Benefits of Hibiscus For Your Skin
The Wonderful Properties of Hibiscus For Your Skin
Finding a great skincare ingredient is always exciting! Usually, when I start hearing about a “magic” one, I take it with skepticism and do a lot of research before jumping on it. When I first heard about the benefits of hibiscus, I wanted to understand why people were calling it “the natural botox plant”. Fast forward about 18 months and we were definitely using hibiscus in our formulations!
Yes, there is a reason for the hype! While I wouldn’t call it “botox” (the effects of botox are very different from those of hibiscus), I understand why people compare it to one of the most sought-after skincare treatments. Simply put, hibiscus has the ability to keep your skin healthy and beautiful while also repairing any damages that might be aging it.
Let me explain in more detail why it is so good for you, and once you finish reading this article, I’m sure that you will want to incorporate it in your skincare routine too!
It Boosts Your Natural Collagen Production
Hibiscus sabdariffa is rich in vitamin C; this means that when you apply it to your skin, it encourages your body to produce more collagen in a natural way. It also protects your skin from free radical damage, which helps keep your skin firm, strong and young.
It Prevents Elastin Breakdown
Elastin is responsible for keeping your skin firm and tight. As we age, elastin breaks down and leads to loose and saggy skin.
Hibiscus has the ability to prevent this breakdown by inhibiting the enzyme that damages elastin; this is why many people call it “the natural Botox plant”. It actively combats the ageing process by firming and lifting your skin.
Natural Exfoliator
Hibiscus is a source of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), which remove dead skin cells and encourage the production of new cells. This means that it is great for enzymatic exfoliation (i.e., it dissolves the lifeless cells that sit on top of your skin without causing flaking or peeling). Keeping your skin exfoliated ensures fresh and smooth-looking skin.
Also, due to this exfoliating effect, it helps to speed up cell turnover, resulting in the reduction of hyperpigmentation and a more even-looking skin.
Natural Skin Moisturizer
Hibiscus has a high content of mucilage, a sticky substance produced by plants that help them retain water. Mucilage makes a fantastic natural skin moisturizer that is gentle on sensitive skin.
By enhancing the skin’s ability to retain moisture, it helps the skin stay hydrated, soft and supple, which is a key factor in retaining a youthful complexion.
With powerhouse natural ingredients like hibiscus that make your skin more supple, hydrated, and youthful, why would you ever need to use harsh chemicals?