Why You May Want To Make The Switch To A Witch Hazel Toner In The Summer

Raise your hand if you've ever belonged to the Summer Skin Problems Club. Sure, warm weather allows for more healthy activities, like outdoor exercise and going on a mind-clearing vacation, but it can also wreak havoc on your skin. Sunburns, humidity-related acne, and heat rashes are just some examples of summertime skin issues.

It makes sense, then, to switch up your skincare routine in the summer to accommodate the hot and humid conditions. "A solid routine should be applicable to all seasons and all climates," Omer Ibrahim, a board-certified dermatologist and co-director of clinical research at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, shared with Allure. "With that said, there are a couple of changes one might consider when transitioning from winter to summer."

One swap worth considering: replacing your current toner with a witch hazel formula. The plant-derived ingredient packs a mighty punch for overworked skin, especially during the warm-weather months.

Toss your current toner aside — witch hazel toner might just do more for your skin than whatever's currently sitting on your shelf. Witch hazel boasts powerful anti-inflammatory properties, according to Medical News Today, making it ideal for soothing angry, irritated skin. That's obviously a win no matter the season, but the ingredient is especially useful during summer. If you're dealing with summertime acne thanks to an increase in oil and sweat production, witch hazel toner can keep blemishes at bay. 

"Witch hazel is an ideal acne-fighting ingredient because of the multifactorial approach: decreasing oil, bacteria, and inflammation," Rachel Nazarian, a dermatologist at the Schweiger Dermatology Group and Mount Sinai Department of Dermatology in New York, explained to Harper's Bazaar. Besides pimples, witch hazel can work wonders on summertime bug bites, sunburns, and rashes.

A witch hazel toner can also be used as an antidote to sweat, according to Healthline. Because witch hazel is naturally astringent — meaning it causes pores to contract — it might have a similar effect on sweat glands. A swipe of toner may be all you need to stop that dreaded sweat mustache in its tracks.

Before rubbing witch hazel toner all over your face, it's crucial to make sure you have the right kind for your skin type. To avoid irritation, Rachel Roff, an esthetician and the founder and CEO of Urban Skin Rx, told Women's Health that it's best to stick with alcohol-free or low-alcohol versions, and people with sensitive skin should look for a toner that contains rose water or aloe. If your skin is oily or acne-prone, try formulas with blemish-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid.

Once you have a witch hazel toner suitable for your skin, start working it into your routine. "I would recommend applying this step post-cleansing, before any topical medications or serums, then moisturizers, SPF, and makeup," Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist, explained to MindBodyGreen. Notice how your skin reacts: If your complexion becomes dry or sensitive, try applying the toner every few days, rather than daily. Now, your summer woes can come to a peaceful end.