The iconic Hibiscus flower is native to warm temperate, subtropical and tropical regions like Hawaii, Fuji, Madagascar and India. They can also be found in large varieties, colours and sizes.
The Hibiscus we use in our Hibiscus Rosehip face and neck cream is imported from Nigeria and is of a pharmaceutical grade for teas and cosmetic preparations. We can also say the same for all our floral and herbal extracts used in Nature Study’s skincare products.
A. Hibiscus flower: www.shipsandports.com.ng
Beauty AND Brains
Not only is the Hibiscus flower beautiful to look at but it has been used for centuries due to its medicinal properties. According to Dr. Rouza (B.H.M.S), “Hibiscus is one of the greatest hydrating and nourishing herbs for the skin.” It is jam-packed with “calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc, along with Vitamin-A, B6, C, E, and K as well.” It also contains “thiamin, antioxidants, BHAs, AHAs, and many more which are considered great for the skin.” (Derma Essentia; December 19, 2022)
Increasing skin cell turnover
Our Hibiscus Rosehip face and neck cream contains 1.5% Hibiscus extract. Hibiscus extract “is a natural source of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs)” and consists of “a good amount of citric acid and malic acid” and therefore resulting in a more acidic final product with a pH level of 3.2. Thus, safely sloughing off dead and damaged skin and revealing new and younger skin. This allows for natural exfoliation of the skin without the use of harsh chemicals that may lead to dealing with unwanted side-effects and recovery time. With the addition of Rosehip oil, Aloe Ferox and Hemi-Squalane, this product can be used regularly with the added benefits of soothing, plumping, moisturizing, healing and protecting the skin. (Derma Essentia; December 19, 2022)
B. Hibiscus Rosehip face and neck cream. Copyright: Nature Study
The Tightening Effect
Due to the high astringent content in Hibiscus, one can literally feel a tightening effect of the skin when applied topically. This holds a great benefit for the skin as it “not only helps in tightening the open pores but also controls the production of sebum.” Hibiscus is also a great source of Vitamin C thus, “naturally increasing the firmness of connective tissue and giving your skin youthful appearance.” (Derma Essentia; 2022 December 19)
Controversial Collagen
Many might be aware of the loss of collagen and the implications it has for our skin as we grow older. How we counteract the loss of collagen might be a bit tricky or even a little controversial, as many argue that taking a collagen supplement or applying it topically is not very useful. So, Hibiscus may be the solution! And I would like to call it the ‘Reversed Approach’.
Instead of trying to replace or supplement with collagen, we will try to reduce the reduction of collagen and it is based on what Dr. Rouza says: “Hibiscus is packed with an antioxidant known as myricetin and this effective compound helps in targeting the enzyme degrading the collagen” and so naturally increasing the production of collagen. (Derma Essentia; 2022 December 19)
Beautiful Inside and Out
Hibiscus contains anthocyanin which gives it its rich bright red or pink colour. Our Hibiscus Rosehip face and neck cream does not contain any artificial pigments and has a natural pinkish colour due to the anthocyanin in Hibiscus. It is also packed with antioxidants which holds a plethora of skin benefits but more importantly studies have previously shown that “anthocyanins constrain some of the reactions causing photoaging and skin diseases.” (PubMedCentral,Biomedicines. 2020 Sep 9)
According to Dr. Rouza “consuming Hibiscus tea can reduce oxidative stress as it acts as a soldier for the army fighting free radicals” and therefore working from the inside out to reduce aging. We are working on releasing a Hibiscus tea in future, so keep an eye out for that.
C. Hibiscus Tea: Anna-r from Getty Images. www.canva.com
Let’s wrap it up…
Hibiscus can be a great addition to your skincare routine to leave your complexion looking radiant and glowing. It can be incorporated in many different ways. Here is a DIY face mask to assist with dry and rough skin. You can make at home with a couple of ingredients:
Hibiscus Face Mask
- Take 3-4 petals of dried hibiscus and grind them to make a powder.
- Take 1 spoon full of Kaolin clay or any clay powder suitable for the face.
- Pour few drops of water to make a thick paste.
- Apply the paste to your face.
- Let it sit for 15-30 minutes.
- Rinse with cold water.
D. Hibiscus Face Mask. www.dishingupbalance.com.
Photo credit: Naturalfitfoodie
Thank you for reading and watch out for a deep dive into our next hero ingredient! :)
Resources used:
- Diaconeasa Z, Știrbu I, Xiao J, Leopold N, Ayvaz Z, Danciu C, Ayvaz H, Stǎnilǎ A, Nistor M, Socaciu C. Anthocyanins, Vibrant Color Pigments, and Their Role in Skin Cancer Prevention. Biomedicines. 2020 Sep 9;8(9):336. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines8090336. PMID: 32916849; PMCID: PMC7555344. Anthocyanins, Vibrant Color Pigments, and Their Role in Skin Cancer Prevention - PMC (nih.gov) Accessed on 16 February 2024.
- Dr. Rouza (B.H.M.S) on December 19, 2022; Top 7 Hibiscus Benefits For Skin And Its Uses. www.dermaessentia.com. Accessed on 16 February 2024.
- Illustrative picture A: Hibiscus flower: Nigeria earns $35m from export in one year. (Photo credit: BusinessDay.) www.shipsandports.com.ng. Retrieved on 16 February 2024.
- Illustrative picture B: Hibiscus Rosehip face and neck cream. Copyright: Nature Study.
- Illustrative picture C: Hibiscus Tea. Anna-r from Getty Images. www.canva.com. Retrieved on 16 February 2024.
- Illustrative picture D: Hibiscus Face Mask. Naturalfitfoodie. www.dishingupbalance.com. Retrieved on 16 February 2024.
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Illustrative E: Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis. www.onenezz.blogspot.com. Retrieved on 16 February 2024.
Click here: Hibiscus Rosehip face and neck cream