The main causes of pimples and blackheads are excessive production of sebum (oil) in the sebaceous glands and clogging of the skin's pores with dead skin cells, bacteria and sebum.

We recommend our routines for blemished skin

Prickly Pear Extract has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce pimples and soothe skin.
Tepezcohuite and Chicalote have regenerating and pore tightening properties that help heal the skin and reduce scarring (pimple marks). Agave contains natural saponins and provides long-lasting moisture: impurities are minimized and the appearance of pimples can be reduced. You can read more about this under active ingredients.

Other contributing factors to blackheads and pimples are hormones, diet and stress.

Acne is an inflammatory skin condition caused by clogged hair follicles and excess oil production in the skin. There are different forms of acne, including hormonal acne.

"Normal acne" usually occurs in teenagers when hormones change during puberty, and can also be triggered by other factors such as diet, stress or use of certain cosmetic products The same natural substances help with regular acne as with impure skin with pimples and blackheads (see above).

We recommend our routines for blemished skin and hormonal routines for hormonal acne.

If you think you are suffering from severe inflammatory acne, it is best to seek advice from a dermatologist or specialist as individual, appropriate treatment is necessary in such cases.

The main difference between acne and hormonal acne is that hormonal acne is caused by hormonal fluctuations in the body that increase the skin's production of sebum.

Hormonal acne usually occurs in women who experience hormonal changes due to menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause or after stopping the pill.

We have developed a cleansing routine tailored to the different phases of the cycle. As well as a cleansing for pregnant women.

How do I recognize hormonal acne? Hormonal acne tends to appear on the lower face areas, such as the chin and cheeks, while normal acne tends to appear on the forehead, nose, and chin (T-zone).

If you think you're suffering from hormonal acne, it's also worth looking at your diet and lifestyle, as these factors also affect hormonal balance. You can find out more about this in our magazine and on our social media channels.

Wrinkles and fine lines generally develop due to aging and the associated breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin.

In addition, exposure to sunlight, smoking, and pollution can also contribute to wrinkles and fine lines. These factors can cause oxidative damage in the skin, leading to the breakdown of collagen and elastin.

Other factors include dehydration, lack of sleep and an unhealthy diet.

We recommend our routines for treating wrinkles and fine lines.
The active ingredients Tepezcohuite, Bugambilia and Cempasúchil have long been used in traditional Mexican medicine and due to their natural properties have the potential to help prevent skin aging. You can read more about the active ingredients in our active ingredient area.

Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition characterized by redness, vasodilatation, nodules, and thickening of the skin on the face. The exact cause of rosacea is not known, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and immunological factors.

Chicalote, Bugambilia, Cempasuchil and Tepezcohuite are natural Mexican active ingredients traditionally used to treat skin conditions and may also help with rosacea due to their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

In general, we recommend our routines for normal skin and the blemished skin routines for blemishes and rosacea.

We also recommend consulting a specialist when treating rosacea.

Blemished and sensitive skin can be caused by a variety of factors, including an overproduction of sebum and clogged pores. Due to hormonal changes, stress and excessive use of synthetic, irritating cosmetics.

We recommend the routines for blemished skin.

Chicalote, aloe vera, nopal extract, activated charcoal and tepezcohuite are natural active ingredients that are traditionally used to treat related skin problems and, thanks to their anti-inflammatory, pore-refining, soothing properties, also help with blemished, sensitive skin.

Dry, flaky skin can be triggered by factors such as lack of moisture, overexposure to extreme temperatures or dry air, synthetic irritating skincare products, age-related changes, and exposure to medications.

We recommend the dry skin routines.

Natural active ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Tepezcohuite, Bugambilia, and Cempasuchil can help soothe, hydrate, and revitalize skin by providing moisturizing, regenerative, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant benefits.

However, it is important to consider individual skin needs and, if necessary, to consult a dermatologist or specialist in the event of prolonged occurrence.

