Thread: Thayer's Witch Hazel

Witch hazel can be used as a stand alone AS. Speaking strickly for myself, I just can't leave it at that. Witch hazel does an exemplary job of calming inflammed, scratched skin and helps nourish your face, but it just doesn't get the job done by itself. That being said, any other AS gets a real boost by being applied after a treatment of witch hazel.

Originally Posted by Andrevs20

I have not used witch Hazel yet, but it next on my list. But I think Ive seen that people will use witch hazel then another after shave. Is there much explanation to this or could I just have dreamt it up?

Hello, Andrevs:

After the shave I apply alum, and at various intervals during which I clean the razor, witch hazel follows, then aftershave balm and finally aftershave. Throughout the day, if I feel like applying a touch of aftershave, I always couple it with s touch of witch hazel first. I like witch hazel.

Regards,
Obie

Originally Posted by flyman

Thayers price is higher because of the way they extract the witch hazel from the shrub. It preserves the natural tannins in the sap of the plant, whereas the other brands use a distillation process and/or add alcohol. In addition, the Thayers product adds aloe vera which is also a natural skin healer.

I'm not sure how a mix and macerate extraction would be more costly than steam distillation, and I also challenge the claim that retaining the tannins is a good thing (at least as far as a skin treatment is concerned). Remember, tannins are what are used to tan hides to make leather.

Tannins are actually powerful astringents which close pores and capillaries immediately upon contact with them. Additionally, tannins have been used in medicine for centuries to draw toxins out (living) skin. I'm willing to stipulate that that the manufacturing process that Thayer's uses is no more costly. I just love the results.

Originally Posted by flyman

Tannins are actually powerful astringents which close pores and capillaries immediately upon contact with them. Additionally, tannins have been used in medicine for centuries to draw toxins out (living) skin. I'm willing to stipulate that that the manufacturing process that Thayer's uses is no more costly. I just love the results.

+1 Tannin - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The tanning of Cow Hides is done through a Chemical Process.

Has anyone tried this one?

Thayers Witch Hazel After Shave w/Aloe Vera Formula - $6.50 : Thayers Natural Remedies, Since 1847

What's the scent like? And how does the usage compare to this one:

Thayers Medicated Superhazel with Aloe Vera Formula Astringent - $9.95 : Thayers Natural Remedies, Since 1847

Actually, I don't use either one of those products. I only use the toners because they do not contain alcohol. Specifically, I like Lavender. There is just enough scent to mask the actual witch hazel scent, which is kind of nasty. Ironically, I sometimes use AS splash in stead of my usual Nivea ASB, but at least I'm ready for it when I do. My post shave ritual goes like this:

Cold water rinse, pat dry.
Witch hazel, air dry while applying pomade.
(Sometimes)Pinaud Bay Rum, Clubman, or Lime Sec AS splash
Nivea ASB
(if no AS) Gentlemen's Best Signature EDT. (wifey loves the stuff)

No matter what, Thayers goes on right after cold water rinse. I think it sets the "tone".

Originally Posted by SlowRain

Has anyone tried this one?

Thayers Witch Hazel After Shave w/Aloe Vera Formula - $6.50 : Thayers Natural Remedies, Since 1847

What's the scent like? And how does the usage compare to this one:

Thayers Medicated Superhazel with Aloe Vera Formula Astringent - $9.95 : Thayers Natural Remedies, Since 1847

I have not used either type, I use the original (Astringent) Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera. Some say the smell of Witch Hazel is nasty but I like it.

I have looked at the medicated and it seems to have more alcohol in it, at least the one I looked at in the Grocery store. The price I paid was a bit more than that though But no Shipping and Handleing charges

Thayers all the way for me too - definitely the benchmark for post shave comfort. I use the aloe-infused one which has very little (if any) aroma. Will be trying the Superhazel next as I hear good things about this.

I always use the hazel after cold water rinse post shave. Then add Trumpers Skin Food or Proraso pre/post shave cream.

Enjoy!

Originally Posted by TSasser

+1 Tannin - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The tanning of Cow Hides is done through a Chemical Process.

Well, tannins are of course chemicals, and while agree that leather making in the industrialized world uses synthetic tanning agents, the very term tanning (as applied to making leather) comes from the use of oak tannins in the process. All tannins are polyphenolic compounds that chemically alter protein molecules, stronger tannins such as those found in oak bark cause the protein molecules to shrink resulting in permanent stiffening of the hides with a reduction in the overall pore structure. This is what converts the raw hides to leather. It is this same process that causes the feeling of tightness or puckering of the skin when milder tannins are applied topically. If this is what you want, then I will agree that you will get it from any one of a number of vegetable tannin extracts, including tea and coffee. I still challenge the claim that this is beneficial.