What Mushrooms Can Do for Your Skin
Loaded with thousands of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, mushroms are powerful organisms that can completely modify the texture and hydration of skin.
Historically, popular in the culinary world—where nuances give it the ability to enhance different dishes and cuisines—mushrooms have recently become an increasingly used ingredient for skincare.
Despite not being a compound known to many, a study carried out by Molecular Diversity Preservation International showed that there are several types of mushrooms, such as shiitake, portobello, and reishi that are incorporated in different products such as creams, lotions, and serums as the main part of the formulas due to their effects and benefits.
ANTI-AGING
Mushrooms contain several beneficial substances to reverse and prevent the signs of skin aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, and blemishes. Ceramides, omega 3, 6, and 9, fatty acids, resveratrol, and carotenoids, among others, contain very powerful antioxidant properties ideal to combat skin aging.
Shiitake mushrooms, specifically, have a complex that helps to inhibit elastase activity, the enzyme acts on elastin causing fragmentation and, consequently, a loss of elasticity in tissues that compromises integrity and firmness.
MOISTURIZING
The powerful antioxidants and natural moisturizers found within mushroom extracts can offer a suite of absorbable nutrients such as lactic acid that hydrates and softens dry, scaly skin; chitin-glucan, a copolymer found in the cell wall of various fungi, whose moisturizing properties make it a very effective moisturizer for the skin. Like ceramides, they not only have anti-aging properties but are also beneficial as epidermal moisturizing agents.
UNIFORM TONE
Mushrooms contain kojic acid, a phenolic compound commonly found in several types of fungi, whose effects are useful as a natural skin lightener, which is why it is increasingly common to find it within the formula of creams, lotions, and serums to help treat age spots and discolorations.
RENEWAL
Mushrooms also have exfoliating benefits that stimulate the rapid renewal of the dermis. These have anti-irritants and antioxidants—such as polysaccharides, triterpenes, proteins, lipids, phenols, and cerebrosides—stimulate the natural renewal process and help improve the texture of a more uniform skin.
THE MAGNIFICENT FIVE
There are different kinds of fungi whose properties help to take care of the dermis. These five varieties are the new stars:
REISHI MUSHROOMS
Being an adaptogen, it improves the skin's resistance to stress, calms it, retains moisture, and improves the function of the skin barrier. It deflates the dermis and helps to improve redness, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
CHAGA MUSHROOMS
They promote a healthier and more even skin tone. They are one of the most antioxidant-rich foods in the world, and they have anti-inflammatory properties that help increase blood circulation.
SHIITAKE MUSHROOMS
They are a great option for improving skin tone by helping to brighten skin, fade dark spots and acne scars, and treat hyperpigmentation.
CORDYCEPS FUNGI
They have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. They are used to hydrate the skin, stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, and alleviate inflammatory conditions.
TREMELLA MUSHROOMS
They attract and retain up to 500 times their weight in water, making them a very powerful moisturizer. Its molecular structure allows it to penetrate deep into the skin to provide long-lasting hydration.