There’s something magic about those mushrooms. The use of mushrooms in health is hardly new — magic mushrooms have recently gained traction for their use in dealing with mental health disorders.
With more and more people looking for natural alternatives to remedy their health and skincare concerns, the interest in mushrooms has reached an all-time high, particularly in the skincare world.
The Beauty Benefits of Mushroom
While some may dispute the use of mushrooms in skincare as a fungus fad, plenty of research has shown that mushrooms can help to address a number of skincare concerns.
A 2016 study published in Industrial Crops and Products found that mushrooms contain anti-aging properties. The study also revealed that mushrooms can help to alleviate inflammatory skin diseases as well as hyperpigmentation.
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The following year, findings from Penn State revealed that the mushrooms contain extremely potent antioxidants, both of which can combat aging and improve health.
A more recent study published in Molecules found that a compound found in mushrooms, beta-glucan, can help to improve the skin barrier, protecting its health and helping those with sensitive skin.
The Best Shrooms For Your Skin
If you’re looking to include mushrooms into your skincare routine, but you’re not sure where to start, read on for the ultimate anti-aging shrooms.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps are mushrooms that have adaptogenic properties. This means that they can help to combat stress, and considering the effect that stress can have on your skin (breakouts, inflammation, flare-ups), including them into your post-pandemic skincare routine wouldn’t be a bad idea.
Additionally, cordyceps are also high in antioxidants and this helps them to encourage the production of both collagen and elastin, which is always a good thing, especially if you want supple and smooth skin. The Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Soothing Face Cream is a great product because it can help to leave the skin softer and healthier.
Reishi
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If you’re battling with dry or dehydrated skin, then might we suggest the power of the reishi mushroom?
Reishi contains beta-glucans, and these compounds can help to attract water. When it comes to your skincare, reishi can help to trap moisture in your skin, leaving you with a hydrated and youthful look. After all, lack of moisture in the skin can leave one with an aged appearance.
Additionally, reishi also offers some sun-protective benefits as they can help with sun damage. Try out the Mad Hippie Triple C Night Cream. The combination of shea butter, vitamin C, and reishi will help to hydrate and brighten the skin.
Tremella
Another win for those with thirsty skin!
Tremella mushrooms can help to retain water, five times more water than hyaluronic acid, so they’re the perfect ingredient for those dealing with seriously dry and dehydrated skin. The best part is that tremella particles are even smaller than those of hyaluronic acid, which makes it easier for them to be deeply absorbed into the skin. The Herbivore Pink Cloud Cleanser is a natural and vegan cleanser that will leave the skin hydrated and clean.
Chaga
Yes, the sun is a great source of vitamin D, but it’s also the reason behind a lot of skincare problems. Thankfully, the Chaga mushroom, along with a really good broad-spectrum sunscreen, can help to combat the aging effects of UV rays (1).
Additionally, Chaga also contains properties that can not only help with hyperpigmentation, but can also encourage regeneration of tissues and skin. A great moisturizer that we recommend is the Blithe Pressed Serum Moisturizer. Not only is this K-beauty product vegan, but it will also revive and hydrate the skin.
Shiitake mushrooms
A popular mushroom featured in many stir-frys, shiitake mushrooms are exactly what you need to enhance your skin’s health.
For one, shiitake mushrooms are a great source of kojic acid, one of the best compounds to use if you’re struggling with acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and age spots.
Shiitake is also a good source of vitamin D, which is great for those struggling with acne, as vitamin D contains anti-inflammatory properties. If that doesn’t convince you to use more shiitake in your skincare, the mushroom also contains the antioxidant L-ergothioneine. This compound not only helps to fight off free radicals, but also encourages the production of collagen and elastin.
The climate-friendly Aveeno Positively Ageless Anti-Aging Firming Body Lotion will leave your skin moisturized, all while improving its texture and elasticity
The age of the mushroom
In addition to splurging on a few mushroom-rich beauty products, don’t shy away from including mushrooms in your diet. They’re rich in plenty of antioxidants and vitamins that can help enhance your body from the inside out.
However, if you’re thinking about taking some mushrooms from the kitchen and creating your own DIY face mask, rather leave it to the professionals.
Want to know more?
Psilocybin mushrooms are making a comeback after decades of being demonized. Magic mushrooms were banned in the 70s, despite having important medicinal qualities. Today, magic mushrooms have the potential to treat serious psychological disorders.
References
Kalaras, M. D., Richie, J. P., Calcagnotto, A., & Beelman, R. B. (2017). Mushrooms: A rich source of the antioxidants ergothioneine and glutathione. Food chemistry, 233, 429–433. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2017.04.109
Taofiq, O, Gonzalez-paramas, A. M., Martins, A., Barreiro, M., Ferreira, I. (2016). Mushrooms extracts and compounds in cosmetics, cosmeceuticals and nutricosmetics—A review. Industrial Crops and Products. 90. 38-48. 10.1016/j.indcrop.2016.06.012.
Vetvicka, V., Vannucci, L., Sima, P., & Richter, J. (2019). Beta Glucan: Supplement or Drug? From Laboratory to Clinical Trials. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 24(7), 1251. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24071251
