Witch Hazel has a strong reputation in skincare for its natural astringent properties and ability to balance the skin, making it a versatile addition to nearly any routine. As a gentle toner, witch hazel helps remove impurities, clarify pores and refresh skin, priming it for the next steps in your regimen. T.N. Dickinson’s 100% Natural Witch Hazel Toner and the Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Moisturising Toner provide tailored options for varying skin needs – whether you’re looking for a classic, all-purpose toner or a hydrating alternative.
Why witch hazel works well with other ingredients
Using a witch hazel-based toner after cleansing preps your skin to absorb other products, enhancing their effects. Its gentle formula works synergistically with a range of beneficial ingredients, providing an ideal canvas for your skincare routine.
1. Witch hazel and hyaluronic acid: a hydration boost
Hyaluronic acid is known for its powerful hydrating properties, as it draws moisture to the skin and helps maintain a healthy moisture balance. Used together, witch hazel and Hyaluronic Acid create a balance of toning and hydration. Applying a witch hazel toner first allows your skin to better absorb hyaluronic acid more effectively, amplifying its plumping and moisturising effects. T.N. Dickinson’s Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Moisturising Toner is ideal here, as it includes hydrating ingredients to support moisture levels without causing dryness.
2. Witch hazel and glycerin: double dose of moisture
Glycerin is a humectant, like hyaluronic acid, and helps attract water to the skin, keeping it soft and supple. When used in tandem with witch hazel, glycerin adds a layer of hydration, helping to counteract any potential dryness and ensuring your skin remains balanced. This pairing works well for most skin types, especially in dry or cold climates where additional moisture is essential.
3. Witch hazel and aloe vera: soothing and calming
Aloe Vera has long been known for its soothing, anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent choice for sensitive or irritated skin. Combining witch hazel with aloe vera can create a toning and calming effect, reducing redness and irritation. The Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Moisturising Toner from T.N. Dickinson’s is enriched with aloe vera, allowing it to hydrate and soothe simultaneously, making it particularly beneficial for sensitive or easily irritated skin.
4. Witch hazel and niacinamide: pore-perfecting power
Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, is celebrated for its ability to minimise pores, control oil production and improve skin texture. When used with witch hazel, these benefits are amplified, as witch hazel preps the skin to better absorb niacinamide. For those with oily or combination skin, this pairing can help manage excess oil without over-drying the skin, contributing to a smoother, more refined appearance.
5. Witch hazel and plant extracts: a natural pairing
Many plant extracts – such as green tea, chamomile and calendula – have antioxidant or anti-inflammatory benefits that pair well with witch hazel. These combinations work to calm, protect and nourish the skin, supporting a healthy complexion. Including plant extracts in a routine with witch hazel helps reduce irritation, protects against environmental stressors, and contributes to a balanced, refreshed complexion.
Ingredients to use cautiously with witch hazel
While witch hazel is gentle, it’s important to be mindful when pairing it with stronger active ingredients, particularly if you have sensitive skin. Here are some actives to approach with care when using a witch hazel toner:
1. AHAs and BHAs (acids for exfoliation)
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) are chemical exfoliants that help to slough off dead skin cells and unclog pores. When combined your own or existing AHA or BHA skincare treatment with witch hazel, it can sometimes lead to over-exfoliation, causing sensitivity or dryness. If using AHAs or BHAs, consider using a hydrating witch hazel toner, like T.N. Dickinson’s Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Moisturising Toner, which contains soothing ingredients to balance any potential drying effects.
2. Retinoids
Retinoids are known for their potent skin-renewing properties, making them a go-to for addressing signs of ageing. However, combining witch hazel with retinoids can be too much for some skin types, particularly if they’re both used in the same routine. If you want to use both, consider alternating the days you use each product. This approach can help minimise any potential irritation.
3. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a popular antioxidant that brightens skin and reduces the appearance of dark spots. While it can be used alongside witch hazel, it’s best to avoid layering these ingredients in the same routine if your skin is sensitive. When using a potent Vitamin C product (or serum) and layering with witch hazel it may increase sensitivity in certain individuals. It’s recommended to apply witch hazel toner in the morning and Vitamin C in the evening or on alternate days.
Why sunscreen is essential when using actives
If your skincare routine includes activities like AHAs, BHAs, retinoids, or Vitamin C, applying sunscreen is non-negotiable. These ingredients can make your skin more susceptible to sun damage, leading to pigmentation or irritation. Even when using gentle toning products like T.N. Dickinson’s Witch Hazel toners, which balance your skin rather than exfoliate it, sunscreen will help protect your skin barrier and support the health of your skin.
The final step: preparing your skin with witch hazel for enhanced skincare benefits
Incorporating witch hazel toner into your routine doesn’t just balance your skin – it helps prepare it to better absorb the following products, maximising the effects of each layer in your routine. After cleansing, witch hazel toner acts as a base, gently removing any lingering impurities, smoothing the skin and refining the pores. This process allows serums, moisturisers and other treatments to penetrate more effectively, enhancing their benefits.
T.N. Dickinson’s range of witch hazel products, including the 100% Natural Witch Hazel Toner and the Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Moisturising Toner, provides a gentle, adaptable option for any skincare routine. With ingredients that work well alongside witch hazel and gentle application techniques, you can enjoy balanced, radiant skin tailored to your specific needs.