You can find more about the active ingredients in our active ingredient list.

Sensitive, irritated skin can be caused by various factors such as pollution, stress, hormonal changes and allergic reactions.

We recommend our routines to strengthen the skin barrier

Natural active ingredients like aloe vera, agave, tepezcohuite, bugambilia, and cempasuchil can help address these issues by possessing soothing, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties. For example, aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties that can help soothe and hydrate the skin. Agave contains natural saponins that can help remove impurities, while tepezcohuite and bugambilia possess regenerating properties that can help heal and revitalize the skin.
You can find out more under active ingredients.

If you suffer from sensitive, irritated skin on a long-term basis, then you should consult a specialist or dermatologist for personalized treatment.

The causes of body acne and pimples on the back can be varied: Hormonal changes and fluctuations, especially during puberty, can lead to this acne, but also clogged pores and sweat and friction.

We recommend our solid body cleansing, especially the Tepezcohuite peeling.

Nopal, tepezochuite, agave, and chicalote are plants used in traditional Mexican medicine to treat these skin conditions.

Our cleansing bars are also suitable for body cleansing, for example the back or arms, and can be used specifically for this purpose.

Depending on your concerns and skin type, we have developed cleaning routines that are tailored to your skin type, click on your routine and find out the details:

1. Routine for blemished skin
2. Routine for oily skin
3. Combination skin routine
4. Routine for dry skin
5. Routine for normal skin
6. Routine for cyclic cleansing
7. Routine for pregnant women

We also recommend using a hydrating toner and a serum after each cleanse. These are included in our Essentials sets for your skin type and Mexican Skincare Must Haves.

To ensure your solid cleansing bar lasts as long as possible and doesn't compromise its effectiveness, there are a few things to consider when it comes to storage:

1. Keep it dry: Avoid storing the bar in a humid environment as this can cause it to wear out faster and affect its quality. Make sure the soap dries well after use by storing it on a soap dish with a naturally water-absorbent fabric or drying rack.
   
   We recommend our natural stone tray for our cleansing bars.
   
   
2. Avoid direct sunlight: UV rays can change the color and texture of your soap and cause it to wear out faster. Store your soap in a cool, dry place and avoid exposing it to direct sunlight.
   
   
3. Pack Airtight: If you want to take your soap or solid cleansing bar with you when you travel or need to store it for a long time, you should put it in a sealable container to protect it from moisture and contamination.
   
   
4. More storage
   You can keep your bars dry in the Viva Maia paper box. Especially if you don't use your bars regularly or if you want to store them away first.

In general, our bars are used to cleanse the skin of the face or body. Depending on the cleansing bar, we recommend different application times.

Please inform yourself about the correct application on the product pages or in the skin advisor under "Questions about the product".
You can also find all trackers and application guides for download here.

Gentle cleansing: For a gentle cleanse, moisten your face with lukewarm water. Then you foam up the bar in your hands and distribute the foam in circular movements on damp skin . After about 15 seconds, remove the foam with lukewarm water for at least 15 seconds. Then gently pat the skin dry.

Intensive cleansing (Dry Cleansing): For an intensive cleansing, especially if you wear heavy makeup, foam the bar in your hands and distribute the foam in circular movements on the dry skin . After about 15 seconds, remove the foam with lukewarm water for at least 15 seconds. Then gently pat the skin dry.

You can remove light eye make-up with the foam from the bars. However, make sure that the foam does not get in your eyes.
In general, we recommend cleaning specially designed for removing eye make-up. Our cleansing bars are formulated to cleanse facial skin, not the eye area.

1. Vermeide Feuchtigkeit. Bewahre die Bar an einem Ort auf, an dem sie nach Gebrauch gut trocknen kann. Vermeiden das sie in einer feuchten Seifenschale, Untergrund liegt oder auf einem nassen Waschbecken liegt.
   
