6 Amazing Skincare Benefits Of Hibiscus

Hibiscus flowers immediately evoke images of billowing, colorful petals blowing in the breeze in a tropical paradise. Those gorgeous flowers aren’t just eye candy – they’re loaded with beneficial nutrients that your skin absolutely loves! Think of hibiscus as a super flower bursting with beauty benefits, ready to keep you positively glowing. So what can hibiscus actually do as part of your skincare routine? Here are six amazing benefits of hibiscus that may surprise you!

Is hibiscus really called “natural botox?”

Let’s get the rumors out of the way about hibiscus before diving into its many benefits. You may have heard the buzz about hibiscus and its nickname, “natural botox.” The truth is hibiscus is loaded with beneficial nutrients. Vitamins, minerals, anthocyanins, fatty acids, pigments, antioxidants, and so much more. Many of these nutrients are ideal for improving skin and hair.

So why is it called “natural botox?” Studies show hibiscus can inhibit elastase activity. Elastase is an enzyme that breaks down elastin, the key protein that helps your skin bounce back to where it was after stretching or moving. When your skin doesn’t have enough elastin, it may sag or move over time. That’s where hibiscus gets its infamous nickname from! However, with all of the benefits hibiscus actually contains, we think it is even BETTER!

Hibiscus contains Vitamin C

Collagen is a protein made up of amino acids and is key to maintaining smooth and youthful skin. Unfortunately, collagen production declines rapidly with age – most people lose collagen at a rate of 1% per year by age 30! And by the time you reach your mid-50s, collagen levels will have likely declined significantly. Yikes! This is only one reason it is so important to promote collagen production with healthy lifestyle habits, healthy foods, and natural skincare like our Hibiscus Infused Vitamin C Serum. Luckily, hibiscus is a source of Vitamin C, which promotes collagen production! The alpha-hydroxy acids in the hibiscus also support this process.

Hibiscus is a source of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs)

Hibiscus is loaded with alpha-hydroxy acids or AHAs. AHAs are usually used to exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells to reveal a fresh layer of smooth and radiant skin. This is really important with age because your natural skin cycle tends to slow down. This may lead to dry skin and more dead cells accumulating on the surface of your skin, contributing to dullness or a gray appearance. AHAs break down this accumulation.

Another perk of AHAs is that they help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by improving skin texture. AHAs also help minimize hyperpigmentation and discoloration, such as dark spots from sun exposure or stretch marks. This is because AHAs promote cell turnover.

And if all of that wasn’t enough, alpha-hydroxy acids help other products absorb better. When your pores are open and clear to receive other products, your skin treatments and lotions work better!

Hibiscus helps reduce acne

The exfoliating properties and natural acids in the hibiscus are ideal for unclogging blocked pores and removing dirt and debris. This process keeps pores clean, which helps fight acne. These acids are also more gentle than synthetic acids and will not strip your skin of the oil it needs for balance.

Hibiscus has skin-cleansing benefits

Hibiscus is rich in saponin, a phytonutrient that has a foamy quality when it mingles with water. This makes it an excellent natural cleanser that not only cleans the skin deeply and gently but exfoliates at the same time.

Hibiscus is a natural moisturizer

It might be surprising that with its exfoliating and cleansing properties that hibiscus can actually help your skin stay hydrated. However, hibiscus contains mucilage – a sticky substance that helps plants store water and food. Mucilage is highly moisturizing and soothing for the skin and very gentle, making it suitable for sensitive skin. It also helps your skin retain moisture for a longer period of time.  Awaken and moisturize your under-eyes with our Renew Eye Cream.

Hibiscus is a source of antioxidants

The antioxidants present in hibiscus help fight free radicals from food and your environment. These free radicals cause skin damage. For example, free radicals can accelerate fine lines and wrinkles, cause uneven skin tone, and increase pigmentation and dark spots. The antioxidants in hibiscus may also improve elasticity. A study published in March 2021 supports the antioxidant benefits of hibiscus, citing that both the leaves and flowers in the hibiscus plant are beneficial in skin care applications, stating that the plant is actually underused!

More hibiscus bliss

Your skin is your largest organ – and if you want to drench it in hibiscus bliss, it’s your lucky day! Teami Smooth Exfoliating Body Polish is an all-natural botanical body scrub that helps your entire body achieve a natural glow. Organic hibiscus flower is one of the star ingredients, helping brighten skin and smooth texture.

This isn’t a “body scrub” though – a body polish is like a facial for all of the skin on your body! It helps smooth out stretch marks, remove ingrown hairs, reduce the appearance of sun damage, exfoliate dry skin, and totally rejuvenates tired and dull skin.

All you have to do is hop in the shower and gently massage Teami Smooth over your skin to reveal a smoother, fresher, and more radiant surface underneath!

Want more skincare tips? Check out the Teami blog for the scoop on the best natural skincare ingredients!