Hibiscus, also called a Botox plant, is considered a powerful anti-aging plant with its astounding ability to hold in the activity of the enzyme called elastase. Elastase breaks down skin’s elastin, which is responsible for helping the skin return to its original form after being pinched or poked. This plant blooms in red, pink, and pale yellow variants, with petals shaped like a trumpet. It is traditionally used in herbal teas and medicine to remedy colds and loss of appetite. But now, the advantages of hibiscus could also be found in the form of soap.

Below are some of the benefits of hibiscus when used as soap:

Rich in Anti-Aging Properties

The hibiscus plant is abundant with antioxidants called anthocyanosides. These antioxidants protect the skin against any environmental stressors brought about by traffic pollution or ultraviolet radiation, which can cause cell damage, thus leading to premature skin-aging.

It also has astringent properties that act as a deep cleanser for your pores, helping tighten large ones, thereby giving you a smoother complexion. Not only does hibiscus soap cleanse and reduce large pores, but it also regulates the secreted sebum off of your face, making it ideal for oily skin.

On top of that, its anti-inflammatory effect that soothes inflamed skin makes it best for sensitive skin. Since it is a natural soap, you can avoid feeling sensitive and stiff after using it.

Serves as an Intense Moisturizer

For the hibiscus plant to store water and food, it produces a sticky substance called mucilage. Mucilage is a soluble fiber of a syrupy, thick, and pasty nature. You will notice the slimy and sticky texture on its petals when crushed. It has many functions, one of which is to hydrate the skin when applied externally. That property helps the skin retain moisture, keeping it hydrated, fresh, supple, and soft. This makes hibiscus soap an excellent skin moisturizer, especially for sensitive skin. With this, you can bid farewell to dry and dull skin.

Solves Uneven Skin Tone

The shedding and turnover of your cells is a continuous cycle. However, the process slows down once you age. As a result, appearances of hyperpigmentation, dark spots, age spots or discoloration can accumulate, making skin look dull and dingy. These are signs of skin aging. Also, visible spots and discoloration can be triggered by an excessive production of melanin, exposure to ultraviolet radiation, or can be genetically inherited.

Hibiscus soap contains Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA), plus citric and malic acid, which can help with the shedding process of dead skin cells naturally. These acids act as exfoliants on the top layers of skin, escalating cell regeneration for a smoother, lighter, more plump, and elastic skin. To exfoliate at least once a week is a necessary part of your skincare routine.

AHA in hibiscus soap also helps your collagen production by removing old collagen fibers for faster regeneration. Collagen is the fiber that helps you look young. But as you age, the creation of collagen decreases. Attributing factors on collagen synthesis are environmental damage and too much exposure to the sun.     

Saponin, also found in hibiscus, has a chemical structure that, when mixed with water, produces foam just like soap does. This plant glycoside can also bind with fats and oils. It offers plenty of health benefits, but if used externally, it can cleanse and shed flaky skin and dead skin cells. This natural surfactant is part of the benefits hibiscus soap can bring to help you get back your youthful glow.

Purifies Your Skin Complexion

The gentle acids found in hibiscus that are responsible for the soap’s exfoliating effect also helps purify your skin complexion. Those same natural acids break down dead skin cells and speed up cell turnover, which helps control possible acne breakouts. Doing so will get you skin that looks more refined and hydrated, its appearance smoother, fresher, and firmer.

The chemical forms of the aforementioned acids are present in skincare products, but they are damaging to the skin. Similar synthetic acids can cause harsh drawbacks such as natural oils being stripped away from your skin. The organic form, on the other hand, which is found in natural hibiscus soap, brings balance for a more naturally gorgeous complexion.

Conclusion

 

Before, hibiscus was only used as a cure for stomach irritation, colds, pain in the upper respiratory tract, loss of appetite, as well as a laxative. Latest studies show the plant’s potency in lowering blood pressure and the reduction of bad cholesterol. As science continues to harness the plant’s powerhouse benefits, more and more products with hibiscus extracts like supplements, tea, and skincare are produced. It proves, without a shadow of a doubt, the plant’s significance not just in medicine, but also in aesthetics.