By bundling a series of words and skincare terms we often use in our communications, The Maiwexicon attempts to form a dictionary including all you need to understand the meaning and function of our products.
This list will be continuously be replenished, so come back once in awhile and make sure to drop us a line at hello@maiweskin.com if you can’t find that one word you were looking for!
Welcome to our personal dictionary of skincare terms!
A serum is a skincare product designed to deliver a very high concentration of active ingredients to your skin. Serums are an amazing tool for targeting specific skincare concerns, like wrinkles or hyperpigmentation.
Traditionally, serums are water-based and are then applied right after cleansing and before moisturizing. These molecules are smaller and should be applied under your cream. But there are also oil-based serums, such as The Rosehip Oil Serum. This one goes on top of the moisturizer (or you can blend both!) as the molecules are a bit bigger.
As for ingredients, take a look at our Vitamin Guide to know which ones are most important for your skin. Rosehip contains a whole series of vitamins, but is mostly rich in vitamin A, the ultimate ‘cell regenerator’ and will actively work on reducing wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, acne and scarring through the stimulation of cell renewal.
Wildcrafting is the practice of harvesting plants from their natural, or wild, habitat. When done sustainably and with respect, only the fruit, flowers or branches are carefully removed, and the living plant is left healthy and intact.
Compared to farmed ingredients, wild products have had far less contact with chemicals, and are more likely to have full potential and efficacy. Cultivated botanical ingredients are managed by humans — often, using chemicals — to maximize growth potential, whereas wild ingredients grow naturally. Soils that are left untouched, are far more rich in minerals and nutrients left from decaying plants and animals. It is scientifically proven that these ingredients coming from nutrient-dense soils will, in turn, be more nutrient-dense.
To remain sustainable, it is very important to choose the moment of harvest very well and respect the timing of the plant, in order not to interfere with its natural life cycle. When wildcrafting is done properly, it's respectful to nature. The plant is never pulled out of the ground, for example.
There is a social pillar to consider too, as wild harvest allows people of lower incomes (mostly women) to harvest on beaches, mountain ridges and land that is not bound to private property to gather an extra source of revenue.
The rosehip we use in our entire skincare range is wildcrafted in the south of Chile, predominantly in the Andes mountains.
Cold-pressing is a mechanical extraction method to withdraw natural oils from raw seeds and nuts. Typically, oil is extracted in two ways: via heat processing, or through the use of chemical solvents. Although these are cheaper methods and they produce more oil, they actually reduce the quality of the oil by decreasing the active components (being the vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids natural oils are known for).
When oils are cold-pressed, they are extracted from their source using mechanical methods rather than heat or solvents. The ingredient (in our case, rosehip seeds) is compressed until its oil is released and then filtered. Studies show that the nutrients in cold-pressed oils are better retained, there is an increased antioxidant capacity, and the oil is more stable (it has better oxidative stability, thanks to an increased level of oleic acid and tocopherol). It’s a slower process compared to other, common extraction methods but the benefits for your skin and the environment are more than worth it.
Without traceability, it’s impossible to know how ingredients impact people or the environment.
Have you ever wondered where the ingredients in your favourite beauty products come from? Traceability is a way of mapping the supply chain, picturing every person involved in the process of making your end product. For us, traceability is a core value. Not only do we want to benefit the people that are using our products through improved complexions and soft skin, we want to improve the lives of the people standing at the roots of our ingredients just as much.
We're so proud to have such a direct relation to the origin of our ingredients. It’s vital for us to know where our rosehip grows, but to also know the people who harvest them. Increasing our social impact in Chile is definitely one of our main drivers.
A “fragrance-free” skincare product does not contain any fragrance materials, whether synthetic or natural. The formula must not contain any volatile fragrance ingredients: no perfume, aroma or essential oils.
Research shows that fragrance-free products are better for the skin’s overal health, as fragranced skincare products are among the most common causes of sensitizing, negative skin responses. This is true for all skin colors and types, not just those with sensitive or redness-prone skin.
There is a scientifically proven link between the use of fragrance and skin inflammation and its effect on premature skin aging. Like exposure to ultraviolet light, chronic inflammation through exposure to sun, heat or fragrance can increase oxidative stress, free radical formation and degradation of collagen and promote a skin texture that is not as firm or even as it should be.
Antioxidants are substances that help protect the skin’s surface from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and environmental aggressors like UV and pollution. Antioxidants are praised in skincare because of their powerful anti-aging benefits.
Free radicals and environmental damage are caused by any of these factors: sun, pollution, toxins, smoke, and stress. Antioxidants will neutralize these loose electrons so that they cannot cause damage as well as help repair existing damage.
If you are consistent with antioxidants, you can expect to see firmer, more hydrated skin, and improved skin elasticity. Rosehip is very rich in antioxidants, as it’s packed with vitamin A, C, E and K. Consult our Vitamin Guide to read more about the work of antioxidants.