2. Passende Ablage: Unsere Natürliche Seifenablage oder eine Seifenschale mit Abtropfgitter sind eine gute Möglichkeit die Bars aufzubewaren. Sie ermöglichen dass die Bar nach Gebrauch trocken bleibt, indem sie überschüssiges Wasser ableiten.
3. Lager die Bar an einem kühlen Ort. Hitze und Sonnenlicht können die Bar schmelzen oder ihre Textur verändern. Bewahren Sie daher an einem kühlen und trockenen Ort auf.
4. Vermeide verschlossene Behälter. Eine luftdichte Verpackung oder ein verschlossener Behälter kann dazu führen, dass die Bar feucht und schneller verbraucht wird.

After cleansing, we recommend using a toner or tonic that maintains the skin's protective barrier and promotes skin absorption for subsequent products. Follow the toner with a serum and then a moisturizer.
It is also recommended to use an SPF in the morning.

We offer a Tepezcohuite Toner and a Tepezcohuite Serum.

We have developed a skin type test that can support you in your decision.

Here is the skin type test.

For detailed advice, especially for sensitive skin types, we recommend that you consult your dermatologist.

Many people expect quick results from their skin care routine, but the body and skin need time to react and regenerate.

It takes about four weeks for skin cells to regenerate and shed the top layer of skin. Therefore, it is important to be patient and use our Viva Maia skin care continuously to achieve the desired results.

In total, it can take up to eight weeks to see the first results. It is important to be patient and continuously work on skin improvement to maintain healthy and beautiful skin in the long term.

On the Tracker page we have made the application guides available for you to download by skin type and set.

Depending on your concerns and skin type, we have a coordinated routine, click on your routine and find out the details.

You use the toner every day in the morning and in the evening after cleansing. Apply the serum to the still damp skin, especially in the evening after the toner.

You can download the tracker and application guide here .

More about your cleansing routine for your skin type:

1. Routine for impure skin
2. Routine for Oily Skin
3. Combination skin routine
4. Routine for dry skin
5. Routine for normal skin
6. Routine for cyclic cleaning
7. Routine for pregnant women

When can I use the toner?
Morning and evening after cleansing. We recommend cleaning the skin with one of our cleansing bars beforehand to increase its effectiveness. The toner is suitable for all skin types.

How is the toner used?
Apply 3 drops of the highly concentrated Tepezcohuite Toner to your palms in the morning and evening and apply gently to the face and neck.

For full effect, we recommend using this routine regularly for at least 6 weeks and complementing it with a gentle cleanser suited to your skin type and a serum.

When can I use the serum?
Morning and evening after cleansing. We recommend using the Tepezcohuite Toner beforehand to increase its effectiveness.

How is the Tepezcohuite & Nōchtli Serum used?
Apply 3 drops of the highly concentrated Tepezcohuite Serum to cleansed face in the morning and evening.
Gently massage into face and neck.
Be careful not to touch your skin with the dropper.
We recommend using the serum regularly for at least 6 weeks to see the full effect.

For full effect, we recommend using this routine regularly for at least 6 weeks and complementing it with a gentle cleanser suited to your skin type and toner.

Our Mexican Skincare bestseller set contains a detox cleansing that you can use daily in the evening and, if necessary, in the morning.

You use the Tepezcohuite peeling up to 3 times a week instead of the Detox Bar.

You use the toner every morning and evening after cleansing.

You apply the serum, especially in the evening after the toner, to the still slightly damp skin.

More about your cleansing routine for your skin type:

1. Routine for blemished skin
2. Routine for Oily Skin
3. Combination skin routine
4. Routine for dry skin
5. Routine for normal skin
6. Routine for cyclic cleaning
7. Routine for pregnant wome

Our Must Haves sets already contain a serum and a toner that contain moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. These ingredients help to moisturize the skin and improve its elasticity and suppleness.

