DEFINING BEAUTY: Hair & Skin Glossary Terms & Definitions 'M' * Style Chicks

Skin & Hair Glossary of ingredients & terms. Defining the hair and skin ingredients with meaningful results. Updated regularly.

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Maca: Maca is often used in face creams. It reduces the effects of aging and gives skin strength.

Macadamia Oil: Macadamia oil is very rich and contains many natural lipids. It works best on brittle and extremely damaged hair.

Malic Acid: Malic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid for sensitive skin. Gentler than Glycolic acid, it improves the appearance of fine lines, large pores and skin texture.

Masque: A thick, creamy, intensely nourishing conditioning treatment intended to penetrate the cuticle and repair the inside of the hair. An extended conditioning treatment session for color-treated, damaged and long hair. Avocado or other intensively hydrating oils are common ingredients in hair masques. Masques are generally left on for several minutes to hours before rinsing.

Micellar water: A cleansing product to remove oil-based makeup, dirt, mascara or sunscreen without scrubbing. Its’ chemical composition attracts and removes makeup and dirt from the skin without disrupting the skin barrier. A combination of water and surfactants attract and remove oil. It often contains a moisturizing oil, like Grapeseed. Some Micellar waters leave a residue and should be washed off to not clog pores. It is not strictly a nightly cleanser but can remove makeup from the face in a pinch when too exhausted to properly cleanse.

Mineral Oil: Mineral Oil is Paraffin oil. A highly purified liquid petrolatum that cuts through grease, dirt, and makeup. Common in skincare products because it cleans while locking in moisture by creating a barrier. This barrier can block pores, however, so the acne prone should limit mineral oil usage when possible.

Manuka Honey: Manuka Honey has healing, protecting and hydrating properties. It fights free radicals and is an anti-aging, boosting collagen production and cellular regeneration. Manuka Honey works best when combined with hydration. Manuka Honey has natural antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties to heal skin conditions. It is especially helpful for acne, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, wounds, burns, insect bites, rosacea, stretch marks, and sunburn.

Mandelic acid: Mandelic acid is a very gentle AHA. It penetrates the skin slowly, making it suitable for even sensitive skin.

MMPI.20: An ingredient that inhibits matrix metalloproteinase (or “MMPs”) enzymes from breaking down collagen.

Matcha Leaf Extract: Matcha Leaf Extract is a moisturizing acne treatment that has concentrated Green Tea properties to reduce inflammation and heal.

Matrixyl-3000: Matrixyl-3000 jumpstarts collagen production and pairs well with Vitamin C. Matrixyl-3000 is a combination of two peptides that signal the skin to go into “repair mode.” The skin goes into repair mode when there is skin injury that requires the formation of new collagen and elastin; it does not go into repair mode for age-related collagen loss. Matrixyl 3000 “tricks” the skin into thinking the missing collagen is due to an injury and requires replacement.

Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extract: Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extract contains Vitamin C to boost collagen. There are fatty oils to moisturize. It contains high levels of behenic acid. Topical application promotes cellular growth. It also reduces fine lines, sagging skin, fades scars, reduces and inflammation.

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane): MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) applied topically brightens the skin while moisturizing. MSM is excellent with Vitamin C because enhances the production of “collagen bundles” that prevent skin sagging. For hair, it is taken in supplement form. MSM is a sulfur compound trace and trace mineral found naturally in the body. It’s vital to make and bind both keratin and collagen and keeps hair from becoming brittle and thin. An MSM deficiency shortens the hair growth phase. MSM is commonly used to treat alopecia.

Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17: Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 is in some lash growth serums. It delivers Keratin proteins to sparse eyelashes and eyebrows. This makes them look thicker and fuller.