Also known as winterbloom or spotted alder, witch hazel is a flowering shrub that is extremely common in North America. The bark, leaves and twigs of the plant are all high in tannins, which have the ability to dry, harden and tighten tissues. Native Americans have long since used witch hazel for medicinal purposes, and, today, it is still being used in many skin care products, as it has some truly great properties. From loosening blackheads to reducing razor burn to fighting acne, OROGOLD reviews the many benefits that come from witch hazel.

Acne Fighter
The high tannin levels of witch hazel mean that it works well as a natural astringent, removing excess oils, re-balancing PH levels and reducing inflammation. For help with fighting acne, use it as you would use a regular toner, but, OROGOLD reminds you that it will take regular applications for it to fully work. Look for products that contain witch hazel as well as salicylic acid, for an even more powerful acne fighter.

Reduces Puffy Eyes
Witch hazel is a quick fix for puffy eyes, reducing any puffiness and tightening the eye area back to normal. Soak a cotton pad in some witch hazel and gently apply it to your closed eye for a few minutes. Let it fully soak into your skin and dry, before applying another round. For an added bonus, pour some witch hazel onto a tea bag and then rest that on your eye.

Heals Bruises and Blemishes
Witch hazel is fantastic for speeding up the healing process for bruises and blemishes, as the tannins work to constrict the blood vessels, reduce swelling, and heal broken skin. OROGOLD recommends soaking a thin cloth in witch hazel and draping it over the bruised area. Do this several times a day for even faster healing.

Loosens Blackheads
Since witch hazel is so effective at removing excess oil, it is an ideal ingredient to help reduce the amount of blackheads on your face. After cleansing, apply a cotton ball that has been soaked in witch hazel to your blackheads, and you should begin to notice a difference in just two weeks.

Treat Razor Burn
Now that summer has arrived, razor burn will be much more common, but the many properties of witch hazel can help to treat this. Not only will it stop the bleeding from any cuts that might have occurred while shaving, but it will also work as an anti-inflammatory, soothing any irritated areas that are suffering from razor burn. After shaving, apply a cotton pad that has been soaked in witch hazel to irritated areas, and repeat this daily as necessary.

Eases Pain from Bug Bites and Stings
The anti-inflammatory properties of witch hazel can be used to ease the pain from bug bites and stings, as well as reduce the itching from poison ivy and other plants. Keep some witch hazel in a small bottle and carry it with you at all times, especially if you are spending a significant amount of time outdoors.

Although it is neither a cream or an oil, witch hazel contains all of the amazing benefits that many of the most expensive products do. Add to this the fact that it is completely natural, and has an extremely refreshing scent, and there is no reason whatsoever to not keep a bottle of witch hazel in your home at all times.