilled water (or cooled boiled water) and use it in an eye bath.

Zed42

Wow, I'd forgotten all about witch hazel.

I used to use it when I was younger and suffered from bad acne. dirt cheap, and exceptionally good ... very drying though ... so not to be used on dry skin I wouldn't have thought ?

Nicki

I agree its quite gentle. My midwife recommended I use it on the sensitive stitched up area after I had given birth, and it was amazingly soothing. If you can use it there, I'd risk it on my face with no hesitation!

Montymoo_2

I use it as a toner and it dries up spots a treat!

Noble_Scarlet

Right, if I take the advice from everyone on here so far I can use witch hazel for dabbing on spots, as a facial toner but only for the oily t-zone area as it's good for greasy skin but probably too harsh for dry skin so I'll avoid the cheek area. To be on the ultra safe side I'll dilute it with distilled water so my skin won't completely dry out.

I think thats my money-saving toner sorted out. Thanks everyone!

jamanda

Also works on insect bites, slight burns, scalds and sore bits. Also, cotton wool soaked in it and put over your eyes for a few minutes helps with puffy eyes.

I know - I use it all the time

phizzimum

I use witch hazel to make home made toner...I use 1/3 witch hazel to 2/3 cooled boiled water. Sometimes I use cold green tea or jasmine tea, sometimes I add a few drops of tea tree oil or lavender oil...depends on what I have to hand really.

A bottle of witch hazel lasts for ages...a real bargain!

Crazychik

I used to use distilled witchhazel all the time as a cleanser for my face (i used to work in a dirty dusty warehouse) and it cleaned brilliantly - plus I have oily skin.

Ive recently changed my foaming facial cleanser, and my moisturiser cream, and occasionly use the witch hazel, when my skin is at its worse (that time of the month)

depending on your skin type, I wouldn't use it regular. But for oily skin, I say its a must. If you feel your skin getting a little taught, leave for a few days, or reduce the amount of time you use it.