Not only is the hibiscus flower beautiful to look at with its rosy red colour, it also is a great idea to use it in cosmetic products and for skin care as its skin friendly benefits unlock when applied to skin. Hibiscus herbal tea is gaining popularity in recent times due to its various health benefits and use for medicinal purposes.

1. Anti-ageing role of hibiscus - Hibiscus flower petals possess strong properties for giving a radiant and glowing skin. It is a potent anti-ageing flower because it possesses certain components that increase the skin’s elasticity and give it a youthful appeal. This happens because hibiscus flower inhibits the activity of the enzyme elastase. Elastase is responsible for causing skin ageing by breaking down of the skin’s elastin, a precious component that is responsible for firming and lifting up the skin.

 

2. Fights with hyperpigmentation - One of the notable signs of skin ageing is the appearance of age spots or hyperpigmentation. Various factors are responsible for causing this uneven skin tone. You can blame it on genetics or excessive melanin production in the skin. But one of the main reasons behind this is also over exposure to the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. Hibiscus flower petals contain certain organic acids such as citric acid and malic acid which possess exfoliating properties which repairs the skin cells and causes an even tone skin.

 

3. Anti-inflammatory effect - This edible flower is a great source of antioxidants namely anthocyanocides. Various environmental pollutants such as exposure to harmful UV rays of the sun or smoke cause the release of free radicals which have skin damaging effect and cause premature skin ageing. But these free radicals are scavenged with the help of antioxidants, their rich source being hibiscus flower petals. The anthocyanocides present in this flower also have astringent properties and thus help to reduce the appearance of large pores and giving a smoother complexion. Those with sensitive skin are also benefitted by its use as it reduces the skin inflammation as it has a potent anti-inflammatory effect.

 

4. Brighten and lighten the skin tone - The mild organic acids present in hibiscus flower petals, unlike harsh acids present in cosmetic products which damage the skin’s natural oils, provide a younger looking skin with a smoother complexion. They help to break down the dead skin cells and purify the skin, leading to controlling acne breakouts.

 

5. Hydrates the skin - The hibiscus flower has a high mucilage content. This sticky substance is an excellent skin moisturiser especially for those with sensitive skin. More the skin is hydrated, more it gives a youthful appearance.

 

6. Using hibiscus flower for a youthful skin - Make a hibiscus face pack for its anti-ageing effect. Take a bowl and add 2-3 tbsp hibiscus flower powder to it. Then add 2-3 tbsp besan, 1 tbsp yoghurt, 1 tbsp honey and 1 tbsp aloe vera gel. Mix all these ingredients in the consistency of face pack with rose water. Apply it on the face for 15-20 minutes and wash with warm water. Try applying it twice a week. This will give you results with a younger looking glowing skin as it works as a natural botox.

 

Rather than using cosmetic artificial products, try being as close to nature as possible when it comes to skin. Use this flower for maximum benefits for the skin due to its richness of skin friendly antioxidants and phytochemicals.