You can eat them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner – mushrooms are a kitchen staple that have made their way into the beauty industry. The use of these humble fungi in skincare is nothing new – they’ve been used in traditional Chinese and Japanese traditional medics discovered the health benefits of mushrooms centuries ago, realising that the nutrients in mushrooms can be harnessed to treat a variety of skin issues. From treating inflammation and sensitivity to anti-ageing and skin brightening qualities, mushroom extracts cover it all.
The Beauty Benefits of Mushroom
While they may not have the beauty of a rose, mushrooms are packed full of vitamins and other nutrients that can boost skin health. Mushrooms are known to have anti-oxidant, antimicrobial anti-inflammatory, which makes them great for sensitive skin prone to inflammation. A 2019 study reports that beta glucans found in mushrooms helped in wound healing and reduced wrinkle-depths, adding a boost of anti-ageing power to your skincare products. Additionally, mushrooms have also been found to inhibit tyrosinase activity which means they help in brightening the skin by reducing the production of melanin.
So in a nutshell, mushrooms can kill microbes, brighten skin, fight ageing, reduce inflammation, and deeply hydrate your skin. Who knew they were such hard workers?
Mushrooms in Skincare Products
Here are a few mushrooms you should be looking out for in your mushroom creams, serums, and makeup.
Shiitake mushrooms:
Yep, the very same ones you love to put in your stir-fries. Shiitake mushrooms contain kojic acid which is a well-known skin brightener which works by blocking the formation of tyrosine, which reduces the production of melanin. Shiitake mushrooms also contain beta glucans and selenium – chemicals which reduce inflammation and help fight against the formation of wrinkles.
Find shiitake mushrooms in: The Dermalogica Powerbright Dark Spot Serum that evens out your skin tone and fades dark spots.
Reishi mushrooms:
The bitter Reishis aren’t really meant for eating but contain a whole bunch of benefits for your skin and body. So much so that the ancient Chinese physicians called it the ‘divine mushroom’ or ‘mushroom of immortality’. Reishis’ skincare secret is the polysaccharides they contain – which are immensely hydrating. Reishi mushroom extracts are also thought to help your skin fight against allergic reactions like contact dermatitis and reduce inflammation – perfect for dealing with rashes, breakouts and even sunburn. These power packed mushrooms are also a great source of antioxidants that fight environmental stressors like pollution, making them a great everyday skincare ingredient.
Find reishi mushrooms in: The Origins Dr. Andrew Weil Mega-Mushroom Relief & Resilience Soothing Face Mask that cares for sensitive skin by reducing redness and building resistance.
Tremella – Snow Mushrooms:
These slightly weird, loofah-looking mushrooms are comparable to hyaluronic acid when it comes to helping plump and firm up your skin. Extracts of snow mushrooms can hold up to 450 times their own weight in water, which gives your skin a huge hydrating boost. These extracts also have an edge of hyaluronic acid as their particles can penetrate your skin at a much deeper level. They also contain antioxidants, polysaccharides, and Vitamin D - all of which are great for a smooth, even skin tone.
Find snow mushrooms in:Origins Dr. Andrew Weil Mega-Mushroom Soothing Hydra-Mist With Reishi And Snow Mushroom that plumps up the skin and restores hydration.
Chaga mushrooms:
Originating in the harsh climes of Russia and Northern Europe, these mushrooms are full of nutrients that can help boost your immunity. Their antiviral and antibacterial properties help fight skin infections while their antioxidants protect against environmental stressors. Chaga mushrooms also contain melanin which is powerful protectant against UV rays.
Find chaga mushrooms in:GLAMGLOW® Hydration Moisturetrip Omega-Rich Moisturizer that helps protect your skin against blue-light exposure and provides intense hydration.
Cordyceps:
First found high up in the mountain ranges of Tibet, this mushroom can be expensive to buy and use – but cultivation has made it more accessible, which is a winner for the beauty industry and your skin. Cordyceps is packed with antioxidants that help fight against pollutants along with other nutrients that help boost collagen production needed to maintain the youthfulness of your skin.
Find cordyceps in:Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation SPF40 that protects your skin and gives you a radiant glow.
The beauty benefits of mushrooms in skincare means you’re going to see an increasing number of mushroom creams, mushroom serums, and mushroom makeup on the market. Get in on the beauty industry’s new favourite ingredient and shop mushroom skincare products on allbeauty today.
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