A staple in traditional Chinese medicines for centuries, medicinal mushrooms have steadily been becoming more mainstream, making their way into adaptogenic lattes and, now, skincare. Rich in bioactive compounds that provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits to the skin, these plant-based ingredients also offer gentle yet effective alternatives to their chemical counterparts. So, with the skincare ‘shroom boom showing no signs of slowing down, we decided to delve into the benefits of adding these functional fungi into your routine. Read on to learn more about these star ingredients.
What Are the Skincare Benefits of Mushrooms?
First of all, while we refer to mushrooms as plant-based ingredients, they aren't really plants but rather types of fungi that have a plantlike form. There are over 14,000 species of mushrooms–some are edible, some are poisonous, and some have adaptogenic properties, meaning they can help the body adapt to stress and exert a normalizing effect upon bodily processes. Mushrooms are also a rich source of Vitamins B and D; beta-glucans, which act as humectants; minerals such as zinc and magnesium; and powerful antioxidants, including ergothioneine and glutathione. Combined, these can deliver a host of skincare benefits:
- Boost collagen production
- Provide antioxidant protection
- Brighten the skin
- Hydrate and moisturize
- Provide anti-aging benefits
- Provide anti-inflammatory benefits
- Provide UV protection
Types of Mushrooms Found in Skincare
While there are thousands of species of mushrooms, only a handful have made their way into skincare formulations due to their proven ability to hydrate, brighten, soothe, and protect from free radical damage. Here are the key players and their star properties.
Reishi
Skincare benefits: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, brightening, moisturizing
Reishi is a large, woody mushroom that grows on trees across North America, Asia, and parts of the Amazon. It is packed with powerful antioxidants including ergothioneine and glutathione that encourage cell renewal and stimulate the production of Collagen and Elastin, while protecting the skin from environmental stressors and preventing inflammation. Reishi is rich in polysaccharides, which have humectant and hydrating benefits, restore Ceramide levels in the skin, and repair and reinforce the skin’s moisture barrier. Reishi also inhibits the melanin-producing enzyme tyrosinase, thereby reducing skin pigmentation and dark spots.
Fomes Officinalis
Skincare benefits: Astringent, moisturizing
Fomes Officinalis, also known as the agarikon mushroom, is a wood-decay fungus that grows on trees across Europe, Asia, North America and Morocco. Rich in agaric acid, a natural astringent that regulates sebum, Fomes Officinalis extract minimizes the appearance of pores and gently reduces oil production, while polysaccharides, which have humectant and hydrating benefits, restore Ceramide levels in the skin and help repair and reinforce the skin’s moisture barrier.
Chaga Mushroom
Skincare benefits: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
Chaga is a type of fungus that grows mainly on the bark of birch trees in cold climates, such as Northern Europe and Northern Canada. High in UV-blocking melanin, Chaga provides UV protection, while high amounts of SOD (Superoxide Dismutase) provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
Snow Mushroom
Skincare benefits: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, brightening, moisturizing
Snow Mushroom, also known as Tremella Fuciformis or Silver Ear Mushroom, is a powerful humectant that can hold 450 times its weight in water. In addition to its hydrating benefits, Snow Mushroom contains high levels of Kojic Acid, which helps to reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation, polysaccharides, and Vitamin D, an anti-inflammatory.
Shiitake Mushroom
Skincare benefits: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, brightening, moisturizing
Shitake is an edible mushroom native to East Asia that is rich in Kojic Acid, which helps to reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation, and ergothioneine, a powerful antioxidant that encourages cell renewal and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. Shitake is also rich in Vitamin B3 (also known as Niacinamide), which provides anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Cordyceps Mushroom
Skincare benefits: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hydrating
Cordyceps is a parasitic fungus that lives mainly on insects and other fungi.
It is rich in polysaccharides, which have humectant and hydrating benefits, restore Ceramide levels in the skin, and help repair and reinforce the skin’s moisture barrier. Studies have also found Cordyceps to provide protection against UVB damage and act as a powerful anti-inflammatory.
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