Three Ideas for Flawless Skin with Witch Hazel

The women in our Love of Dove community are as unique and plentiful as the amount of skin care products that exist, and each one has their go-to skin care product. We love Dove, but they have very few products that are specially formulated for the face (three to be exact), leaving many women to search elsewhere for their favorite creams, serums, and oils. I was inspired to write this blog article because witch hazel is a key ingredient they are missing out on! Dove can increase their brand loyalty, and potentially gain new loyal consumers, if they were to implement witch hazel in their product line.

Here’s why: Over time and personal testing, I found witch hazel to be a fascinating tool that can be used as a supplement in between face wash routines and makeup applications to complete any routine for healthy, glowing skin.

Witch hazel has numerous properties that are beneficial for your skin health. It’s full of tannins, therefore a natural astringent, which means that it works like magic to minimize your pores. Astringents act wonderfully to reduce inflammation, swelling, redness, and removes acne-causing bacteria. It’s super easy to use and easily found in the first aid section of almost any store.

The best way to apply witch hazel is pouring a few generous drops on a clean cotton pad, then gently patting on your skin. Here are just three ways you can incorporate this natural elixir in your skin care this summer;

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1. Use on acne and/or oily skin. Using witch hazel on acne prone skin can soothe any outbreaks and redness and removes acne-causing bacteria. Apply witch hazel and wait for it to dry before you put on your makeup, as it will tighten your pores and prevent product or acne-causing bacteria from clogging them up. If you suffer from oily skin, it will control overactive glands and restore your skin’s natural pH balance to eliminate shine.

(Pro Tip!: After witch hazel is applied, dab a Q-tip in some coconut oil and directly apply to any problem spots for added healing benefits. Apply before bedtime and just be patient for a couple of days- it works wonders!)

2. Puffy eyes/inflammation. Witch hazel contains soothing properties that reduce inflammation and swelling under the eyes. It will help decrease under-eye-bags if you allow it to soak in for a few minutes, then rinse. (Be careful to avoid getting it in your eye sockets.) It works great after crying too– no one will know!

(Pro tip!: If you’ve never used witch hazel before, try a test patch to make sure your body reacts well to its properties-- like the inside of your wrist, or under your chin.)

3. Mosquito bites. Witch hazel can be applied virtually anywhere on your body, not just the face. Because it has so many active healing properties, it will help to soothe those pesky critters bites, eliminate the redness, and calm the annoying itch.

(Pro tip!: Add calamine lotion after applying witch hazel for an even faster itch relief.)

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This list is only a little glimpse to the wonders of witch hazel's magic. There are many more uses for the product that you’ll come across and you may find that you'll create a technique that works best for you! Knowing that its uses are so versatile, do you also think Dove should improvise witch hazel in their product line? Let us know your thoughts!

If you have any tips on witch hazel, or pro tips you can share with the Love of Dove community, we’d love to see it in the comments!

#Beauty