Perfect your pores with witch hazel!

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https://s.yimg.com/os/en-US/blogs/partner/rosewh_MED.jpg

As you may have noticed, folks have obsessing over organic and going nuts for natural products for quite some time now. But this goes beyond wheatgrass shots and free-range chicken, people! You've tried countless lotions, serums, cleansers and treatments with tongue-twisting ingredients that even your derm might have to look up. Why not go back to basics with your skincare regimen? Allow me to re-introduce: Witch Hazel!

Apparently Witch Hazel has been used for hundreds and hundreds of years. Although it sounds like something my grandmother would have in her medicine cabinet, I was surprised to learn it's got a hugely devoted and growing following. I was fortunate enough to have my questions answered by the man who's bringin' it back, Bryan Jackowitz, Marketing Director of Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel.

Q
: When did people start using Witch Hazel and for what purposes?
A
: Witch Hazel is truly a part of Americana. The Native Americans were the first to recognize the plant's healing properties and used it as one of their primary cures for colds, sore throats, ulcers and as a topical for abrasions, irritation, rashes and eye care. The secrets of this plant were passed to settlers in the 1600's.

Related: 26 ways to get glossy, gorgeous hair!

Q
: Can you tell us about Dickinson's Witch Hazel and its ingredients?
A
: We have been producing Original Witch Hazel Skin care products since 1866 and have employed green manufacturing techniques for over 150 years, way before it was in vogue to be environmentally friendly. The main ingredients in our products are 100% all natural extracts of the witch hazel plant. The pore perfecting toner contains only 14% natural grain alcohol, which is non-drying and witch hazel that helps rejuvenate your skin. Witch Hazel causes a contraction of surface tissues, resulting in pore minimization that doesn't disturb your skin's natural moisture balance.
Thought bubble: Did I just hear two ingredients? Only two...that I can pronounce?

Q
: Why do you think this, like other "back to basics" products are making a comeback?
A: People have gone through different phases throughout the years, searching for "miracles in a bottle" for their skincare needs. Much of this led to disappointing results, irritation, damage and sensitivity. People are now simplifying and coming around full circle.

See our tips: 27 fast eye fixes!

Q
: Tell us about the "Tone Up Challenge"
A: Trends in healthy lifestyles have inspired our partnership with the Women's Sports Foundation thorugh which we created the Tone Up Challenge. It's a 14 day fitness and beauty regimen. Like overdoing it with skincare products or diet, people do the same with exercise as well. The challenge tones the body, face and mind by providing a basic routine that's easy to commit to.
So it's natural, non-drying and survived generations of discerning women like me and you. And they're challenging you to tone up! Will you give witch hazel a try?

Posted by Pia Bhattacharya

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