Hibiscus has long been a favorite ornamental plant. Few can rival its stunning beauty and bright colors. But the plant can do a lot more than just look good.

The flowers have powerful, exciting benefits to the skin, including the ability to firm and lift, giving hibiscus the nickname, the “botoks plant.”

MAHALO is in love with hibiscus.

Hibiscus is a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family, with several hundred species native to warm, tropical regions such as Hawaii where it grows in abundance. Also called “rosemallow,” hibiscus can be grown indoors or out. Flowers are large and trumpet shaped, with five or more petals. Colors include white, pink, red, orange, purple, or yellow. The extract is most often taken from the red flowers, also known as “roselle.” Dried hibiscus is edible, and may be used in salads, as a vegetable or flavoring, or as a delicacy. Certain species are also used as a natural source of food coloring.

Benefits to the Skin

Hibiscus has a sort of magical reputation in skin care because it is a natural source of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). 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. AHAs are known to help exfoliate skin, speed up cell turnover, and help control acne breakouts, all of which can encourage fresher, younger, and smoother looking skin. They also increase moisture and improve flexibility and elasticity—the reason why hibiscus called the botoks plant.

On top of the AHA activity are the antioxidants, which are called “anthocyanocides.” These not only protect the skin from free radical damage, but have astringent properties that help pores to appear smaller. They have an anti-inflammatory effect as well, which soothes inflamed skin and helps calm conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

Finally, the plant has a high mucilage content, which makes it a great skin moisturizer. Combine all these properties together and you have a wonderful anti-aging ingredient that with regular use, helps skin to appear more supple and flawless overall. Plus it has a lovely, natural scent which adds a delicious aroma to MAHALO’s  The HAWAIIAN HYDRATION advanced cellular repair concentrate as well as provides a boost of the most beautiful pink hue to The PETAL MASK.

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