Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Oil Controlling Towelettes

Continuing with the theme of "things I got for free from Influenster," today I want to talk about witch hazel, or more specifically Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Oil Controlling Towelettes. First of all what is witch hazel? Was there a witch? Was her name Hazel?


According to wikipedia: Witch-hazel (Hamamelis, pron.: /ˌhæməˈmiːlɪs/)[1] is a genus of flowering plants in the family Hamamelidaceae, with three species in North America (H. ovalis,[2] H. virginiana and H. vernalis), and one each in Japan (H. japonica) and China(H. mollis). The North American species are occasionally called winterbloom.



Etymology


The name Witch in witch-hazel has its origins in Middle English wiche, from the Old English wice, meaning "pliant" or "bendable".[6] "Witch hazel" was used in England as a synonym for Wych Elm, Ulmus glabra;[7] American colonists simply extended the familiar name to the new shrub.[citation needed] The use of the twigs as divining rods, just as hazel twigs were used in England, may also have, by folk etymology, influenced the "witch" part of the name.




Medicinal uses


Main article: Witch hazel (astringent)


The leaves and bark of the North American Witch-hazel Hamamelis virginiana may be used to produce an astringent,[9] also referred to as witch hazel, and is used medicinally. This plant extract was widely used for medicinal purposes by American Indians and is a component of a variety of commercial healthcare products.[9]


It's mainly used externally on sores, bruises, and swelling. Witch hazel hydrosol is used in skin care. It is a strong anti-oxidant and astringent, which makes it very useful in fighting acne.[9] It is often used as a natural remedy for psoriasis, eczema, aftershave applications, ingrown nails, to prevent sweating of the face, cracked or blistered skin, for treating insect bites, poison ivy, and as a treatment for varicose veins and hemorrhoids.[10] It is found in numerous over-the-counter hemorrhoid preparations.[11] It is recommended to women to reduce swelling and soothe wounds resulting from childbirth.[12]






So there you go. There was not a witch named Hazel but there were several mentions of hemorrhoids. I am slightly disappointed.






Growing up I was lucky, I never had any problems with my skin. Then I got pregnant and my face tried to mutiny and I got acne and eczema that appeared to be fighting each other for the title of most severe. After the baby was born the situation only got slightly better. Finally I got extremely desperate and took a friends advice to try the Oil Cleansing Method (basically washing with oil. Sounds weird, is awesome.) It was a life saver and now I am down to only really needing to cleanse once a week or so. The downside of the OCM is that it takes a time commitment and sometimes I want to wash and go. Anytime I have tried commercial cleansers my issues have returned.






Dickinson's professes to be the leading name in witch hazel and features a variety of witch hazel based products. The product I received to try was that oil controlling towelettes.

I was on my way out of the house and feeling a bit oily when I noticed the box sitting on my desk and decided to give it a go.

My "before" picture

nice small package

the towelette was much bigger than I expected

Also smellier

And softer

"after"


And then I ran out the door and went to the movies. I didn't really think about it again until later that night which is a good thing. I didn't feel oily or dry or smelly and my skin stayed soft without a break out.


Final Verdict: I HIGHLY recommend this product for a quick rinse on the go!