If any substance had a sinister name, it would be witch hazel. But do not be alarmed: genuine witches would not use witch hazel. If any, this substance has the potential to give a miraculous cure–much like the enchantment represented by its name!
However, is it beneficial in treating shaving problems, mainly razor bumps? To learn more about witch hazel’s skin advantages, do not overlook this post on “Does witch hazel help with razor bumps?”
What Causes Razor Bumps?
Razor bumps on your skin or legs are little red pimples caused by waxed hairs or ingrown shaven.
Razor pimples form once hair is trimmed just where it comes out of your skin, which may cause your hair to curve inward again. Then, the ingrown hair gets inflamed, swelling into a red lump.
In addition, razor bumps may also be caused by your razor, the way you shave, and your skin type.
For instance, shaving dry skin using a manual razor and a dull razor blade can increase the likelihood of razor bumps. You are also more likely to get skin irritation during shaving if the skin usually is more sensitive.
Multi-blade cartridge razors are another common reason because they elevate hair above the skin’s surface, allowing the second and third blades to shave too closely.
Does Witch Hazel Help With Razor Bumps?
Witch hazel is an ideal remedy for razor bumps. It works well both on its own and as a component in a skincare product.
Witch hazel is the other name for Hamamelis virginiana, a plant that yields an extract with numerous therapeutic benefits. It is commonly marketed as a skin toner, although its advantages may extend beyond the skin.
The first reason witch hazel is effective at treating razor bumps is due to its anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent treatment for razor bumps and other skin irritations by soothing your skin.
However, if used to treat razor bumps, witch hazel should not have parabens, alcohol, or synthetic ingredients.
Second, witch hazel has been shown to alleviate inflammation due to its astringent and antioxidant properties.
Once paired with the soothing properties of aloe, it may provide significant comfort to an inflamed face and lessen the likelihood of infection. It can even be used to treat minor cuts and bug bites.
In addition, witch hazel contains antibacterial properties that help eliminate excessive oils from your skin, thereby protecting injured skin from infection by reducing the circumstances required for bacterial colonization.
Just keep in mind that it only prevents illness rather than killing microorganisms.
Last but not least, the flavonoids and tannins found in witch hazel components diminish edema by suppressing the signaling of inflammatory signals in cells.
How To Use With Hazel To Treat Razor Bumps?
It is simple to use witch hazel to relieve razor bumps. Here’s what you should do:
- First, clean the infected area of skin using soap and warm water, then rinse with warm water. Notably, warm water should be used rather than cool water for the best result.
- Use a clean towel to pat the skin dry.
- Use a moist washcloth to blot razor bumps and shaven regions. If you already have tiny cuts on the face, you might experience stinging.
- To avoid microorganisms on your wounded skin, apply witch hazel extract using a clean cotton pad. As long as you are not touching the open wound, you may apply witch hazel cream or lotion by hand.
Alternatively, you can use a witch hazel astringent by saturating a cotton beauty pad or a cotton ball. If it dries out before you soak the entire razor bumps area, saturate it again.
- Next, continue the method regularly till the razor bumps disappear.
- Pat the skin dry one more to eliminate any witch hazel lotion or cream.
What Are Other Benefits Of Witch Hazel?
Treat burns
Other types of minor skin burns, including those caused by chemicals, may also be treated with witch hazel.
Applying witch hazel to your scalp in the shower before rinsing the hair may help alleviate scalp irritation as well as provide relief from symptoms including tenderness and itching.
Also, it aids in the reduction of scalp sensitivity induced by illnesses such as eczema and psoriasis.
Lastly, witch hazel is a natural treatment for various scalp issues like dryness and dandruff.
Indeed, witch hazel may be a safe choice for razor burns, which are irritations caused by shaving due to witch hazel’s inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Also, tannins in witch hazel assist in lessening the inflammation and redness caused by razor burn.
- First, dip a soft cloth or a thick paper towel in witch hazel liquid to treat skin burns.
- Next, press gently against the burn. Avoid rubbing it in because this may aggravate the inflammation.
Witch hazel is effective for both males and females with scalp burns. Such burns could be the result of UV-ray exposure or chemical.
You can use witch hazel directly on the scalp in the shower, or a tiny quantity can be mixed with the regular shampoo.
Treat Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids Treatment
Hemorrhoids are induced by inflammation and swelling of the veins in your anus and rectum, which results in symptoms including bleeding and itching.
