Witch Hazel: Is it just another astringent?

Witch Hazel is a product we have been critical of, so I wanted to take the time to walk through what it is and why many professionals feel the way they do.

When I have used it, it feels and acts like an astringent. But it is used in ways that other astringents are not. Is it only an astringent? A soothing astringent? Anti-inflammatory?

Thank you for your support! We appreciate all of you!

-Dr. Shah and Dr. Maxfield

[boomboom]

As a professor, I mean this when I say it: you should definitely consider teaching. You are so passionate and knowledgeable about this, and this translates well. Dermatology medical students would benefit tremendously from you. You are making science knowledge clear and interesting to my humanities -based brain. A scientist who can teach is a thing of beauty and joy forever :).
I loved the deep dive on witch hazel. The historical context is super helpful, makes the information digestible and helps me see how it can applied broadly.

[JonnyJayKhan]

witch hazel and tea tree moisturiser has been my trusty skin balancer for YEARS, definitely calming and anti-bacterial

[kristinatorregiani]

Best explanation about witchazel- thank you!

[MarCru-rT]

I enjoyed this video and your delivery. Nice to see you both separate to educate the community!

[angeloscofield]

Dr Max, I could look at you all day <3

[NicaEli]

I love the Thayers facial toner, that is alcohol free. It really soothes my rosacea prone skin.

[jaej]

Your voice is very soothing Dr. Maxfield!

[nully]

you are SUCH a great teacher! I love the way you explain things

[jamiehershon]

I love Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel (the one with the yellow label). The only toners I've found that have helped my skin are the ones with Witch Hazel that have few ingredients. I do it at night to help close my pores. Doesn't make my face red. I know it's probably not a must but I feel like it has for me had more benefits than negatives.

[DinaGe-nyrb]

So much great info as always. Dr Shah must be busy with all the Tiktok tags he has. But like how you added him in

[SDH]

Thanks for the info. Dr. Maxfield talks so fast I had to slow playback speed to 0.75. Then I couldn't hear what he was saying because I was laughing so hard. Keep the videos coming.

[bonnieanderson]

I have been using Witch Hazel for a good long while after I cleanse my face. Since the price of everything has gone threw the roof I was looking for areas where I could cut corners and attempted to cut this step out of my skin care regimen. My face did not like it. My serums and other skincare did not go on as well and my skin just felt drier. So I added it back in and ta da my skin is back smooth again. It’s like the Witch Hazel prepares my skin to absorb the other products better. It’s relatively in expensive so I am keeping it. 😁

[nicelatina]

Witch hazel used to be talked about so negatively for a long time until recently it feels like tide turned. What changed? I'm very grateful the way you explained ingredient and talked about what the science, now I won't be as scared to buy something that haoppens contain it. Best regards from Sweden!

[PartyAtMyIggy]

Some Dermatologists/Estheticians: Witch hazel is sometimes good.

Other Dermatologists/Estheticians: Witch hazel is sometimes bad.

I love that even though there are disagreements within the skincare community, pretty much everyone is polite about it and have insightful discussions.

[NK_Beugr]

Bro, I haven’t even heard someone say the word, or have even thought or spoke about a lava lamp in like 8 or 9 years until you said it right now

[suecunningham]

Love you both! I noticed a ton of clip cuts and it felt like I was watching a strobe light. 😩 it was hard and distracting while trying to pay attention to your amazing video. Sending this with love. ❤️🙏🏻

[zebanaaz]

Please make a video on dark underarms.
1. Why people get dark underarms.
2. Which hair removal method should be followed for preventing dark underarms.
3. Treatments and product recommendations for dark underarms.

[juliaduffydomrose]

I totally agree and believe whole heartedly in the restricting of blood vessels and anti inflammation! I use it on scrapes, cuts and sometimes if I pop a pimple (which I know I shouldn't do) if I put a compress of Witch Hazel on it for about 20 minutes, 9 times out of 10, I avoid any residual redness, inflammation, or even minor trauma to the skin. I've also used it on bruises! It can totally help bring down the intensity of a bruise if you put a compress of whitch Hazel on it fast enough. I have used it on my kids if they bump their head and get a goose egg. Just slap a compress of witch hazel on it, keep it on as long as my kids will hold still, and it totally diminishes the severity of a bruise/wound. Love the stuff, it's amazing. Don't love it as a toner though...

[brianh]

Thayers alcohol free instantly soothes my face after shaving, it's amazing.

[Carousel]

I use Biore Witch Hazel Facial Cleanser to treat milia on the back of my arms - does wonders.