A basic routine consists of cleansing, moisturizing and sun protection; witch hazel is not a required step. Witch hazel is an extra, not an entrance requirement for a skincare routine. Adding several products can increase irritation, so give a toner a specific purpose rather than adding it just to fill a gap between bottles.1

How do you use witch hazel for skincare?

  1. 1Cleanse first. Use a gentle cleanser without alcohol, lukewarm water and your fingertips. Avoid scrubbing, then rinse and gently pat dry with a soft towel.
  2. 2Apply your witch hazel toner. Read the bottle's directions for the amount and frequency rather than treating every witch hazel product as interchangeable.
  3. 3Apply moisturizer. Moisturizer traps water in the skin and works best on damp skin. Oily skin still needs moisturizer.
  4. 4Include sun protection in your daytime routine. Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, apply it to exposed skin, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
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Should you use witch hazel morning or night?

The standard cleansing schedule is once in the morning, once at night and after heavy sweating. That is a face washing schedule, not a reason to apply witch hazel every time you wash. Keep witch hazel optional and use your product's directions to decide its frequency.13

What if you cannot wash your face?

During prolonged mask wear, a simple witch hazel toner can help freshen skin when washing is not possible. Allow your skin and any beard to dry fully before putting the mask back on. This is a practical use during mask wear, not a replacement for regular cleansing. A toner does not take over the cleanser's job just because both bottles live by the sink.23

What if your skin is sensitive?

Sensitive skin can sting or burn after product use. If the toner causes either symptom, leave it out rather than making it a compulsory step. Choose products suited to your skin type, and avoid adding several new products to an already crowded routine. If you are unsure about your skin type or have concerns about caring for your skin, see a dermatologist.13

Where this answer comes from

  1. 1Skin care on a budgetaad.org
  2. 2The Struggle with Maskne is Very Realhealth.clevelandclinic.org
  3. 3Face washing 101aad.org