Witch hazel is frequently utilized as a natural cure to alleviate the irritation and suffering posed by hemorrhoids.
To relieve the skin, it is usually mixed with a towel or cotton ball and administered directly to the affected area.
Despite the minimal study, witch hazel is thought to help alleviate the pain, redness, itching, and swelling related to hemorrhoids thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Furthermore, it possesses hemostatic properties, which means it can control hemorrhoidal bleeding.
Relieves throat pain
Witch hazel is occasionally used to heal sore throats thanks to its potential to reduce inflammation and serve as an astringent.
You should boil a teaspoon (about 5 mL) of witch hazel in one cup (about 240 mL) of water for about 10 minutes. Next, gargle the combination, which may bring relief.
It is said to help reduce inflammation, pain, and extra mucus produced by a sore throat.
Despite the fact that witch hazel’s anti-inflammatory effects are extensively recognized, its usage for treating sore throats is purely based on anecdotal data.
Furthermore, due to the high tannin content of witch hazel, consuming it directly can cause gastrointestinal irritation, so exercise extreme caution and visit your doctor when you notice any issues.
Treat acne
Because witch hazel can eliminate excess oil from your skin, it does not cause an accumulation of oil, block pores, or cause acne.
Additiontionally, since witch hazel is known as an astringent, it may penetrate the pores and clean more thoroughly.
Aside from being an astringent that reduces redness and oil, tannins in witch hazel also have antibacterial qualities that can inhibit bacteria growth on your skin.
Moreover, some studies indicate that witch hazel may be effective in acne treatment due to its potent anti-inflammatory qualities.
You can apply it straight to your face after washing or steaming. However, using it with a cotton pad is the best method to avoid getting oil from your fingers to the skin. Doing so may help keep acne-causing germs away from the skin.
Remember to hydrate your skin after applying witch hazel, as dry skin might lead your body to create even more oil.
As a result, witch hazel is widely incorporated into many acne remedies, and it is particularly beneficial for people with oily skin.
However, it merely works well for small acne parts, such as whiteheads or blackheads since it may aggravate pimples and create additional irritation based on your skin type.
Tighten pores
Collagen in the skin degrades when you age. So, it begins to sag and lacks suppleness. The pores look more expansive because of the sagging, giving the skin a far less smooth texture.
Fortunately, witch hazel can make them appear smaller.
Since witch hazel is an astringent, it may allow your pores and skin to tighten for a short period. Another explanation is that tannins, which are molecules that compress your skin’s proteins, are present in witch hazel.
You should use it on the skin after cleaning it and before putting on any items, such as makeup. As a result, this chemical causes a quick tightening of the skin.
Who Should Not Use Witch Hazel?
Although witch hazel may help with some skin problems, mainly razor bumps, it is not recommended for persons with sensitive or dry skin and prone to acne because it might exacerbate dryness or cause irritation.
If your face gets considerable redness, dryness, or irritation, stop using it, as this type of discomfort may cause a breakdown in the skin’s barrier.
The skin barrier is critical for keeping out dangerous microorganisms such as germs and sealing in hydration to preserve your skin moisturized.
If using witch hazel irritates the skin, try a simple moisturizer containing minimal ingredients to restore moisture, such as glycerin or shea butter. Moisturizers that do not contain perfumes or alcohol perform best.
To discover whether witch hazel is good for you, you should apply it to a tiny arm section and observe how the skin reacts before applying it to a vulnerable region such as the face.
Importantly, if applied too frequently and for an extended period of time, it may lead to over-drying or peeling away from your skin’s natural protective layer.
The reason behind this is that, in addition to the active ingredient like tannins, most witch hazel treatments contain alcohol additives such as ethanol that can over-dry your skin and often cause more damage than benefit.
Some variants may include up to 15% alcohol, which may be unpleasant to several skin types.
What Are Other Ways To Get Rid Of Razor Bumps In Addition To Using Witch Hazel?
There is no quick fix for how to treat razor bumps, but there is a lot you may do to assist (and quick). Here’s what we recommend for removing ingrown hair bumps caused by shaving:
Exfoliate
Gently exfoliating the upper layers and shedding off any build-up and dead cells obscuring the hair follicle may enable the hair to reach the surface.
To gently exfoliate the dead skin, incorporate a glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or lactic acid toner into your skin care routine.
Go ice cold
Once you notice razor bumps, pour cold water on them to constrict pores and relieve your skin. A cool, damp compress can also relieve razor bumps.
