Hibiscus is an umbrella term for a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family, Malvaceae. Member species share the presence of large and showy flowers; altogether they are commonly called “hibiscus.”
Hibiscus flowers can be found almost everywhere in day-to-day usages. For instance, they are widely used in landscaping for their showy flowers as well as for attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Hibiscus tea is a popular beverage all of the world and served both hot and cold.
Hibiscus flowers is a common ingredient added into different skincare products for its rich content of different antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
In skincare products, Hibiscus extract is added into creams, cleansing lotions, toners, and serums.
It is primarily added into formulations that specify on evening the skin tone, skin tightening, and skin firming.
Hibiscus flowers are rich in anthocyanosides. These antioxidants help to fight against free radicals that are formed from daily exposure to pollution, dust, and UV rays. These harmful radicals facilitate premature aging, cause dryness, and make the skin look dull. Besides providing an effective protection against free radical damage, anthocyanosides help to even skin tone and reduce the open pores due to their astringent properties. Besides reducing the number of open pores, the natural acids like malic acid found in hibiscus extract help to prevent acne breakouts by unclogging the blocked pores and exfoliating the skin by removing the dead skin cells and debris from the skin. Hibiscus extract has a unique ability to reduce acne without removing the natural oil from the skin.
Vitamin C is another antioxidant which helps to reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
Hibiscus flowers are also rich is Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). AHAs tend to boost collagen production and increase skin’s elasticity. Hibiscus inhibits the activity of elastase, an enzyme that breaks down elastin. In return, hibiscus makes the connective tissues firmer, which effectively reduces wrinkles and fine lines.
Hibiscus acts as a natural moisturizer which leaves the skin soft, nourished, and hydrated. Like majority of plants, hibiscus flowers produce a thick and gluey substance called mucilage that acts as a storage for food and water, thickening membranes, and seed germination. In skincare, mucilage helps to keep skin hydrated for a prolonged period of time.
The active ingredient of hibiscus extract does not have major side effects and is safe to use on daily basis for most skin types. Individuals with sensitive skin may experience slight burning or itching sensations and redness.
