If you have sensitive skin that flares up at the slightest irritation, you’re probably used to scanning the ingredient label for anything too harsh, strong, or likely to cause a reaction. Or you might not check labels at all, just grabbing whatever seems promising in the hope of relieving your uncomfortable itch. But whether you look at the front or the back of the packaging, one odd-sounding ingredient might stand out: Witch Hazel.
Despite its unusual name, Witch Hazel is well-known as a calming, natural option for itchy or irritated skin.
The Soothing Power of Witch Hazel
Witch Hazel is a plant that’s native to North America, and its leaves and bark have been used for centuries to make a natural extract that soothes the skin. It’s probably best known for its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, which essentially means it can help reduce swelling and tighten the skin.
That’s why you’ll often find it in toners, soothing gels, and even bug bite treatments. By helping to calm the irritation and reduce the urge to scratch, it provides relief now and allows your skin to heal without constant attacks from your fingernails.
The Many Uses of Witch Hazel
Witch Hazel is a popular natural remedy used to soothe many sources of skin discomfort.
• Inflammation and irritation
• Itching from bug bites, poison ivy, rashes, or dry skin
• Razor burn
• Minor burns or sunburn
It’s also used cosmetically to manage oil and shine and tighten pores. That’s a lot of work for one little plant, and it’s all done gently, which is why people with sensitive, reactive skin often turn to it for a remedy.
Witch Hazel for Sensitive Skin
Could Witch Hazel work for your sensitive skin? Many people find it does. Everyone’s skin is different, and not every skin condition can be soothed with Witch Hazel. But lots of sensitive-skinned people are able to find relief thanks to its calming, anti-itch properties. (If you’re worried about its possible effects on your skin, your dermatologist is a great source of answers.)
That said, it’s important to know what kind of Witch Hazel you’re using. Some drugstore versions contain a high percentage of alcohol, which can be drying or irritating to already-sensitive skin. This is a time when you definitely want to check the ingredient label — look for an alcohol-free formula, particularly if you’ll be using it regularly or on children’s skin.
Getting the Benefit of Witch Hazel
To use Witch Hazel, just soak a cotton ball or pad and gently dab it on the irritated area. You can also find it incorporated into skin-soothing products like Sarna’s Calm + Cool Anti-Itch Lotion. It’s good for skin that needs a little extra care because it combines the natural properties of Witch Hazel extract with cooling Menthol and soothing Pramoxine Hydrochloride, all in one convenient formula.
Calm + Cool is a non-greasy, quick-absorbing, easy-to-use lotion great for taking on the itch and pain of sensitive skin, insect bites, sunburn, poison ivy, and countless other sources of skin irritation. And the lotion is vegan and free from steroids, fragrances, parabens, mineral oil, and hydroquinone that could make your skin even more irritated while you’re trying to soothe it.
You deserve to enjoy your time outside without worrying about itchy skin that can turn a beautiful day ugly. Sarna’s Calm + Cool Anti-Itch Lotion – with Witch Hazel, Pramoxine Hydrochloride, and Menthol – is the gentle, steroid-free, dermatologist-recommended care you can feel good about reaching for whenever itchy skin tries to ruin your day.