However, depending on skin type and climate conditions, it may be necessary to apply additional moisturizers to properly care for the skin. If you feel your skin needs extra hydration, consider a moisturizing cream.

Regardless, it's always a good idea to apply a moisturizer in the morning that contains sun protection factor (SPF) to protect skin from harmful UV rays. SPF can help reduce the risk of sunburn, skin aging and skin cancer. Unfortunately we do not offer any product here.

Agave is a plant used for centuries by the indigenous peoples of Mexico and South America for its beneficial properties on the human body.

Agave contains a variety of active ingredients known for their skin-nourishing properties, including:

Polysaccharides: Agave contains large amounts of polysaccharides, which provide the skin with lasting and long-term moisture and improve the suppleness and elasticity of the skin.

Saponins: These naturally occurring surfactants help remove dirt and oil from the skin without drying it out.

Antioxidants: Agave is rich in antioxidants like flavonoids and vitamin C, which help fight free radicals and protect skin from damage caused by pollution and sun exposure.

Amino Acids: Agave also contains a variety of amino acids that help support skin's natural moisture levels and promote collagen production to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Minerals: Agave contains minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium, which can help strengthen and protect the skin.

The dermal availability of agave is particularly high, so that vitamins and nutrients can be easily absorbed by the skin.

Agave is the basis of all our cleaning bars due to its many benefits.

You can contact us through our contact page! We will be happy to assist you.

We use essential oils instead of artificial fragrances. Unlike synthetic fragrances that are created in the laboratory, our essential oils have several advantages:

1. Naturalness: Essential oils are derived from plants and are therefore natural products. We prefer natural products as they are safer and more environmentally friendly than synthetic fragrances.
   
   


2. Health Benefits: Essential oils also offer health benefits.
   For example, lavender oil can have a calming and relaxing effect on the skin, eucalyptus oil has antimicrobial properties and helps treat acne and other skin problems.
   
   


3. Unique Fragrance: Our Essential Oils have a unique fragrance that depends on the plant from which they are extracted.
   
   
   

Important note for allergy sufferers:
It's important to note that essential oils can also be potential allergens, especially when applied to the skin. Some people can be sensitive to certain essential oils and develop allergic reactions such as rashes or itching. It is therefore important that allergy sufferers carefully check the ingredients on our product pages and, if necessary, carry out an allergy test to ensure that they are not experiencing any adverse reactions to essential oils or other ingredients.

Bugambilia, is a tropical plant found in various parts of the world including Mexico. The plant is often used in traditional medicine and cosmetics, particularly in Mexico where it is found as a natural ingredient in many products.

The benefits of Bugambilia on the skin are many and include:

1. Anti-inflammatory: Bugambilia contains flavonoids and other compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, applying bugambilia extract to the skin is helpful in reducing inflammation and soothing the skin.
   
   


2. Antioxidant Action: Bugambilia contains antioxidants such as polyphenols and carotenoids that help neutralize free radicals in the skin, preventing damage from oxidative stress.
   
   


3. Moisturizing: Bugambilia extract contains natural humectants that help moisturize and hydrate the skin. This can help combat dry skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
   
   


4. Exfoliating: Bugambilia contains enzymes that help remove dead skin cells. This will help minimize the appearance of bumps and discoloration.
   
   

Bugambilia extract is included in several of our products.

The calendula flower is closely related to the Mexican cempasúchil flower. A plant of the daisy family, native to Mexico.

The flower has a special meaning and effect in Mexican culture, especially during the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) holiday.

Aside from its symbolic meaning, both cempasúchil and calendula have many health benefits:

1. Anti-Inflammatory: It contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce inflammation in the body.

2. Antibacterial: It has antibacterial properties that can help fight bacterial infections and blemishes.

3. Antioxidant Action: It contains antioxidants that fight free radicals responsible for skin damage and premature aging. Cempasúchil has a particularly high dermal availability.

