In an engaging TikTok video, the popular creator Anya Levi unveiled the skin-enhancing virtues of hibiscus tea, highlighting its potential to “slow down” and delay aging due to its rich antioxidant content.
Intrigued, we consulted with medical professionals, wellness gurus, and dermatology experts to delve deeper into the benefits of this tea and its role in achieving more radiant, supple, and well-hydrated skin.
Read on for additional tips, suggestions and insight from Dr. Simran Sethi, MD, skincare expert and founder of RenewMD Beauty & Wellness and Mary Sabat, MS, RDN, LD, nutritionist and owner of BodyDesigns Ltd.
@anyalevicreates power #naturesbotox #antiagingtea #slowdownaging #antiagingfoods #antioxidanttea #teaforskin #healthcoachuk #naturallyhealing #certifiedherbalist ♬ She Share Story (for Vlog) – 山口夕依
How Hibiscus Tea Can Help ‘Slow Down Aging’ And Promote Luminous Skin, According To Experts
In her clip above, Levy tells viewers that hibiscus tea is “basically nature’s Botox.” She goes on to say that it’s “packed with antioxidants which help our bodies fight free radicals that cause cell damage, which causes aging.” In addition, she says that “it also may help lower blood pressure, lower blood fat levels and may boost liver health and may promote weight loss.”
@lifewithmarq Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Water) Ingredients: 2 c. Dried Hibiscus Flowers 8 c. Water, divided 4 cups each 1 c. Sugar, or preferred sweetener Instructions: To a pot, combine 2 cups hibiscus flowers and 4 cups of cold water. Bring to a boil. Allow flowers and water to boil for 5-10 minutes. Add sugar, and mix. Remove pot from heat, and allow the flowers to steep for 2-3 hours before straining. To a pitcher, combine strained hibiscus concentrate and pour in 4 cups of cold water, mix again. Refrigerate, or serve chilled over ice. Enjoy! #healthy #aguafresca #mexicanfood #hibiscustea #easyrecipe ♬ Daydreams – Gentle State
Sabat concurs, and tells us that “herbal teas like hibiscus are naturally caffeine-free and calorie-free.” She points out that “they offer a naturally sweet and aromatic flavor without adding sugars or calories.” Adding a bit of natural sweetener, such as stevia, is another good option in place of sugar when it comes to your skin health, the expert explains.
Adding sugar to your tea or coffee often, Sethi adds, will only make wrinkling and fine lines even more apparent. “Excess refined sugar consumption causes intrinsic damage to collagen and elastin proteins in skin by the formation of Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs),” she warns. “This reduces the integrity and elasticity of skin, making it prone to dehydration and wrinkling.”
Hibiscus tea, she observes, is a powerhouse of nutrients, brimming with vitamin A, B1, B2, C, along with zinc and iron. Beyond these, it also boasts omega-3 fatty acids and natural alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), both crucial for achieving that radiant, glowing skin we all desire.
Opting for an herbal tea like hibiscus with or without a natural sweetener "will provide healthy antioxidants and hydration which will promote new skin production and give skin a healthier and plump appearance," Sethi concludes. The more you know!
