The maqui berry is considered a superfruit for a reason. Rich in calcium, iron, vitamin C, and polyphenols (micronutrients found in plants), the maqui berry has been found to ward off chronic diseases, reduce “bad” cholesterol, and assist with stabilizing blood sugar with regular consumption. Applied topically, the skin benefits greatly from maqui’s high antioxidant potency and its ability to reduce inflammation, which leads to less redness and irritation.
When it comes to superfruits, the more popular berries usually come to mind: acai berries, blueberries, cranberries. But what most don’t know is that maqui is the antioxidant powerhouse, with an antioxidant content seven times stronger than acai. Grown wild in southern Chile, the maqui berry is the most nutrient-dense superberry in the world. But what does it even mean to be a superfruit?
“The ‘super’ is referring to the increased nutrients compared to other similar fruits,” says Dee Leung, Sales + Education Executive for Youth To The People. “Berries with a deep, dark hue like blackberries, acai, and maqui contain anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are responsible for the pigmentation and the ‘super’ powers of the fruit. Anthocyanins are loaded with antioxidants and are used to heal multiple ailments in the body such as blood clots, and [even] some forms of cancer.”
Maqui isn’t a very common ingredient in skincare—but when it is included, it goes to work . “Superberries like maqui are antioxidant powerhouses!” says Leung. “Antioxidants play a huge role in our skin’s health. Antioxidants defend our skin from free radical damage, which destroys healthy skin cells. Free radicals don’t play around. They damage collagen, cause inflammation, and interrupt our skin’s natural repair process. Antioxidants help to repair the damage that’s already occurred and prevent future damage.”
Youth To The People harnesses the sheer power of the maqui berry by utilizing it as the hero ingredient in our custom superberry blend, which is the foundation of the Superberry Hydrate + Glow Oil , Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask , the Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Eye Cream .
For those who frequently experience redness and irritation, maqui is the ingredient for you. Inflammation is simply one of our body’s defense responses and maqui’s antioxidative, anti-inflammatory properties can both offer relief and protect skin from constantly being on the defensive. Maqui is a multi-faceted ingredient. Its innumerable antioxidants support cell regeneration, which slows the aging process, and studies have even shown that the berry helps to suppress damage to cells caused by UV rays—this doesn’t get you off the hook for wearing SPF, though!
“The antioxidants from the maqui are the closest thing to a fountain of youth, by warding off damage from free radicals and UV light,” says Leung. “When our body isn’t having to fight off free radicals, it can focus its energy on repairing the damage.”
For such a small berry in size, maqui is a robust ingredient. And while it’s a superstar on its own, Youth To The People takes its abilities a step farther by rounding it out with other impressive superfruits included in the Superberry Dream line like acai, prickly pear, and goji berry. All of these superberries work together to add radiance, nourish, hydrate, and ultimately, calm the skin.
After all, calm skin is happy skin.
Written by Kaitlyn McNab for Youth To The People
