If you’ve ever read the ingredient labels to some natural skin care products, you’ve probably noticed that hibiscus is included in many of them. Hibiscus is one of the many natural ingredients that cosmetic companies include in their products for its skincare benefits.
Hibiscus isn’t just a beautiful flower with large colorful petals. The flowering parts and leaves of this delicate hibiscus plant can be used in a variety of ways for its numerous health benefits.
Let’s take a more in-depth look at the impressive hibiscus plant.
What Is Hibiscus and What Are Its Benefits
The hibiscus is a plant known for its large, colorful, exotic flowers. This beautiful plant is considered to be native to Fiji and Hawaii. There are many known hibiscus species scattered today around the globe.
A few of these varieties include Blush, Luna Pink Swirl, Passion, and Cranberry Crush. With names like these, you can envision their beauty without even setting eyes on them.
Hibiscus’s use in medicine can be traced back to ancient Egypt, when it was used to treat heart disorders and lower blood pressure and fever. Many of these medicinal uses of hibiscus are utilized today. However, their claims remain unsupported by scientific research.
This flowering plant has been grown and consumed as tea since the times of the Pharaoh. It is served now for the minerals and antioxidants it provides.
Hibiscus is known today, in the 21st century, for its antioxidant properties, and it is used to make many natural health medicines and teas. It is also a common ingredient in some skincare and body care products.
Hibiscus has been known to be used to treat high blood pressure and high cholesterol, although no scientific evidence displays proof of the effectiveness of these treatments.
Hibiscus is also known for its many benefits in skincare because of the gentle exfoliating acids it contains. It has many other amazing skin benefits also. Also, it’s just a really, really pretty plant.
Antioxidants as a Natural “Botox”
Hibiscus is known to be rich in antioxidants (anthocyanosides). Antioxidants fight free radicals in the skin caused by environmental toxins, pollution, smoke, and the sun’s UV rays. Free radicals can cause premature aging, fine lines, and wrinkles. This makes hibiscus a great candidate for a skincare ingredient.
The antioxidants present in the hibiscus slow down the degeneration of elastin in the skin. This skin elasticity can be maintained through the acceleration of collagen production due to the high levels of vitamin C that the hibiscus contains.
Hibiscus is known and well documented for its skin-firming potency and natural “Botox” capabilities. Elasticity is important for providing your skin with its taut, elastic texture. With the loss of elastin comes fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging. Hibiscus can aid in the prevention of the signs of aging due to its high levels of vitamin C and antioxidants.
Exfoliating Effects
Hibiscus is also known for its exfoliating effects. The organic acids (AHA) found in this plant are much more gentle on the skin than standard harsh chemicals used in some chemical peels and other skincare products.
These gentle acids work to slough off dull, dead skin cells, helping reveal a smooth, more even skin texture. This exfoliation also helps fade age spots and hyperpigmentation. Age spots and hyperpigmentation can be caused by the sun’s UV and UVB rays, genetics, and excess melanin.
The natural acids (citric and malic acid) in the hibiscus plant work to purify the skin, acting as an astringent. It encourages cellular turnover and breaks down old skin cells, revealing a younger, glowing complexion. Talk about superpowers.
Cleanses the Pores
Due to the level of surfactant properties in the hibiscus, it is great for cleansing the pores, leaving your skin looking and feeling fresh. It is able to clean the skin’s pores without ridding it of natural oils.
Hydrating Benefits
Hibiscus is high in a sticky mucinous substance produced by the plant that helps with the storage of food and water. This substance is excellent for hydrating the skin because it helps the skin to retain moisture. The high hydration properties of the hibiscus help the skin to maintain its moisture and balance.
Collagen Production
Hibiscus encourages collagen production because it contains vitamin C. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is necessary for collagen production. The benefits of vitamin C can be found by using hibiscus both topically and internally. That is one of the reasons why hibiscus tea is so popular (not to mention delicious).
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
We have already discussed how hibiscus is high in antioxidants and vitamin C, but did you know that it is also high in beta-carotene? These benefits come together to reduce oxidative stress, which, in turn, reduces inflammation.
Inflammation is the body’s response to damage. Antioxidants work to neutralize free radicals, thus protecting the cells and skin. Hibiscus fights free-radical activity and the accompanying inflammation.
Skincare Containing Hibiscus
There are many skincare, haircare, and body care products available today containing hibiscus. Everything from body lotion, body wash, cosmetics, and drinkable teas contain the magic of hibiscus.
When reading product labels, hibiscus may be labeled as hibiscus sabdariffa extract, hibiscus sabdariffa flower, or roselle extract. There are many other names by which hibiscus may be labeled.
Spongellé body care products contain hibiscus to aid in healthy beauty benefits. The eco-friendly body wash infused buffer contains proprietary formulas with natural skin softening ingredients. These provide a luxurious cleanse every time you use them, thanks partly to hibiscus.
Hibiscus vs. the Alternatives
Hibiscus and its exfoliating benefits are a great alternative to chemical peels. Chemical peels contain harsh formulations that can damage the outer layer of the skin. Some people develop rashes and skin irritations from these chemicals.
Hibiscus is gentle and natural, thus providing benefits without common dangerous side effects.
Health Benefits of Hibiscus
Aside from packing a powerful punch on the skin care aisle, hibiscus also provides many health benefits in the form of tea and supplements.
Some of these internal health benefits include:
- Could promote weight loss- More research is needed, but some studies have shown a reduction in body weight and body fat in both humans and mice.
- May help lower cholesterol- Hibiscus contains many of the same antioxidant compounds as red wine, including flavonoids. Research shows that these compounds prevent the oxidation of LDL (“bad” cholesterol).
- May help lower blood sugar- Hibiscus may help people with Type 2 diabetes better control their blood glucose levels, although more research is needed. Always consult your physician or family doctor before beginning any new diet or healthcare protocol.
- Boosts the immune system- Hibiscus contains high levels of vitamin C along with antibacterial properties. These help to boost your immune system and fight illness.
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Aids in digestion- Hibiscus is a natural diuretic that pulls sodium from the body while keeping you hydrated. It also helps keep your kidneys flushed. Some animal studies have shown that hibiscus helped keep calcium crystals from forming into stones—kidney stones, that is.
Bold and Beautiful
Hibiscus has many positive health and skincare benefits, including possible weight loss, lower blood sugar levels, and smoother skin.
Spongellé body care products contain hibiscus for a natural spa experience at home. Each body buffer is infused with a formulation of skin-softening ingredients such as hibiscus, rosehip, and green tea.
The Spongology Shower With Nature Collection is eco-friendly and sustainable. Our fans who appreciate nature at its finest can enjoy each infused body buffer with a clear mind, body, and soul.
One of our most popular scents, the Rose Body Buffer, is infused with an essential oil fragrance blend of extracts from rosehip, hibiscus, and other essential elements.
Indulge your mind and body with Spongellé while enjoying all of the health benefits of hibiscus in selected products. Treat yourself to the foamy, luxurious lather of Spongellé.
Sources:
Ancient Egyptian hibiscus still served | EgyptToday
