Understanding the Gentle Yet Effective Benefits of Using Mushroom-Based Products
Posted on February 16, 2023 Written by: 100% PURE ®
As winter wanes and spring slowly approaches, we’re ecstatic to start shedding away the layers and plan our warm-weather activities.
However, winter is still very much in swing, and that means we’re still dealing with cold weather and dry air–for those with sensitive skin, that can spell dryness and dehydration. This is where mushroom-based skincare could come in handy.
Mushrooms have been gaining some serious headway over the last few years, and that’s largely because of their ability to heal the body from within. Mushrooms are often hydrating, brightening, and packed with antioxidants. Best of all, they’re both gentle and effective on sensitive skin.
Here’s what you need to know about mushrooms in skin care, and how they can give you your best glow yet!
While we often generalize the benefits of mushrooms, it’s important to remember that there are many different species, and each possesses its unique properties.
Here are eleven different mushrooms you’ll find in our skincare products; read on to learn what they can do for your skin!
Tremella Mushroom
Tremella mushroom, also known as “snow mushroom,” can do wonders for your skin’s hydration levels. When your skin is properly hydrated, it not only looks plumper and dewier, but it’s also going to help your skin barrier work more efficiently.
This mushroom’s hydrating benefits come from its water-retaining properties. Tremella is known to have gelatinous molecules, which strongly resemble hyaluronic acid. On top of that, it may even have the ability to preserve collagen by extending the lifespan of fibroblasts in the skin.
Reishi Mushroom
If your skin is undergoing a stressful period, reishi may offer some relief. Reishi is known for its longevity-promoting properties, and it’s one of the most powerful mushrooms in skincare to boot.
Reishi is an adaptogen, which helps regulate your body’s stress response. While this makes it popular as a supplement, its de-stressing abilities can benefit the skin by protecting it from oxidative stress. In other words, you can expect firmer, glowing skin.
Shiitake Mushroom
Similar to reishi, shiitake mushroom benefits the skin by protecting the cells against oxidative stress. Reshi is concentrated with L-ergothioneine: a potent antioxidant that may help slow the skin’s aging process while preventing dullness.
Shiitake also possesses anti-inflammatory properties, which can help speed up the healing process from injuries while reducing redness.
Chaga Mushroom
While many foods contain melanin-producing properties, Chaga stands out as one that actually contains melanin. Melanin benefits the skin by protecting it from UV damage and oxidative stress.
Chaga also contains beta-glucans, which support a healthy response to inflammation and, according to one study, is the most antioxidant-rich mushroom to date.
Cordyceps Mushroom
As an antioxidant powerhouse, the cordyceps mushroom is known to hydrate, brighten, and firm the skin, as well as alleviate inflammation. This makes it especially helpful for soothing irritated skin.
Lion's Mane Mushroom
Lion’s mane mushroom is packed with compounds that benefit the skin, like beta-glucans, which we mention in the section on chaga, and antioxidants known as hericenones and erinacines. These compounds help to protect the skin from oxidative stress, which is known to cause premature aging and other skin problems.
Maitake Mushroom
Boosts collagen and elastin
Also known as the dancing mushroom, maitake mushroom is rich in not only antioxidants, but also vitamins B, C, and D, as well as amino acids, copper, minerals, and more.
While maitake can greatly benefit the body, it can specifically support skin health by promoting skin elasticity and diminishing redness.
Turkey Tail Mushroom
Distinguished by its fan-like shape, turkey tail mushroom is known for their anti-inflammatory properties. This can help support skin health and boost a natural glow.
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Enoki Mushroom
Increases skin immunity
Like many mushrooms, enoki is packed with antioxidants. However, enoki is unique in that it possesses a vast range of different kinds, including quercetin, ferulic acid, and pyrogallol.
Meshima Mushroom
Meshima is (you guessed it) concentrated with antioxidants. Studies have shown that meshima mushrooms could work as a vitamin C alternative, especially when it comes to fighting free radicals.
Blazei Mushroom
Forms a protective barrier on the skin
Blazei mushrooms are rich in both skin-quenching polysaccharides and water-retaining beta-glucans, which work together to hydrate the skin and reinforce the protective barrier. And when the skin barrier is healthy, it can efficiently protect the skin from pathogens and repair itself.
Mushrooms benefit the skin in a myriad of ways; for starters, they’ve proven to work as gentle, yet effective ingredients in skincare. Mushrooms are also a perfect ingredient for those with dehydrated skin, thanks to their water-retaining properties.
What’s more: mushrooms are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can improve the skin barrier by sealing in water and keeping pathogens out. Omega-3 fatty acids can also help soothe and moisturize the skin, which could be especially helpful to those with eczema and psoriasis.
Mushrooms can also help support the production of collagen. Collagen is a protein in the skin, and it plays a key role in keeping it elastic and firm. Because of the antioxidant properties mushrooms in skincare possess, they can neutralize free radicals and protect against oxidative stress.
While the research on mushrooms is still very much in the works, there is very little evidence that they can cause negative effects. That being said, we always recommend performing a patch test when trying any new ingredient. After all, you never truly know how a skincare product will affect your skin until you try it.
Mushrooms in skin care can be used any time of the day, as they offer both protective and reparative benefits without causing sun damage.
If you’re looking for a mushroom skincare product to start with, our Mushroom Peptide Serum and Moisturizer which includes the eleven mushrooms listed above:
Mushroom Peptide Serum
Medicinal mushrooms deliver multiple skin benefits. Unlock firmer-looking skin with eleven different skin-beneficial medicinal mushrooms and quinoa peptides that make skin more resilient, and vibrant and increase firmness and elasticity.
Mushroom Peptide Moisturizer
A luxurious blend of 11 medicinal mushrooms, hyaluronic acid & quinoa peptides for intense hydration & firmness. The antioxidant-rich formula boosts the skin's glow & vibrancy. Perfect for a youthful, radiant complexion.
With their wealth of antioxidants, hydrating properties, and more, it’s easy to see why mushrooms are becoming so popular in skincare for sensitive skin.
Aside from using mushrooms in skincare for sensitive skin, mushrooms can also make an incredibly healthful part of your diet. If possible, we encourage you to go beyond the typical portobello and crimini to try something new: health stores and Asian markets will often sell a wide range of mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, maitake, and more.
With all that said, you hopefully know the golden rule with mushrooms: never eat a strange mushroom in the wild, as many are toxic. And in a similar vein, we do not recommend using mushrooms in DIY skincare. Instead, choose something that’s been expert-formulated.
- Tags: February-2023, Skin Care, skincare
We carefully hand-select products based on strict purity standards, and only recommend products we feel meet this criteria. 100% PURE™ may earn a small commission for products purchased through affiliate links.
The information in this article is for educational use, and not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be used as such.
