Used in the ancient art of Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, the hibiscus flower, not only beautiful to gaze at, boasts a lineup of beauty benefits. Beauty director Sarah Simpson investigates this skin-loving bloom.
Known by experts as the ‘Botox plant’ the hibiscus flower contains some pretty powerful anti-ageing extracts. From helping to boost elasticity, and diminish the appearance of hyperpigmentation or age spots, it also has a gentle exfoliating effect on the skin. Rich in skin-loving antioxidants, called anthocyanocides, these extracts protect skin from our harmful environment and offer astringent benefits that reduce the look of open pores. While purifying, the hibiscus flower also contains soothing properties that will treat the most sensitive of skins. Finally, the oil from this bloom helps your skin retain moisture, which is key to looking younger, longer.
Today there is a hibiscus-infused product for your hair, skin and body - check them out.
The hair serum
Beauty Dust Co. Nourish Daily Leave-in Conditioner, $40.
Summer hair is in desperate need of nourishment after months of exposure to sun, surf and sand. Adding a hard-working leave-in conditioner like this one works to hydrate, soften and restore your hairs health. This light-weight jasmine-infused daily leave-in contains contains the natural ingredients of hibiscus flower, coconut oil and healing Manuka honey.
After shampooing your hair, towel-dry and comb this leave in lotion through your locks and allow your hair to dry naturally.
The sheet mask
Freeman Hibiscus + Vitamin C Sheet Mask, $8.
You would have been living under a rock not to notice the trend in sheet masks, which is going nowhere. Infused with hard-hitting ingredients, in this case brightening ingredients, this one-shot mask is designed to improve the tone and clarity of your skin with you guessed it - hibiscus extract.
The treatment serum
Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lift and Firm Sculpting Gel, $151.
The newest addition in the Arden family is this treatment gel that has been created to help redefine and contour your face. With an assortment of ceramides 1,3 and 6, this clever gel contains hibiscus and Abelmoschus seed extract which help support the skin’s own natural collagen and elasticity for a firmer, lifted look. Glide the roller over the neck, jawline and cheek area in upward movements not from side to side.
A cream mask
Chantecaille Hibiscus Smoothing Mask, $140.
This mask is all about rejuvenating the surface of the skin - in other words, giving your skin back a healthy-looking glow. Fruit acids have been added to exfoliate, while hibiscus hydrates and boosts collagen production.
Apply to freshly cleansed skin, leave it on for up to ten minutes.
The night cream
Swisse Hibiscus Anti-Aging Night Cream, $27.
Full of naturally-derived, potent hibiscus flower extract, it's the ultimate lifting and firming night cream. Designed to pamper your skin while you sleep, along with hibiscus it also contains aloe, grapefruit, and avocado oils. Apply to skin in the evening after cleansing, over the top of a skin serum.
The body cream
Clarins Eau des Jardins Smoothing Body Cream, $66.
When it comes to a body cream, you want it to smell divine. This tube is loaded with lemon, orange, grapefruit, wild rose, vetiver, patchouli and crisp cedar essential oils, as well as firming hibiscus. Apply to damp skin, after a bath or shower, and massage in with circular movements to stimulate blood flow.
The face mist
Kora Organics Balancing Rose Mist, $48.
If you don't have a face mist in your beauty regime, we suggest you think about adding one. This mist offers a fresh shot of hydration for the skin, ideal instead of toner or for refreshing your makeup. This spray contains certified organic rose, hibiscus and Noni extract which together tone and moisturise the skin. Keep this in the fridge and spritz onto your skin anytime your complexion needs a moistursing boost.
The exfoliator
French Girl Facial Polish, $35.
Not just a pretty pink powder, this facial polish does a great job of exfoliating your skin with ingredients such as brown rice and white clay, rose petals, geranium and of course the star of the show, hibiscus extract. Together these ingredients works to banish congestion and give your skin back its glow. Apply a small amount to damp skin, massaging in circular movements, and then rinse thoroughly and pat the skin dry before applying a moisturiser.