Witch Hazel For Skin: Irritation and Fungus

Spotted elder, Hamamelis, Snapping Tobacco Wood – or Witch hazel – has many beneficial effects on the skin. The medicinal properties of witch hazel are derived from the bark, leaves, and twigs. Witch hazel for skin has antimicrobial and anti-fungal benefits, while calming the affected area. This makes it an ideal solution for skin irritation, diaper rash, and hemorrhoids.

Witch Hazel for Skin: Tannin Antioxidant
Tannin is a biomolecule that is found in the witch hazel plant – and it is the active ingredient in the plants power to calm, cleanse, and soothe the skin. Tannin can easily be considered a super antioxidant, due to its antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effect on the skin.

Witch Hazel for Skin Irritation
Witch hazel for skin usually available in the form of an astringent. The astringent is widely available in most drug stores.
Sun Burn: Witch hazel has been known to help sooth sunburns. Apply a dampened cotton ball to the sun burned skin, twice a day. Witch hazel is formulated with a low amount of alcohol in it, but some users
might experience a slight tingling sensation. Due to its low alcohol content - but effective astringent properties - witch hazel will also protect the skin from secondary infections.
Balanced Skin: Witch hazel has the ability of cleansing the skin without drying it, which can potentially aggravate skin problems. Those with dry skin will find that witch hazel helps tighten the pores without further drying out the skin like other commercial astringents. Those suffering from overactive sebum production can use witch hazel for skin oil control. Dampen a cotton ball and apply it to your t-zone every time you wash your face in the morning and night.

Witch Hazel for Skin Fungus
Diaper Rash: Witch hazel can be used for diaper rash in children. Diaper rash – or irritant diaper dermatitis - is caused by bacteria or a growth of fungi, typically from a yeast infection. Every time you change your child's diaper, make sure to do a final wipe down with a cloth dampened with witch hazel. There are several brands who make per-moistened witch hazel wipes for children.
Treat Hemorrhoids with Witch Hazel: Witch hazel is popular among those who suffer from hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are caused by straining during the defecation process. External hemorrhoids can be relieved with the use of witch hazel wipes or creams.