Mushrooms Here, Mushrooms There, Mushrooms in Your Skincare

Although mushrooms have been a thing for quite some time, the Fungi phenomenon goes to the wildest extent lately. Did anyone thought that mushrooms would inspire jewelry pieces or that there would be a free exhibition at London’s Somerset House dedicated to fungi- inspired art and design? Did you know that the New York Times named mushrooms the “Ingredient of the Year” in 2022? If you are interested in the mushroom boom of 2022, here is an interesting article on that topic, and if you are curious about mushrooms in skincare in particular, this might be just the thing for you.   

When and Where Did It All Start?

Egyptians thought of mushrooms as the "food of the gods”, and believed that mushroom consumption could help them live longer or even make them immortal. There are numerous interesting facts in the cultural history of the mushroom, but for our purposes we will stick to the fact that mushrooms have a deep-seated history in Eastern cultures (like so many other health and wellness trends, really). Traditional Chinese medicine has used mushrooms for its healing properties for centuries, both for internal and external ailments.  

The Use of Mushrooms in Skincare

This trend is not new, but maybe you haven’t perceived it so far. While some sources say mushrooms infiltrated the beauty market in 2005, others claim Reishi mushrooms have been used in anti-aging skincare products since the 1980s, starting with Japanese brand Menard. In the early 2000s, mushrooms hit the Western market for skincare applications. While Chinese medicine has used fungi in skincare for centuries, Origins invented the global consumer category when it collaborated with Harvard-educated alternative medicine practitioner Dr Andrew Weil in 2005. In any case, mushrooms are no longer just a product targeting a niche, but widely spread as an ingredient in anti-aging serums, health supplements, eye cream, sheet masks, moisturizers, etc.   

How Do Mushrooms Affect Our System?

What they do on the inside is that they support innate and adaptive immunity when you ingest. When you apply them topically, they contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help the skin’s anti-aging processes.  

Rich Composition - the Secret of Mushrooms in Skincare

Mushrooms have been revered for centuries in traditional medicine and cuisine, but their potential in skincare is a relatively recent discovery. Their secret lies in the fact that they contain a treasure trove of bioactive compounds, each with its unique skincare prowess. 

Mushrooms are brimming with polysaccharides, which act as natural humectants. In other words, they attract and retain moisture, making them an excellent ingredient for maintaining skin hydration. This moisture-retention ability helps to keep the skin plump, supple, and glowing. Mushrooms are also rich in antioxidants, such as ergothioneine and selenium. These powerful compounds protect the skin from oxidative stress caused by environmental factors like pollution and UV radiation. By doing so, they help prevent premature aging and maintain the skin's youthful appearance. 

An example of a product that provides soft and dewy complexion every single morning and containing mushrooms (Tricholoma Matsutake Extract) is SUPERCHARGED™ Ultra-Hydrating Sleeping Mask by FOREO.  

Most Popular ‘Shrooms and Their Benefits

Here are some of the most popular mushrooms making waves in the skincare world: 

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), often referred to as the "Mushroom of Immortality," is known for its anti-inflammatory and calming properties. It can help soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, and promote a more even complexion. 

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) is rich in B vitamins and amino acids. Shiitake mushrooms have potent anti-aging properties. They can help boost collagen production, improve skin elasticity, and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is packed with antioxidants and melanin, making it an excellent choice for brightening and protecting the skin from UV damage. It's also known for its potential in promoting an even skin tone. 

Cordyceps extract is hailed for its ability to enhance skin's natural firmness and elasticity. It can also aid in improving the skin's texture and overall appearance. 

Tremella (Tremella Fuciformis) can help anyone that is treating acne. Due to their anti-inflammatory benefits, tremella mushrooms can help reduce the severity of blemishes and maintain moisture levels. 

Trametes Versicolor (Coriolus versicolor) is considered an anti‑tyrosinase (read: it inhibits the production of melanin) to help minimize dark spots, as well as an anti-inflammatory that can help reduce redness and irritation.   

Staple in Modern Skincare Routine

With their impressive ability to brighten and illuminate your complexion, providing deep hydration, fighting the signs of aging and soothing effect, mushrooms are proving to be more than just a whimsical ingredient – they're becoming a staple in modern skincare routines.