October 17, 2019

Ingredients 101: Hibiscus

As South Korea's national flower, it is no coincidence that this plant is becoming an increasingly popular skin care ingredient for younger-looking skin!

You might find this beautiful flower in your next Friday night cocktails or afternoon teas, but hibiscus has actually been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine due to its healing properties. This flower is traditionally used to help with loss of appetite, stomach irritation, upper respiratory tract pain and swelling, and even cold among other things.

You'll soon also find out that hibiscus isn't just another pretty flower: It's also a great skin care ingredient that tones and firms the skin naturally!

1. It contains AHAs

Hibiscus holds a (sort of) magical reputation in skin care because it is a natural source of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). AHAs help remove dead skin cells from the skin, unclog pores, gently exfoliate and brighten, all of which can encourage smoother, and younger-looking skin. AHAs are also known for brightening skin tone and reducing signs of hyperpigmentation, like dark spots or acne scars.

Many chemical forms of these acids can be overly harsh and damaging to the skin, but natural sources such as those in hibiscus can help provide the same benefits without the harsh drawbacks. This means that they are also great to be paired with other acids in your skin care routine without causing irritation.

2. Our favourite word: Antioxidants.

An antioxidant a day keeps the skin troubles away! This is why we all love a good dose of antioxidants to protect the skin against free radical damage, and thus, diminishing the signs of skin ageing, wrinkles and dark spots. This antioxidant-rich flower contains our beloved Vitamin C, which is vital for collagen production, and also helps heal and calm skin damage from environmental exposure.

3. Combats signs of ageing

Hibiscus combats ageing a little less invasively by decreasing the activity of elastase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down the elastin that keeps our skin firm and healthy. By preserving and protecting the elastin levels on your skin, you keep your face looking younger and firmer for longer.

Where can I find hibiscus-powered skin care products?

1. By Wishtrend Acid-Duo Hibiscus Cream

The By Wishtrend Acid-Duo Hibiscus Cream is a light cream type exfoliant you can use daily. It consists of LHA and PHA which has exceptional exfoliating capabilities but are known to be less irritating and perfect for sensitive skin. This cream will not only remove clogged pores and sebum, but it can also help minimise pigmentation and brighten dull complexion (what did we say about the magical AHA?!). As the main ingredient, it also consists of 63% Hibiscus Flower Extract that are rich in antioxidants and help support the effectiveness of LHA and PHA.

2. Jayjun Roselle Tea Eye Gel Patch

Fancy an eye mask with your afternoon tea? The Jayjun Roselle Tea Eye Gel Patch is a super refreshing hydrogel patch that smoothes and brightens the skin with its antioxidant-rich Hibiscus, niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate and allantoin contents.