4. Moisturizing: It contains natural moisturizers like hyaluronic acid that help skin retain moisture and reduce dryness.

Several of our products contain natural calendula as it is comparable to cempasúchil extract and is an EU approved product.

Chicalote is a plant also known as Argemone mexicana that originated in Mexico. The plant is often used in traditional medicine and has various benefits for the skin.

One of the most important uses of chicalote on the skin is to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. The plant contains compounds like alkaloids and flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce redness and swelling.

Chicalote is particularly helpful for cleansing the skin, which is why we use it in our Detox Bar.
It has antibacterial properties. These help treat acne and other skin infections, such as fungal acne.

The plant also contains antioxidants that help protect skin from free radical damage and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Important info: Chicalote can also contain toxic compounds, especially in the seeds and in higher doses. Therefore, our recipes with Chicalote are always created under the supervision of a doctor and herbalist. We do not recommend buying the plant alone and using it for homemade masks or skin care products.

The benefits of plant-based hyaluronic acid on the skin are manifold. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the skin that helps retain moisture. However, as we age, the production of hyaluronic acid decreases, leading to dryness, wrinkles and fine lines.

The application of plant-based hyaluronic acid helps increase moisture levels in the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Our Hyaluronic Acid is included in our Skin Refining Routines and Tepezcohuite products.


Manufacturing:
Our plant based hyaluronic acid is obtained through the fermentation of bacteria such as Streptococcus zooepidemicus or Bacillus subtilis.

The bacteria produce hyaluronic acid, which is then recovered through filtration and purification.

In contrast to animal hyaluronic acid, which is obtained from cockscombs or cattle eyes, the plant-based version is vegan and free from animal products.

Plant based vitamin E, also known as tocopherol, It is a fat-soluble vitamin found in many vegetable oils such as wheat germ oil, sunflower oil and avocado oil. It has various skin benefits including:

1. Antioxidant Action: Plant-based vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps fight free radicals caused by sunlight, pollution, and other environmental factors. Free radicals can damage cells and contribute to the development of wrinkles, fine lines and age spots. The antioxidant effects of plant-based vitamin E help protect the skin from this damage.
2. Moisturizing effect: Vegetable vitamin E helps to moisturize the skin. It helps retain moisture in the skin and helps prevent dry and flaky skin.
3. Anti-inflammatory effect: Plant-based vitamin E has an anti-inflammatory effect and helps to reduce redness, swelling and skin irritation. It helps treat acne, eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions.
4. Improved wound healing: Plant-based vitamin E promotes collagen production in the skin. Collagen is a protein that is important for skin elasticity and helps skin stay firm and smooth.

Plant based vitamin E is included in our cleansing bars as well as in our serum and toner.

Tepezcohuite is a true power beauty ingredient. Originally used by the Maya to soothe burns and facilitate their healing, today it is best known for its beneficial properties on the appearance of our skin. Tepezcohuite diminishes fine lines, refines the complexion and minimizes blackheads and large pores. Here are some of the key active ingredients in Tepezcohuite:

Tannin: Tannin has astringent and anti-inflammatory properties that can help tighten and soothe the skin. Tepezcohuite is particularly rich in tannins and therefore has many benefits for the skin

Saponins: Saponins have cleansing properties and can help unclog pores and remove excess oil and dirt from the skin.

Flavonoids: Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants that help protect skin from free radical damage. They can also help stimulate collagen production and tighten the skin.

Alkaloids: Alkaloids have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that can help soothe irritated or inflamed skin.

Zinc: Zinc is an important component of collagen and elastin, the two proteins responsible for the skin's firmness and elasticity. Zinc also helps with wound healing and can fight acne.

In summary, the active ingredients of natural Tepezcohuite can help to tighten, cleanse, soothe the skin, protect against antioxidant damage, stimulate collagen production and promote wound healing.

Tepezcohuite is included in our serums and toners as well as in our Exfoliating Peeling Bar.