What is witch hazel in skincare?
Witch hazel is an extract of the bark and leaves of Hamamelis virginiana, a North American shrub. Its activity comes from tannins – principally hamamelitannin – which bind proteins and make tissue contract, the classic astringent effect.
The critical variable is formulation. Traditional distillates are preserved with 14 to 15% alcohol, which is what gives many witch hazel toners their reputation for drying skin out. Pharmacological reviews of the plant credit it with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity independent of that alcohol.
What skin concerns does witch hazel treat?
It temporarily tightens the look of pores, reduces surface oil and calms minor inflammation, which is why it appears in products for oily and acne-prone skin. Extracts show documented anti-inflammatory and anti-acne effects.
It also soothes insect bites, minor grazes and razor burn. Used daily in an alcohol-heavy form, however, it strips the barrier and can push skin into producing more oil, not less.
What ingredients are best paired with witch hazel?
Choose an alcohol-free formulation and follow it with hydration – hyaluronic acid, glycerin, niacinamide – plus ceramides to keep the barrier intact.
For the concerns it is usually bought for, salicylic acid and niacinamide do more with less collateral dryness. Treat witch hazel as an occasional soothing step rather than a daily toner. Take our Skin Quiz.
What are age spots?
Age spots – known clinically as solar lentigines, and sometimes as liver spots – are flat, well-defined brown or tan patches that appear on skin with the most cumulative sun exposure: the face, backs of the hands, forearms, shoulders and upper chest.
Despite the name, they are not caused by age itself. They are a record of ultraviolet exposure, which is why they are common from the forties onward and why they cluster on areas that rarely get sunscreen.
What causes age spots?
Long-term UV exposure drives melanocytes to over-produce melanin in concentrated spots, and the surrounding keratinocytes stop clearing that pigment efficiently as skin ages.
Fair skin, a history of sunburns, tanning beds and outdoor work all raise the risk. Any new spot that changes shape, colour or size, bleeds or has an irregular border should be checked by a doctor rather than treated cosmetically.
What ingredients are best for age spots?
Topical treatment works but needs patience – expect three to six months. Retinoids speed turnover so pigmented cells shed faster, vitamin C and niacinamide brighten and protect, and alpha arbutin, kojic acid, azelaic acid and liquorice root inhibit new pigment.
Glycolic or lactic acid helps lift existing pigment from the surface. Daily broad-spectrum SPF, including on hands and chest, is what prevents new spots forming. Take our Skin Quiz.
