When most people think of hibiscus, thoughts of colorful flowers probably come to mind.
Needless to say, hibiscus might very well beyour new favorite skin care ingredient.
Here’s why:
It supports your body’s natural collagen production.
Fromcollagen powdersto pre-mixed drinks, there are countless ways to increase your collagen intake.
But thanks to thevitamin C in hibiscus1, you’re free to alsohelp your body makecollagen naturally.
Specifically, certain enzymes depend on vitamin C toproperly stabilize and cross-link collagen molecules2.
The nutrient also supports collagen gene expression, which prompts collagen synthesis.
It may help slow down collagen degradation.
So, increasingcollagen synthesisis one thing.
But what about reducing collagen breakdown?
According to recent lab studies, hibiscus could lend a hand.
Hibiscus ishigh in an antioxidant called myricetin.
This compound suppresses collagenase, an enzyme that targets and degrades collagen.
It could prevent elastin breakdown, too.
With all this hype around collagen, it’s easy to overlook other types of skin proteins.
Elastin, for example, works to keep your skin tight and taut.
“[It] helps skin return to its original position.”
But like collagen, elastin is broken down by a specific enzyme: elastase.
This enzyme alsoincreases as we age3, resulting in sagging and loose skin.
You’ll be happy to know that hibiscus may lend a hand.
It can help ease inflammation from the inside out.
Hibiscus is known for itsrich level of antioxidants4, including vitamin C andbeta-carotene5.
It also contains an antioxidative and anti-inflammatoryplant pigment called anthocyanin4, which gives the plant its pink-red hue.
“Inflammation is one of the body’s responses to [free radical] damage,” explains Nieves.
However, antioxidants work by neutralizing these free radicals, protecting cells and tissues like the skin.
It has AHAs, which exfoliate the skin.
Hibiscus is a natural source of AHAs, suggesting benefits when used on the skin.
It containsmalic acid and citric acid7, says Green, which gentlyexfoliate and brighten the skin.
When applied topically, AHAs slough away dead skin cells andencourage skin cell renewal9.
It may speed up wound healing.
Proper wound healing is an essential component of healthy skin.
It’s a super-important process, notes Green, as it prevents infections and other complications that can causescarring.
There’s some evidence hibiscus could support wound healing.
The extract increased the production of fibronectin, a protein that helps the edges of a wound close.
It also stimulated the expression of genes involved in various healing processes, includingskin hydrationand regeneration.
Drinking hibiscus tea is a delicious way to hydrate.
The more tea you drink, the more fluids you consume.
This is great news for your skin, which craves moisture and hydration.
“Staying well-hydratedhelps your skin retain moisture and elasticity,” explains Nieves.
“It also increases blood flow to your skin, which translates to more nutrients reaching it.”
On the other hand, poor hydration can make your skin dry, tight, and less resilient.
Plus, you might find it easier to hydrate by drinking something like hibiscus tea.
