Thread: Witch Hazel

I've been experimenting with a variety of products to get the shave just right. It has been constant improvement and the majority problems I had in the past (redness, bumps, pain) have been getting better. I did still suffered from some minor irritation however.

Trying to remedy that, I decided to try a witch hazel product. I had seen some Thayer's Witch Hazel and Aloe aftershave at a shop several weeks ago and decided to go and buy some. When I got there I found out that the store discontinued stocking it. I did pick up some plain witch hazel (84%) in alcohol and gave it a try.

Glad to report that I got the best shave I've ever given myself with no irritation.

Anyway, I wanted to find out if you should use any kind of toner or some kind of moisturizer after using witch hazel. I haven't used anything with alcohol in it on my skin in a long time, and I think I might end up drying my skin out and causing other problems. Thanks in advance for the advice.

I had dry skin problems when I first switched from cartridges and still do if I get the angle wrong or shave with a dull blade. Used to use alcohol free after shave balm all the time and learned to love Corn Huskers over the winter. Lately though, I've been using Witch Hazel (the inexpensive varitety with alcohol, like you're using). I usually follow that with Aqua Velva, which also has alcohol.

So, plenty of alcohol, but no dry skin. Life is good. Different folks have different skin. If you're like me, it can change from day to day. I'd say if it works for you, that's a great thing. Witch Hazel seems to work for me no matter what my skin is doing on any particular day. Great stuff...

if its quality Witchazel it acts like a skin toner and its really the only thing you really need. The problem is most store brands of Witchazel are mostly Alcohol and water with minimal Witchazel. You can order directly from Thayer and have it mailed to you but unless you order alot the shipping is steep.

My biggest gripe with Witch Hazel- the cheap drugstore variety at least- is the smell. That said, I usually mix in some aloe lotion to the bottle, shake it up, and then use it. It covers up the smell and turns out to be a perfect "milk style" AS. Not as thick as a balm and more moisturizing on the skin than plain WH.

I bought the Thayers sampler from Straight Razor Design. I know that quite a few of their toner and other witch hazel formulas are alcohol free. Some of the samples are scentless, the others faint enough that it dissapates before I've completed my post shave rituals.

I run an alum block over my face as soon as I've finished the shave. It closes pores and gives great feedback when you've been rough. I quickly rinse off with cold water then apply the witch hazel. I love it. Hard to describe because the alcohol free version leaves no sensation other than a clean feeling. Next, I go with a virtually scentless cream, now its Nivea Sensitive somethingorother, and a little cologne.

Witch Hazel is now part of my routine. I imagine it'll even be better in the hot summer. Try the sampler pack I mentioned.

Best...
Jim

Witch hazel and bay rum everyday!

Witch Hazel preparations are all hydrosols of the witch hazel plant. As such, they are all primarily water. Hydrosols can be produced either by simple extraction (chop the plant up and soak it in water) or by steam distillation (this is a much more complicated process). Steam distillation is the preferred method, and has been for years; it also produces a slightly stronger hydrosol. The resulting hydrosol produced by either method is biodegradable, so if you want a reasonable shelf life, you need to add a preservative. Ethyl alcohol is the most common, but other materials such as citric acid, ascorbic acid or tocophyrol can be used as well. When alcohol is used, it is in a very low concentration, about the same as a strong wine.

Im using the drugstore version witch hazel. Apply it right after my cold water splash. I follow it about 10 to 20 minutes later with a moisturizer or non oil based a/s balm and im set for the day. Works well for me

Originally Posted by Firebox

Witch hazel and bay rum everyday!

I read this as witch hazel and Rum everyday at first. Was thinking, That is a guy I want to party with.

Try a quick splash with a Quality Bay Rum like Dominica - You will be amazed at what it does for your skin.