Who Knew Hibiscus Flowers Reduce Wrinkles??

Current Claims about Hibiscus Benefits for Skin

While researching recipes and ingredients for my sugar scrubs, I came across quite a few claims about hibiscus:

1) The ‘Botox Plant’

One of the most powerful anti-ageing plant actives; it’s no wonder Hibiscus is called the ‘Botox plant’. Hibiscus has a magical reputation for increasing skin elasticity to give a stunning natural youth-boost. With the incredible ability to inhibit the activity of the enzyme elastase, which is responsible for breaking down our skin’s precious elastin, Hibiscus actively combats the ageing process by firming and lifting your skin.

2) Evens skin tone

One of the visible signs of skin ageing is the appearance of hyperpigmentation or age spots. Age spots can occur due to a number of different variables, including ultraviolet radiation exposure, excess melanin production and genetics. Due to the slightly exfoliating effect of the organic acids found in the plant, including citric acid and malic acid, Hibiscus helps to speed up cell turnover, resulting in a more even looking skin tone.

3) Rich in antioxidants

Hibiscus is rich in antioxidants, called anthocyanocides. Antioxidants are proven to help fight skin damaging free radicals which spawn when pollutants such as ultraviolet radiation and traffic pollution make contact with the skin, and can result in premature skin ageing. Not only do anthocyanocides protect against free radical damage, they also have slightly astringent properties, helping to reduce the appearance of large pores for a smoother complexion. They also have an anti-inflammatory effect and can help to soothe inflamed skin, making Hibiscus suitable for those prone to very sensitive skin.

4) Purify your complexion

As mentioned previously, Hibiscus contains gentle acids that have a slight exfoliating effect on the skin. Not only does this help with age spots, this Hibiscus benefit can encourage an all round fresher, younger, smoother looking complexion. The natural acids present in Hibiscus help to purify your skin by breaking down dead skin and increasing cell turnover, they can even help to control acne breakouts. Unlike harsh synthetic forms of these acids which can strip your skin of its natural oils, the organic acids from Hibiscus bring your skin back in balance for a naturally gorgeous, glowing complexion.

5) Intense moisture boost

Lastly, Hibiscus has a naturally high mucilage content, a sticky substance produced by plants that help with the storage of water and food. Mucilage makes a fantastic natural skin moisturiser that is gentle on sensitive skin. This high mucilage content of Hibiscus enhances the skin’s ability to retain moisture, which is a key factor in retaining a youthful complexion. The naturally moisture rich qualities of Hibiscus helps skin stay hydrated, soft and supple for longer, keeping dry, dull skin at bay.

That sounds really good! But she doesn't say where she got her information, and if I am going to claim something myself I want to be sure its true.

Another website echoed the same claims:

Hibiscus is believed to be very good for the skin too; it can treat acne, suntan and dark circles. Hibiscus can also be beneficial for improving your skin complexion, tightening the skin and for preventing wrinkles.

Hibiscus plant is surprisingly known as a botox plant because it has the powerful natural botox type effect. The reason being that the plant has a firming agent in it, which is not only a calming experience for the skin, but also smooths the wrinkles which gives the person a healthy and youthful glamorous skin. The beauty industry has borrowed much from nature and much like so many other herbs, hibiscus is used to slough off the dead skin cells so as to brighten, freshen, clarify and plump your facial complexion.

These are just two of many examples of the claims that hibiscus is a "Botox Plant". But in all my reading, I found very few reliable sources for these claims.

But is this true?

According to wiki: "Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is considered to have a number of medical uses in Chinese herbology.[13] It may have some potential in cosmetic skin care; for example, an extract from the flowers of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis has been shown to function as an anti-solar agent by absorbing ultraviolet radiation.[14]"

I followed the source for [13] and learned that hibiscus can relieve pain and soothe, lubricate and soften irritated tissues.

I kept researching, and according to WebMD "The flowers are used to make medicine."

So that was helpful. Hah!

Hibiscus Use in History

According to this research article, the indigenous Nahuatl of northern Veracruz gather and use hibiscus regularly and cultivate it in their home gardens. I have to assume that they go to the effort of cultivating and gathering it because it is beneficial to them. Here locally, I have often heard that Hibiscus Tea and Agua de Jamaica (a cold drink made from hibiscus) are both very good for you.

An ancient shipwreck, sunk over 2000 years ago holds an interesting clue: perfectly preserved medicinal tablets made from herbs, animal and vegetable fats and clay. Researchers were able to identify those herbs by DNA analysis. Hibiscus was one of those herbs. When ancient texts were referenced for the uses of these herbs, the researchers deduced that these tablets were for treating tummy aches. Read the article, its quite interesting!

According to this article, Ayurveda teaches that Hibiscus is useful for the following issues:

Good for Alopecia
Remedy for Anaemia
Enhance Memory Power
Swelling and Inflammation

In Conclusion

So, having grown bored of doing research, I have come to the conclusion that Hibiscus flowers have a long and respectable history in ancient and indigenous medical traditions. Having been in use for literally thousands of years all over the world, Hibiscus maintains a strong reputation for providing healing benefits to the skin, even so far as reducing wrinkles. Unfortunately no scientific studies exist to back up any claims anyone may make.

So, I shall rely on user testimonials of my product and let the results speak for themselves!

*p.s. I'm still calling it the "Botox Plant" and i will gladly pass along any gossip that it reduces wrinkles, but I promise to include disclaimers on everything!

*p.p.s. Feel intrigued? Would you like to try the healing properties of Hibiscus for yourself? Well, good news! We sell an all natural sugar scrub made with honey, dried hibiscus flowers and three moisturizing oils that just might reduce your wrinkles! Check it out!