Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) - what it is
Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a plant with exceptional medicinal properties, and has been used in natural medicine and cosmetology for centuries. It originated in North America, where indigenous tribes used its extracts to treat wounds, burns and skin inflammation. Its bark, leaves and flowers are rich in active compounds such as tannins, flavonoids as well as essential oils, which exhibit anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and astringent properties. Thanks to these properties, witch hazel has become one of the most widely used natural extracts in skin care products and cosmetics with soothing properties.
Today witch hazel is widely used in dermocosmetics and preparations for sensitive, vascular and problematic skin. Thanks to its ability to seal blood vessels, reduce redness and soothe irritation, it is an indispensable ingredient in toning cosmetics, creams and micellar lotions. In addition, its antiseptic and astringent properties make it effective in regulating sebum secretion and minimizing pores, making it an ideal choice for those with oily and acne-prone skin. In the following sections of this article, we will take a closer look at its properties, action and use in modern skin care.
Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) - properties.
Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) has a wide range of care and healing properties, making it a valued ingredient in cosmetics and dermatological preparations. One of its key features is its anti-inflammatory effect, resulting from its high content of tannins and flavonoids. These substances help soothe irritation, reduce redness and promote regeneration of damaged skin. As a result, witch hazel is especially recommended for people with sensitive, irritation-prone and vascular skin, as it effectively strengthens blood vessels, reducing their visibility and reducing the tendency to burst blood vessels.
Another important property of witch hazel is its astringent and antiseptic effect. The extract of this plant effectively regulates sebum secretion, cleanses pores and reduces the risk of imperfections. As a result, it is particularly appreciated in the care of oily and acne-prone skin, helping to keep the skin in good condition and preventing excessive shine. Its antibacterial properties help fight the bacteria responsible for skin inflammation, making it an effective ingredient in toners, masks and micellar lotions for daily skin care.
In addition to its action on the skin of the face, witch hazel also shows beneficial effects on the skin of the entire body. Its anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties make it used in preparations to soothe irritation after shaving, sunbathing or insect bites. In addition, it has a soothing effect on tired and swollen legs, improving microcirculation and reducing the feeling of heaviness. That's why witch hazel extract is a common ingredient in body lotions, cooling gels and lower limb creams, providing relief and refreshment to the skin.
Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) - action
Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) acts primarily as an anti-inflammatory and soothing agent, making it an effective ingredient in the care of sensitive and irritation-prone skin. The tannins and flavonoids present in it help reduce redness, seal blood vessels and reduce swelling. This action makes witch hazel extract recommended for people with vascular skin and those who struggle with the problem of broken capillaries. In addition, its regenerative properties promote skin recovery, soothing irritation caused by external factors such as wind, sun and environmental pollution.
Thanks to its astringent and antiseptic properties, witch hazel is also effective in the care of oily and acne-prone skin. The extract regulates sebum secretion, cleanses pores and helps prevent blemishes. Its antibacterial action helps fight the bacteria responsible for the development of acne, while not drying out the skin. As a result, witch hazel is a common ingredient in toners, face gels and creams designed for problematic skin. Its natural properties help keep the skin in good condition, giving it a healthy and radiant appearance.
Witch hazel also exhibits soothing and regenerative effects for the entire body. It is used in preparations to soothe irritation after shaving, depilation or sunbathing, bringing relief to the skin and promoting its regeneration. In addition, it improves microcirculation, which makes it often used in leg gels and creams, helping to reduce the feeling of heaviness and reduce swelling. Thanks to its versatile properties, witch hazel is a valuable ingredient in cosmetics and skin care products, supporting skin health and appearance on various levels.
Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) - in Encann hemp creams
Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a key ingredient in Encann's hemp creams, such as REST relaxing cream with CBD, KRIO cooling cream with CBD and TERMO warming cream With CBD. Thanks to its nourishing, regenerating and strengthening properties, witch hazel supports comprehensive skin care, bringing soothing and improving skin condition.
In REST relaxing cream with CBD, witch hazel interacts with other natural extracts such as. St. John's wort, extract of broad-leaved linden, cypress oil and sunflower seed oil. This synergistic composition of ingredients provides the skin with nourishment, regeneration and strengthening, which is particularly beneficial for those with dry or flaky skin. This cream is ideal for daily use and for a relaxing massage, penetrating deeply into the skin and bringing a relaxing effect.
In KRIO cooling cream with CBD and TERMO warming cream with CBD, witch hazel also plays an important role. Combined with other active ingredients such as menthol, camphor and vanillic acid butyl ether, witch hazel promotes skin regeneration, soothes irritation and strengthens skin structure. As a result, these creams not only provide a cooling or warming effect, but also comprehensively care for the health and appearance of the skin, bringing relief after physical exertion or daily hardships.
Source: PubMed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/); Google Scholar (https://scholar.google.com/); National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI); ResearchGate (https://www.researchgate.net/)
