Hibiscus for Skin Health: Modern Science Supports Ancient Wisdom

Long used in Ayurveda and the Middle East as medicine for nourishing skin and hair, lowering blood pressure and cleansing the blood, Hibiscus sabdariffa, commonly called hibiscus, roselle or Jamaican tea, is shown by new research to have a potent anti-aging effect on the skin (Wood, 2008). The deep red flowers are rich in vitamin C, organic acids and polysaccharides, providing antioxidant protection, reducing inflammation and promoting skin regeneration. 

Hibiscus has Strong Antioxidant Activity

Free radicals from UV rays, smoke and pollution damage skin cells, collagen and DNA, leading to premature aging, so we need antioxidants more than ever to bind to and neutralize these oxidative species and reduce oxidative stress. Hibiscus is high in flavonoids like hibiscin, quercetin and other antioxidants like vitamin C known to nourish the skin and reduce oxidation (Skenderi, 2003). Several studies show that hibiscus extract has significant antioxidant effects (Da-Costa-Rocha, 2014). In one study, hibiscus extract significantly reduced the production of nitrous oxide, a free radical, reduced inflammation and stimulated production and secretion of collagen and hyaluronic acid. Glutathione, an important antioxidant, was increased in skin tissue after treatment with hibiscus, indicating the antioxidant actions of hibiscus prevented overuse of glutathione and preserved it to provide further antioxidant protection (Wang et al., 2022).

Hibiscus Enhances Skin Regeneration

The polysaccharide content of hibiscus provides the demulcent properties that make it softening and nourishing to skin (Khalsa & Tierra, 2008), but research shows it also increases skin cell regeneration. When treated with hibiscus extract, its polysaccharides are shown to induce skin cell proliferation by up to 40% and influence the early differentiation of the cells (Brunold et al., 2004). This means that skin cells regenerate faster, speeding up healing after damage and reducing the skin thinning and slowed regeneration that comes with aging.

Cells called fibroblasts secrete collagen and elastin, which provide skin’s structure and support and play an important role in the aging process. As we age, the number of fibroblasts decreases, and the capacity for skin regeneration declines. One study found that when applied to the skin, hibiscus increased fibroblast production of collagen by 48 percent and hyaluronic acid, the key molecule involved in skin moisture, by 24 percent (Wang et al., 2022).

Hibiscus is Anti-inflammatory

The antioxidant actions of hibiscus prevent damage that can lead to inflammation, the immune system’s natural reaction to injury, but it also decreases the inflammatory response in other ways. One study showed that hibiscus stimulates the immune system in a healthy way, increasing production of an inflammation-reducing immune component called IL-10, and decreasing the production of an inflammatory one called TNF-alpha. Polyphenols in hibiscus also have anti-inflammatory activity by impairing other pro-inflammatory molecules (Da-Costa-Rocha, 2014). Cells can sometimes produce too much energy in the form of a molecule called ATP, which leaks out of the cell and stimulates an increase in other molecules, including free radicals, which cause damage and affect cell metabolism. Cells treated with hibiscus produce significantly less ATP, reducing its damaging effects and thus inflammation (Wang et al., 2022).

Hibiscus is Excellent for Skin Health

Its antioxidant protection, anti-inflammatory properties and ability to stimulate skin regeneration make hibiscus a powerful anti-aging ingredient in skincare, providing a safe, natural source of skin-protective constituents like vitamin C, polysaccharides and organic acids, without the expense, chemical smells and possible side effects of synthetic anti-aging skincare products. This modern research supports ancient knowledge of the nourishing, cleansing properties of this sacred herb, thought to strengthen devotion in meditation, destroy all life obstacles, purify the physical and spiritual heart and promote wisdom.

References

Brunold, C., Deters, A., Knoepfel-Sidler, F., Hafner, J., Müller, B., & Hensel, A. (2004). Polysaccharides from Hibiscus sabdariffa flowers stimulate proliferation and differentiation of human keratinocytes. Planta Medica, 70(4), 370–373. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2004-818952

Da-Costa-Rocha, I., Bonnlaender, B., Sievers, H., Pischel, I., & Heinrich, M. (2014). Hibiscus sabdariffa L. - A phytochemical and pharmacological review. Food Chemistry, 165, 424–443. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.05.002

Khalsa, K. P. S. & Tierra, M. (2008). The way of Ayurvedic herbs. Lotus Press.

Skenderi, G. (2003). Herbal vade mecum. Herbacy Press.

Wang, D., Nagata, M., Matsumoto, M., Amen, Y., Wang, D., & Shimizu, K. (2022). Potential of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. and hibiscus acid to reverse skin aging. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 27(18), 6076. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27186076

Wood, M. (2008). The earthwise herbal: A complete guide to old world medicinal plants. North Atlantic Books.