Witch Hazel vs Apple Cider Vinegar

Ever faced any difficulty while selecting your skincare product? One of these things is trying to choose the toner. A toner is a very important part of your skincare which is going to work in helping you tackle that acne, the oiliness, the enlarged pores etc. Many of us often prefer using herbs externally for applying them topically rather than products manufactured by the man.

The two most popular natural items are currently witch hazel and apple cider vinegar (ACV). Witch hazel and ACV will help you shrink your skin, regulate the production of sebum on your skin, and get rid of the scars left by acne on your face. Which one is the most crucial for you, of these two?

In this comprehensive blog we will make you understand everything you need to know about witch hazel vs ACV. We will also discuss their key benefits, possible side effects, and compare them to one another. We also examine how beginning with a deep-cleaning product such as the Alite Anti-Acne Face Wash can make the world of a difference in your skin care regime.

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is an herbal medicine extracted from the leaves, bark and branches of the witch hazel plant or Hamamelis virginiana. It is traditionally most commonly used for:

• Reducing itchiness
• Muscle contraction
• Skin inflammation

Characteristics of Witch Hazel:

1. It is a Natural Astringent that has several natural ingredients including tannins. Tannins make your skin thinner for some time and also help close your pores.
2. It is a Redness Reducer that gives you relief from red and sun-damaged skin.
3. It is an Oil Controller that helps to remove extra oil from your skin.
4. It is a Gentle Formula. If you choose an alcohol-free formula then it will be quite refreshing.

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

The apple cider vinegar is made by using apples with fermentation of sugar on apples that are changed into acetic acid. Raw, unprocessed is a mixture of good bacteria, protein and enzymes.

Characteristics of Apple cider Vinegar:

1. Skin equilibrium:

PH Acidic level your skin is naturally slightly acidic due to this protective film. The ACV restores equilibrium for that layer if disturbed due to harsh soaps.

2. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA): 

Rich source of natural malic acid and lactic acid which have the property of breaking down the surface cells of the skin.

3. Bactericidal (Antibiotic Effects): 

Acetic acid will destroy the acne causing bacteria by inhabiting the interior of the pores of your skin.

4. Exfoliating Effects: 

The acid in Acetic Acid also helps exfoliate and will fade dark marks and other acne scars over time.

Witch Hazel vs ACV Comparison

In order to understand the major difference between witch hazel vs ACV, you will have to first understand its functions as well as its action on your skin deeply.

The Benefits of Witch Hazel for Skin

Witch hazel will be a good choice to calm you down, since it has a smooth texture just like mattified skin texture.

1. Visibly Shrinks Pores.

• It binds itself to a protein molecule found on the pores.
• This action temporarily tightens the skin texture.
• Your pores become smaller and are less visible all throughout the day.

2. Treats Chronic Redness and Irritation.

• It is a very effective anti-inflammatory agent.
• Within minutes, it reduces burning bumps and itching due to shaving.
• It also helps reduce edema on skin caused by irritated cysts.

3. Eliminates Excess Oils.

• It removes excess oils without making your skin dry.
• It eliminates soil, pollutants and cosmetics from your skin.
• You feel fresh, clean and not greasy after using it.

The Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Skin

It has been established that witch hazel is more effective as an exfoliator than apple cider vinegar.

1. Helps to Fight Stubborn Acne-Causing Bacteria

• It is not conducive to acne-causing bacteria as its acidic nature does not allow such bacteria to develop in it.
• Propionibacterium acnes are targeted for preventing acne attacks.
• Helps to dry up active whiteheads and pustules.

2. Maintains the pH Balance of Your Skin

• Facial Cleansers are very alkaline in nature and may end up damaging your skin.
• The ACV will restore your skin to its acidic level as it is naturally meant to be for humans.
• Maintaining your acidic levels will help to preserve your defence mechanism of your skin.

3. Eliminates dark spots and acne scars.

• The malic acid content helps to eliminate dead skin cells from your body.
• Helps in rapid skin cell renewal.
• It regularly helps in reducing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). 

Side Effects and Risks to Keep in Mind

Every natural product isn’t perfect either. Either of these may lead to problems with your skin due to improper usage.

1. Witch Hazel Pitfalls

• Many drugstore brands distill witch hazel with isopropyl alcohol. It may lead to dehydration of facial skin leading towards flaking. Seek out a non-alcoholic alternative.
• Use this product several days per week as it will lead you to produce excessive sebum production due to overproduction of oils on your face.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar Pitfalls

• Applying raw, unadulterated ACV on your face may harm you by damaging your skin’s protective layer. Always mix it with water, usually a 1:3 or 1:4 ratio.
• After some time, Strong Smell Pungent vinegar is still on your body and this is very uncomfortable for most people.

Which One Should You Choose?

Go For Witch Hazel in case of:

• Having sensitive skin that is very much prone to irritation and rashes.
• Need something ready-to-use without requiring any mixing on your part.
• Have small-sized pores and midday shine as your objective.

Go for Apple Cider Vinegar if you have

• Very oily and hard to irritate skin.
• Suffer from frequent breakouts because of skin bacteria.
• to get rid of old dark spots and even out skin texture.

Step-by-Step Clear Skin Routine

1. Cleansing--Gently wash your face using a skin friendly cleanser or Alite Anti-Acne Face Wash for 30 seconds with the use of lukewarm water, and then gently pat dry your face.
2. Skin Toning--Apply a chosen natural toner to a non-rinsed cloth pad. Gradually massage this over me without making physical contact near my eyes.
3. Rest--You must give some time to the toner to air dry for about 60 seconds. 
4. Skin Moisturizer--Finally, moisturize your skin properly with the use of an oil-free and non-comedogenic cream.

Conclusion

Selection in between Witch Hazel vs ACV depends upon whether your skin is suitable for it. The main function of witch hazel is that it calms the irritated skin and decreases the size of pores; hence, it is best suitable for people having sensitive skin or red areas on their skin.

On the other hand, the major function of ACV is to remove bacteria from the skin, hence helping you get rid of the spots and pock marks due to acne as well as fading of melanin spots that have been there for a while. Stay Calm and Start everything with a new approach to have better results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How can you combine witch hazel with apple cider vinegar?

You should not combine witch hazel and ACV directly but apply a certain portion of this mixture on your face first as a patch test.

Q2. Is it necessary to wash the ACV toner off once it is applied?

No, there is no need to wash this off provided that it is sufficiently diluted for you. Leave it to dry completely and use another product on your face before washing it off with cold water after about five minutes in case the smell is overpowering for you.

Q3. What is the frequency of use of natural toners for your skin care regime?

Begin by applying this type of toner one time in a week. If you realize that the skin tolerates the use of such a particular product, you should begin using it everyday, at night time however, as soon as you experience any ill effects, such as flaking of the skin and redness and dryness of the face, you should discontinue usage right away.

Q4. Why is it better to use an Anti-Acne Face Wash before your toner?

It cleanses the greasy/oily layers off those surfaces that cannot be reached by the nozzle of the toner. The formulation without sulfates and abundant in ceramides has been prepared especially for your healthy skin with pre-prepared ingredients that will make your face benefit more from this toner effect.

Q5. Is it possible to use the witch hazel that can be purchased from the drugstore on your skin to treat acne?

Yes, but the important thing here is that it must say 100% alcohol free on the label. Do not use products with a high amount of isopropyl alcohol since it will burn off the acne spots on its own without your help.