Hibiscus is a beautiful flowering plant used extensively in various beauty and hair products for enhancing skin and hair health.
In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, hibiscus flowers are steeped as tea for its numerous health benefits as the goodness of vitamin C and antioxidants present in the flower, boost overall health.
Glowing Skin
The chock full of antioxidants, anthocyanocides in hibiscus play an amazing role in improving skin health by guarding it from radical damage and delaying the premature ageing of the skin. The astringent property of hibiscus controls the excess secretion of oil by tightening the pores while its anti-inflammatory properties of hibiscus lessen inflammation and heal the redness of the skin.
The Natural Botox
Hibiscus is the only flower that possesses natural Botox properties. The richness of vitamin C promotes collagen production and helps tighten the face, making it firm for a younger look. Make a paste of hibiscus flower and apply to your face, let it stay for 15 minutes and rinse well to discover a natural facelift.
Improves Skin Tone
For any uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and discoloration, hibiscus works as an instant remedy. The presence of AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) including citric and malic acids have strong exfoliating properties which nourish the cells by revamping skin tone and colour.
Potent Moisturizer
Hibiscus petal has a high mucilage content and this property makes hibiscus an impressive moisturizer for the skin. Applying the paste of hibiscus flower naturally hydrates the dry skin and making it look supple and radiant. Also Read: 3 DIY Face Masks To Naturally Soothe That Wrinkled, Crepey Skin
Cleanses Pores
The natural surfactants property of hibiscus helps in deep cleansing the skin without depriving of its natural oils. The AHAs in hibiscus remove dead cells, flaky skin on the surface and cleanse pores by making the skin look fresh.
Natural Hair Cleanser
Hibiscus leaves and petals has been used since ages as a cleanser and natural shampoo. The presence of saponins in hibiscus the natural cleansing agent in hibiscus works as an amazing shampoo.
Take ½ cup of hot water in a jar add fresh petal and leaves soak it for 15 minutes and then blend it. Use this blend and work it into your scalp and hair for 5 minutes and rinse thoroughly with water. Your mane will look lustrous and fresh.
Healthy Hair
Hibiscus is a vital ingredient used in hair oil which promotes the growth of new hair and strengthens the existing ones. The goodness of amino acids in hibiscus stimulates keratin production the key structure of hair. Infuse dried petals of hibiscus with coconut oil and use it regularly for a stronger and shiny mane.
Additional Beauty Benefits:
Prevents Skin Infections
Hibiscus is loaded with Vitamin C which helps to combat skin infections, fight dryness, and reduce pigmentation. A natural source of AHAs is also found in hibiscus. They are a type of organic compound that can help cure skin woes thus leaving it in pink of health from within.
Combats Excessive Hair Loss
Extracts of hibiscus are very helpful in combating severe hair loss. The leaves and flowers contain flavonoids and essential amino acids that help to improve the blood circulation of the hair follicles, making the hair strong, besides nourishing its roots. The extracts are also used in treating ailments like alopecia areata and premature balding.
Fights Oxidative Damage
Hibiscus tea contains antioxidants like beta carotene and Vitamin C. These natural and powerful ingredients ward off oxidative stress from the epidermis and keep it youthful and healthy. Drinking hibiscus tea regularly produces collagen molecules that augment a natural radiance on the face.
DIY Face Packs With The Essence Of Hibiscus
Hibiscus, bestowed with amazing healing properties and nutrients are beneficial for uplifting skin health and beauty from inside out. It serves as a key ingredient in most of the skincare routine. The best possible way to use this flower is in powder form. Simply blend hibiscus powder with other natural ingredients to make different DIY face packs to get that radiant and supple skin.
Hibiscus & Oats Pack
This exfoliating face pack helps to remove all impurities and dirt from the skin surface and clear the clogged pores. The goodness of oats and hibiscus in this face pack makes the skin nourished, glowing and blemish-free.
Ingredients:
1 tbsp, hibiscus powder
½ cup oats powder
Rosewater
Method:
In a bowl mix all the ingredients with rose water into a fine paste.
Apply the face pack all over the skin, let it stay for 20 minutes.
Wash off with lukewarm water, repeat this twice a week for best results.
Hibiscus & Aloe vera Pack
The natural cooling and soothing traits of aloe vera keep the skin hydrated and refreshed. It reduces irritation and itchiness caused due to dryness.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp hibiscus powder
½ cup aloe vera gel
Method:
Mix all the ingredients well in a bowl.
Smear it all over the facial skin, and allow it to stay for 15-20 minutes.
Wash it off with cold water, and repeat this thrice a week for a natural glow.
Reasons To Use These Flowers In Hair Care
Encourages Follicle Activity
Hibiscus has antioxidants, vitamins, and essential components that can stimulate hair follicles, potentially leading to increased hair growth
Promotes Hair Density
Nutrient-dense hibiscus flower has vitamins A and C in abundance. Vitamin C helps in absorption of iron, a mineral essential for hair growth. It has amino acids that aid collagen production and bolster healthy hair growth.
Conditions And Softens Hair
A natural conditioner, all varieties of hibiscus have moisturizing properties that can condition and soften hair. Its natural acids help to balance the scalp’s pH levels and give smoothness and shine to the hair.
Fights Dandruff And Scalp Issues
Hibiscus has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help reduce dandruff, soothe the scalp and alleviate itching and irritation.
Reduces Hair Breakage
The nutrients in hibiscus, including amino acids can strengthen hair strands and improve their elasticity. This combats excessive hair breakage and split ends, leading to more resilient and strong manes.
(This article is reviewed by Preeti Sharma, Wellness Expert)
Author Profile
M Sowmya Binu:
With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.
References:
- Physiological Effects and Human Health Benefits of Hibiscus sabdariffa: A Review of Clinical Trials
Efigenia Montalvo-González, Zuamí Villagrán, Sughey González-Torres, Laura Elena Iñiguez-Muñoz,
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9033014/
- https://www.ayurvedjournal.com/JAHM_201843_08.pdf
