Nature’s ‘Botox’ Flower – Hibiscus Sabdariffa

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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 Studyโ€™s skincare products.

Hero ingredient: Hibiscus for the skin

Beauty AND Brains

Or so to speak. 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), โ€œHibiscus is one of the greatest hydrating and nourishing herbs for the skin.โ€ It is jam-packed with โ€œcalcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc, along with Vitamin-A, B6, C, E, and K as well.โ€ It also contains โ€œthiamin, antioxidants, BHAs, AHAs, and many more which are considered great for the skin.โ€ (Derma Essentia; December 19, 2022)

Increasing skin cell turnover

Our Hibiscus Rosehip face and neck cream contains 1.5% Hibiscus extract. Hibiscus extract โ€œis a natural source of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs)โ€ and consists of โ€œa good amount of citric acid and malic acidโ€ 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)

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 โ€œnot only helps in tightening the open pores but also controls the production of sebum.โ€ Hibiscus is also a great source of Vitamin C thus, โ€œnaturally increasing the firmness of connective tissue and giving your skin youthful appearance.โ€ (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 โ€˜Reversed Approachโ€™.
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: โ€œHibiscus is packed with an antioxidant known as myricetin and this effective compound helps in targeting the enzyme degrading the collagenโ€ 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 โ€œanthocyanins constrain some of the reactions causing photoaging and skin diseases.โ€ (PubMedCentral,Biomedicines. 2020 Sep 9)

Hibiscus can be a great addition to your skincare routine to leave your complexion looking healthy and glowing

Resources
  1. Diaconeasa Z, ศ˜tirbu I, Xiao J, Leopold N, Ayvaz Z, Danciu C, Ayvaz H, StวŽnilวŽ 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.
  2. 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.


Hibiscus range