Mushroom skincare is not a new solution to skin and health issues, however, elevated stress and anxiety continue to drive consumers to seek out solutions in the beauty and wellness worlds, and we notice more and more brands answering these concerns with mushroom-powered products. Mushrooms are powerful both internally and externally. They support both innate and adaptive immunity when ingested, and when applied topically they contain tons of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help the skin’s anti-aging process.
The use of mushroom skincare is hardly new, they have been used in Eastern cultures for centuries. However, they are on the rise, owing to the increased interest in more holistic health and wellness practices.
The Reishi Mushroom
The reishi mushroom is also known as the mushroom of immortality. These medicinal mushrooms contain a woody, bitter taste that makes them very different from other fungi you might find on a pizza. Brown in appearance and color, reishi mushrooms grow on dying or dead tree trunks and can grow up to two inches thick and one foot wide.
The reishi mushroom was traditionally used in Eastern medicine, particularly in China. They earned their rather fantastic name due to their adaptogen capacities; it’s been associated with slowed aging, increased energy, boosted immunity, healthy liver function, and conspicuously fresh skin. Today it is the subject of many studies in Western medicine.
This mushroom provides many benefits with “antitumoral, antioxidant, and antimicrobial” effects. The reishi mushroom can help boost your health on the inside but can also help enhance your health and skin on the outside.
Good for :
- improved barrier function,
- soothing inflammation,
- anti-wrinkle benefits
The Shitake Mushroom
The shiitake mushroom is a fungus that has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. It is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it beneficial for skin health, including helping improve skin tone, aiding in reducing the signs of aging, and helping to treat skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and acne. In addition to eating shiitake mushrooms or applying them topically, you can also take supplements that contain the extracts of this fungus.
Good for:
- fading dark spots and scars,
- evening skin tone,
- brightening the skin
Turkey Tail Mushroom
Turkey Tail Mushroom, scientifically known as Trametes versicolor, is a common mushroom found in many parts of the world. Its name comes from its striking resemblance to a turkey’s tail with its vibrant, multi-colored rings on the cap. But its beauty is not just skin deep. The turkey tail mushroom offers an array of potential benefits.
- Reduced Oxidative Stress (Anti-Aging Benefits)
Oxidative stress, in simple terms, is like a troublemaker causing havoc at the cellular level. It’s the trouble that starts small but can escalate into bigger issues like inflammation and persistent health problems. Research suggests that oxidative stress speeds up the aging process, which can negatively impact skin health.
- Reduced Inflammation and Redness
Inflammation and redness can be a bummer for your skin’s appearance. It’s actually linked to various chronic conditions, as well as many skin conditions, like acne, psoriasis, and many signs of aging.
- Enhanced Skin Hydration
Just like a well-watered garden flourishes, your skin thrives on hydration. The polysaccharides found in Turkey Tail Mushroom act as moisture magnets, helping your skin retain hydration.
Mushroom skincare is experiencing a major moment right now, but mushrooms been a part of beauty recipes and product formulations for hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of years,” says Ahmad. But as the public has become more savvy at reading ingredient lists, they’ve learned the difference between cheap fillers and high-performance flora. Perhaps this is why these natural superstars are taking center stage: They have a long and well-substantiated narrative of natural efficacy, which is precisely what consumers are looking for. Suffice it to say mushrooms are here to stay!
