The beauty of a hibiscus flower goes far beyond its vibrant colors and exotic petals. In fact, when applied or consumed correctly, the beauty benefits that the hibiscus flower are unmatched. That is correct – this plant is powerful. It packs a punch with all of the essential minerals, antioxidants, vitamins, and flavonoids it contains. Here's a simple hibiscus tea recipe to up your hibiscus intake to reap all of its glowing skin benefits.
Hibiscus Benefits for Skin
Staying hydrated is very important for our skin complexion, as it adds glow and plumpness. Proper dietary water can prevent the skin from getting premature wrinkles, which gives even more importance to those 8 cups of water. That being said, by drinking tea infusions, you may also reap the benefits of the plant.
The Red Flower Variety is a highly popular tea among skincare enthusiasts, as it keeps your body glowing from the inside out. Also referred to as the Queen of Tropics, it is a highly-rated tea in Ayurveda medicine. Here are the main benefits of hibiscus tea for your skin.
1. Moisturizing Properties
Hibiscus tea moisturizes your skin from the inside out. Not only does the water in the tea add to your body's moisture levels, but its nutritional power also helps you retain the needed moisture. Hibiscus is a naturally moist plant with high mucilage content, making it a good moisturizer for those who want to maintain a youthful look.
2. Anti-Aging Properties
Hibiscus contains a high amount of anthocyanins, the pigment that we can visibly see on the plant. Other than adding extraordinary color to the hibiscus flower, this powerful pigment is an antioxidant extremely rich in vitamin E, ascorbic acid, and beta-carotene.
The anthocyanin antioxidant assists in collagen production (a key player in tight, youthful skin), while suppressing collagen deconstruction. Anthocyanin protects against UV radiation, which often leads to signs of aging on the skin (wrinkles, dark spots, and fine lines).
3. Reduces Hyperpigmentation
Hibiscus has the potential of reducing hyperpigmentation and darkened age spots. The organic acid (citric and malic) within the hibiscus has exfoliating properties, which speed up cell turnover. This will remove dead or affected skin, reducing hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanin biogenesis. This will provide a more even skin tone.
4. Antibacterial and Antioxidant
Hibiscus has a variety of bioactive compounds such as phenols, flavonoids, vitamin C, and anthocyanins. This gives the plant very strong anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, making it a good option for those suffering from acne and associated scars. It also stimulates the immune system through its antibacterial and antioxidant properties, offering you the glowing skin that you are looking for.
5. Great Exfoliator
Hibiscus is rich in alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which are great for exfoliating your skin. When AHA products are applied topically, they can exfoliate skin turnover, peeling away dead skin cells. When used internally through hibiscus tea, these acids can encourage cell renewal, improving the clarity of your skin.
Glowing Skin Tea Ingredients
For your skin to look young and plump, you need to give it the right ingredients. Here are the most popular tea ingredients that can give you that glowing skin you seek. These plants go well together with hibiscus.
Red Raspberry leaves have been shown to prompt your skin cells into producing more collagen and hyaluronic acid. This will help restructure the skin and improve its hydration. Red raspberry leaf extract has a high oxidant capacity, due to the phenols present in the leaves. The flavonoids in the leaves will also offer your skin extra protection against UV rays.
Taken from the passion flower, Damiana leaves are great for your skin. They promote the synthesis of collagen, improving the plumpness and complexion of your skin. Collagen is also essential in the treatment of photoaging, making Damiana leaves a jewel for your skin health.
Burdock root has been an asset in Chinese medicine for a very long time. It contains arctigenin, a phytoestrogen that has anti-inflammatory properties. It has long been used to treat acne breakouts and other skin conditions.
Cinnamon bark has cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, and linalool as active ingredients. It has antimicrobial properties while being a powerful antioxidant and promoting the production of collagen.
Roses aren’t just pretty, they are useful as well. Rose extract has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial properties. The petals also have high antibacterial properties, making them a good option for acne treatments.
How to make Hibiscus Tea
Brewing the red variety hibiscus tea is fairly easy, as long as you have the ingredients we mentioned above. To brew the tea, you will need the following:
—2 parts Hibiscus Flowers
—1 part Damiana leaves
—1 part Red raspberry leaves
—½ part Cinnamon bark
—½ part Burdock root
—½ part Rose
You need to combine all of these dry ingredients in an air-tight jar, which you may use each time you want to make tea. When you do, you will scoop out one tablespoon and place it in a tea strainer. You can also add it to compostable tea bags.
Let the tea steep for about 5 minutes in a 12 oz mug of hot water. Remove the tea strainer afterward, and let it cool to a comfortable temperature. Now you can enjoy your tea!
Hibiscus Tea FAQ
Is hibiscus safe to consume? Are there any side effects?
Yes! Hibiscus is safe to consume in moderation. As with most herbal teas, if over-consumed, it can lead to a serious drop in blood pressure/sugar levels.
Where can I find hibiscus?
Hibiscus tea can be found at just about any local grocery store, as well as on Amazon. And dried hibiscus can often be located at a grocery store, tea specialty shop, or online.
How often can I incorporate hibiscus into my routine?
As with everything, it is best to consume hibiscus tea in moderation. Aim for about one to two cups a day. Applying hibiscus to your body or hair can be performed one to two times a week.
The Bottom Line
Hibiscus is the jewel of skincare, improving your complexion and giving you that glowing skin you are looking for. It can do anything from triggering collagen production to healing your skin and protecting against UV rays. All you need is a cup of ruby red skin glow tea, mixing numerous red flower varieties to offer you that youthful look.
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