Moisturize
You should moisturize when you finish shaving, particularly if you notice razor bumps. To cure those micro-injuries necessitate a moisturizing balm.
Fortunately, several excellent lotions are available that are good for all types of skin.
Use a cortisone cream
This product will relieve the itch, and no prescription is required.
Begin with your moisturizer and the next layer on the cortisone. Utilize a low-strength hydrocortisone product externally and for a short length of time for the best outcomes.
Use aftershave products
They are specifically designed to be used on razor bumps to cure and relieve them, so it’s recommended to include one in the regular skincare routine.
Lightly exfoliating the upper layers and shedding off any build-up and dead cells obscuring the hair follicle may enable the hair to reach the surface.
Make use of natural therapies
Aside from witch hazel, apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, aloe vera, and tea tree oil are all fantastic pantry staples for treating itchy, burning, or irritation, as well as fighting inflammation or soothing the skin.
These natural ingredients may minimize razor bumps and soothe discomfort since they come with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.
Use needles or sterile tweezers
When any ingrown hair is noticeable and close to the skin’s surface, you can gently get rid of the trapped hair with sterile tweezers or needles, which may aid in decreasing the hump.
To avoid infection, you should sanitize your needles and tweezers. Also, remember to prevent digging for the hair since doing so may cause additional discomfort or injury.
What Are The Best Witch Hazel Products You Should Use To Treat Razor Bumps?
Thayers Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Facial Toner
This witch hazel toner with aloe vera will help soothe and hydrate your skin. It is intended to calm oily skin and minimize pores, making your skin seem better after only one application.
Notably, it is available in a range of flavors and sizes, giving you plenty of options.
Quinn’s Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel
This witch hazel toner is especially hypoallergenic and contains aloe vera. It is designed for people with sensitive skin. Besides, it acts as an astringent, tightening the skin and minimizing inflammation.
This product, like the Thayers Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Facial Toner, is available in a range of sizes and flavors.
Jack Black Bump Fix Razor Bump & Ingrown Hair Solution
This item comes from a premium skincare line designed particularly for men.
This oil-free treatment claims to relieve razor bumps and cure acne problems. It contains witch hazel, salicylic acid, and green tea and is perfect for acne-prone and oily skin.
Humphreys Nourish Witch Hazel + Aloe Alcohol-Free Toner
Its first ingredient is Certified Organic Witch Hazel, which is wild collected to preserve the plant nutrient essence and processed to maintain its original strength, which is never diluted or polluted.
Furthermore, its recipe contains Vitamin E and Organic Aloe, which aid in hydrating, soothing, and smoothing skin.
Last but not least, without the astringent alcohol, the skin can obtain the full benefits of the other components without danger of injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you use witch hazel as an aftershave?
In general, anything applied after shaving is referred to as an aftershave. That is, although witch hazel is not strictly classed as an aftershave, you can use it as one.
In fact, witch hazel provides many of the same advantages as using an “aftershave” product, such as reducing itching, closing pores, and others.
The main distinction is that it is advertised as an anti-inflammatory for the skin.
2. Is it acceptable to apply witch hazel after shaving the pubic area?
After shaving, using an astringent like witch hazel extract can help cool the rash.
Witch hazel extract has astringent properties. To avoid itching and discomfort, dry out your skin carefully after shaving and put on witch hazel containing less than 14 percent alcohol.
Doing so will relax your skin and gradually shut the pores, making a rash or pimples less severe.
3. Are razor bumps similar to razor burn?
Razor burn and razor bumps are sometimes confused, as both happen after shaving and may produce inflammation, discomfort, and a red rash. These two, though, are distinct.
Razor burn occurs after shaving, while razor bumps are produced by shaved hairs sprouting back and getting ingrown.
Ingrown hairs can appear as raised pimples or acne once you eliminate hair using treatments such as tweezing, shaving, or waxing. As your hair grows back, it will curl into the skin rather than away from it.
Furthermore, those with curly hair seem to be more prone to have razor bumps since their hair is more inclined to coil back into the skin.
If you find witch hazel a valuable substance with great benefits, you can watch this video to discover more about it:
Final Words
Once again, it is undeniable that witch hazel can aid in the treatment of razor bumps. Not only that, but it also has a number of other benefits, such as treating acne, treating a burn, tightening pores, and so on. However, because witch hazel is not recommended for dry or sensitive skin, a pad test should be performed before use.
