One thing is certain, regardless of any claims, this Hawaiian flower isn’t going to give you quite the same results as an injectable. However, it’s got plenty of skin-transforming properties that come about as close as you’re going to get from a topical ingredient.
Below, the pros break down the benefits of hibiscus skincare so that you can decide for yourself if it’s worth adding to your routine for the sake of staving off injectables.
The benefits of hibiscus skin care
1. Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Instead of freezing your facial muscles the way Botox does, hibiscus works to diminish fine lines and wrinkles by significantly decreasing the elastase activity in your skin. Elastase is an enzyme in your body that’s responsible for breaking down elastin, which leads to signs of aging. Elastin is an essential protein produced naturally in the body that helps skin retain its shape. When elastin breaks down, you see droopy, saggy skin. By reducing the amount of elastase in your body, hibiscus helps your skin maintain its natural elastin levels, thus keeping it firmer over time.
Additionally, hibiscus has been shown to suppress the activity of collagenase (the enzyme that breaks down collagen as we age) which helps to prevent and smooth the appearance of wrinkles.
2. Exfoliates
Because it’s easier for light to bounce off a smooth surface than a textured one, Botox’s wrinkle-reducing abilities tend to come with the added bonus of making skin look dewy and radiant. Thanks to its exfoliating properties, hibiscus offers similar effects in making your complexion so smooth it practically shines. It contains AHAs [alpha-hydroxy acids], AKAs [alpha-keto acids], and BHAs [beta-hydroxy acids that] exfoliate the skin to remove dead skin cells to reveal newer, brighter skin. This high concentration of chemical exfoliators can retexturize the skin and lessen discoloration like age spots too.
3. Calms inflammation
Most of the skin-resurfacing products that are marketed as being "just like Botox" tend to be abrasive on the skin (think: tretinoin, chemical peels, and laser treatments), but hibiscus stands apart from the pack. It offers medicinal benefits that actually help calm inflammation instead of causing it. It's got protocatechuic acid (or PCA for short) and quercetin, two antioxidants that soothe inflamed skin and defend against the free-radical damage that causes it in the first place.
4. Protects against environmental stressors
Hibiscus is a great source of ascorbic acid, the most potent form of antioxidant-rich vitamin C, which offers brightening and skin-tone evening benefits. It’s also got myricetin, an antioxidant that supports elastin production while suppressing UVB-induced wrinkles, plus a slew of B vitamins. All these antioxidants work together to defend against the oxidative stress-inducing environmental stressors that lead to signs of skin aging (think pollution and UV damage), keeping your complexion plump, bouncy, and radiant.
5. Moisturizes
The benefits of hibiscus are numerous and incredible. Along with maintaining elastin, exfoliating dead skin cells, and protecting the skin against oxidation, hibiscus also “moisturizes via mucilage, the super effective moisturizing goo found in hibiscus flowers.
Who should (and shouldn't) use hibiscus in their skincare routine?
For most people, there is little to no risk if you incorporate hibiscus into your skincare routine. The only caveat? You should always use sunscreen when you use a product with AHAs, BHAs, or AKAs. They make skin more susceptible to UV rays, so it's extra important to protect your skin daily. People with severe acne who take oral or topical antibiotics or prescriptions should consult with their dermatologist before adding hibiscus into their routine.
Pregnant women might want to tread lightly with hibiscus. It is [technically] fine to be used topically but not internally while pregnant, so in an abundance of caution, maybe it should be avoided during pregnancy.
So how can you incorporate this into your skin care treatments?
We recommend upgrading facial treatments with a concentrated extract for best results, such as the Pevonia Freeze Dried Escutox. This cutting edge product would be applied immediately after cleansing and exfoliating and can be used as a massage medium.
Escutox® Freeze-Dried Treatment Professional Package of 10 Treatments
For Radical Repair and Outstanding De-Aging Results with the Evident Relaxation of Harsh Wrinkles Escutox® is a special blend of Hibiscus Esculentus Extract and Oligo-Saccharides in a potent freeze-dried formula. This latest freeze-drying technique preserves the natural active ingredients with the unique ability of delivering the most outstanding and effective de-aging results. By powerfully stimulating the nerve ending’s network, Pevonia’s exclusive Escutox® formulation provides radical repair: evident relaxation of harsh wrinkles, increased hydration, and skin suppleness, expedited absorbency of all actives and visibly smoothed wrinkles. A true topical, natural alternative to Botox®. Recommended for mature skin types. For dramatic anti-wrinkle results.
Can’t find what you are looking for here? Don’t hesitate to email us for further information at
info@beautycollectivepro.com.au or call us on +61 2 9948 1667
