WITCH HAZEL
HOW TO USE IT
Retinol should be introduced into your daily skincare routine incrementally, and should be applied only at night. Bakuchiol, on the other hand, can be used during the day. Make no mistake, you still have to slather on SPF, but while retinol doesn’t always play nice with other ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and other acids, bakuchiol can be used in combination with any other ingredients.
Bakuchiol can be found in face washes, night creams, serums and oils. Witch hazel has fallen in and out of favour over the years – but it’s made a comeback.
All well and good, but what is it? ‘Witch hazel is derived from the leaves and bark of Hamamelis virginiana, a type of shrub that is native to North America,’ says Dr Webster. ‘It is an anti-inflammatory that helps to restore the pH balance of the skin. That’s why it’s often found in toners, which help to neutralise and condition the skin.’ Toners that contain witch hazel can be applied with a cotton pad after cleansing.
WHO SHOULD USE IT?
Witch hazel is often recommended for oily or combination skin and is a well-known antioxidant. This versatile ingredient has benefits beyond skincare: it can be used to diminish dandruff and soothe sunburn and insect bites.
HOW TO USE IT
When it comes to long-term use, witch hazel may have a drying effect, so it’s best to use it four times a week at most, just to give your skin a bit of a break. Look for products containing other moisturising ingredients such as rose, aloe vera and tea tree.