Hibiscus, also sometimes known as swamp rose, is a bright, tropical flower beloved both by gardeners, tea lovers, and naturopaths. It looks great, it smells great, and it tastes great.
The hibiscus flower has long been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine because of its many potential healing properties. Hibiscus flower has historically been used in teas and syrups, both because it tastes delicious and is a good source of antioxidants.
Hibiscus is becoming more popular in skincare products because there are many potential hibiscus benefits for the skin. Below is a look at a few of these.
Hibiscus Benefits for Skin
Those who love to use skincare products with hibiscus due so for its potential to naturally tone, hydrate, and firm skin. In fact, in skincare circles, the hibiscus flower is sometimes referred to as “the Botox plant.”
One reason for this? Hibiscus flowers are a natural source of AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids,) which are well known for their ability to exfoliate the skin, rejuvenate skin cells faster, control breakouts, and improve skin elasticity.
You’ve probably seen synthetic AHAs listed on the ingredients list of some of the most popular skincare products, but there’s a downside to going synthetic. Synthetic AHAs can make your skin more vulnerable to sun damage, for example. But natural sources of AHAs, like hibiscus, don’t have this downside. In fact, hibiscus may even help reverse the effects of ultraviolet damage to the skin.
More Hibiscus Benefits for Skin
Further supporting the use of hibiscus flower in skincare, some preliminary studies done by the National Institutes of Health have found that wounds treated with hibiscus flower extract healed much faster than those that were not, and that hibiscus extract “increased cellular proliferation and collagen synthesis at the wound site.”
There are a lot of ways to incorporate hibiscus into your skincare routine. Not only through skincare products, but also through supplements containing hibiscus.
For some great hibiscus skincare and supplement products, check out the following from Seventh Generation, Amazing Grass, Reserveage Nutrition, and Andalou Naturals.
Seventh Generation – Natural Hand Wash in Hibiscus & Cardamom
Natural Hand Wash from Seventh Generation is a plant-based hand wash that comes in several natural scent options, including hibiscus and cardamom. Hibiscus and Cardamom Scent Natural Hand Wash is a gentle, plant-based soap that washes away bacteria and smells great, scented only with essential oils and botanical extracts.
Seventh Generation Natural Hand Wash also comes in Black Currant & Cardamom, Lemon & Tea Tree, Mandarin & Grapefruit, and fragrance-free options.
Amazing Grass – Amazing Protein Glow
Amazing Protein Glow from Amazing Grass is a whole food dietary supplement, crafted with organic plant-based proteins, antioxidant-rich superfoods, and alkalizing greens to support healthy, nourished skin and full body radiance. And there’s even better news for hibiscus fans as it now comes in Wild Berry Hibiscus flavor, in addition to Chocolate Rose, Vanilla Honeysuckle, and Unflavored.
Reserveage Nutrition – Collagen Replenish Strawberry Hibiscus
Collagen Replenish Powder from Reserveage Nutrition is a nutritional supplement that supports smooth skin, increased collagen production, smoothness of women’s thighs, and enhanced nail growth, and reduction of broken nails. It contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to help support smooth and supple skin. With options for chai pear and strawberry hibiscus flavors, it also tastes great.
Andalou Naturals – 1000 Roses Daily Shade Facial Lotion with SPF18, Sensitive Formula
1000 Roses Daily Shade Facial Lotion with SPF18 Sensitive Formula from Andalou Naturals is an ideal paraben-free lotion for sensitive skin. It uses rose and fruit stem cells, including Hibiscus sabdariffa flower extract, to boost cell vitality, improve resilience, and counteract skin aging signs. It’s also a hydrating, lightweight formula that can be worn alone or under makeup.
What are your favorite hibiscus benefits for skin, health, and cooking?