In Praise of Witch Hazel

You may not have given it a thought since you last saw it in your grandmother’s medicine cabinet.  Witch hazel

is a wonder substance and any wet shaver should give it serious consideration as one of the weapons in his shaving arsenal.

A North American plant, the witch hazel shrub was used for its medicinal purposes by Native Americans long before European settlers graced the shores.

The liquid, extracted from the plant either by distillation or pressing, is wonderful for the skin. Used after shaving, it tones, mildly disinfects, and soothes any burn you might have suffered. It’s also an astringent meaning it closes the pores so it’s great for shavers who suffer from acne.

Many wet shavers use it as their only after shave, others splash some on as a base before applying after shave and/or balm.

The cheap stuff you can get at the drugstore is OK, though it’s long on water and alcohol and short on witch hazel itself.

Thayers Original Witch Hazel Toner with Aloe, a true friend to your skin.

I prefer Thayers brand myself; it’s all natural and can be found in a variety of different styles. Though I prefer the unscented/non-alcohol type, lots of wet shavers like their Witch Hazel Aftershave that does contain enough alcohol to give them that cooling, stinging rush.

They also make it in a variety of scents including a wet shaving classic from the olde English days, lavender. You can pick this up in health food stores or any large supermarket’s ‘organic’ or ‘natural’ section. Whole Foods carries several varieties.

Even if you never plan to wet shave, pick up some good witch hazel to freshen and tone your skin and help heal minor cuts and scrapes. You’ll see that Grandma had good reason to keep it in her cabinet.

Bay Lime Shaving Cream