Maca
TYPE OF INGREDIENT
Botanical
COMMONLY FOUND IN
Moisturizers, creams, serums
What are the benefits of Maca?
Maca is believed to have antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects on the skin. In mice, maca provides protection from ultraviolet radiation and has been shown to promote wound healing at low and high altitudes. Maca has been shown to support the endocrine system and help maintain hormone balance, which can impact hair and skin health.
WHAT IS MACA?
Maca is a product of Lepidium meyenii, a plant native to the Peruvian Andes mountains. The plant is related to mustard plants and has been traditionally used for its purported health benefits, which are presumed to be due to the plant’s ability to survive the harsh climate in the mountains.
IS MACA SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES AND TONES?
Maca is likely safe for all skin types and tones. Studies report that the local individuals recommend boiling the product prior to consumption to prevent adverse effects.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Available evidence does not suggest any contraindications for the use of products containing maca for the skin. Much of the evidence has been based on consumption or testing in mice, so individuals with a reaction to maca should avoid products containing it.
Sources:
Castañeda-Alarcón M, Bell-Cortez C, Hidalgo-Ascensios J, Moreno-Exebio L. Photoprotective activity of a cream containing lyophilized aqueous extract of Lepidium meyenii (MACA) against ultraviolet irradiation on mouse skin. Actividad fotoprotectora de una crema con extracto acuoso liofilizado de Lepidium meyenii (MACA) frente a la irradiación ultravioleta en piel de ratones. Rev Peru Med Exp Salud Publica. 2021;38(3):434-441.
da Silva Leitão Peres N , Cabrera Parra Bortoluzzi L , Medeiros Marques LL , et al. Medicinal effects of Peruvian maca (Lepidium meyenii): a review. Food Funct. 2020;11(1):83-92.
Gonzales GF. Ethnobiology and Ethnopharmacology of Lepidium meyenii (Maca), a Plant from the Peruvian Highlands. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:193496.
Gonzales-Castañeda C, Rivera V, Chirinos AL, Evelson P, Gonzales GF. Photoprotection against the UVB-induced oxidative stress and epidermal damage in mice using leaves of three different varieties of Lepidium meyenii (maca). Int J Dermatol. 2011;50(8):928-938.
Nuñez D, Olavegoya P, Gonzales GF, Gonzales-Castañeda C. Red Maca (Lepidium meyenii), a Plant from the Peruvian Highlands, Promotes Skin Wound Healing at Sea Level and at High Altitude in Adult Male Mice. High Alt Med Biol. 2017;18(4):372-383.
Wang S, Zhu F. Chemical composition and health effects of maca (Lepidium meyenii). Food Chem. 2019;288:422-443.
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