Mushrooms are not just for eating! These humble fungi are becoming increasingly popular in the skincare world, and for a good reason. With their powerful antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties, mushrooms can help you achieve a healthy, glowing complexion. 

Let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits of mushrooms for skin care and the different types of mushrooms commonly used in skincare products.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

One of the most significant benefits of mushrooms is their anti-inflammatory properties. Mushrooms contain a high concentration of beta-glucans, a type of natural polysaccharide. These beta-glucans help to calm and soothe inflamed skin, making mushrooms especially helpful for people with acne, rosacea, and eczema.

One of the most popular mushrooms used for their anti-inflammatory properties is the reishi mushroom. Reishi mushroom extract is now a common ingredient in many skincare products, as it has been shown to reduce redness, swelling, and inflammation.

Antioxidant Properties

Another great benefit of mushrooms their powerful antioxidant properties. Antioxidants protect the skin from free radicals that can cause damage to skin cells and result in premature aging. Mushrooms contain various antioxidants, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), ergothioneine, and ergothioneine peroxide, that work together to protect your skin from free radicals.

The Chaga mushroom is one of the most potent sources of antioxidants found in mushrooms. In addition to SOD, it also contains betulinic acid, which can help to reduce inflammation and brighten skin. Incorporating Chaga mushroom extract into your skincare routine can help to protect your skin from environmental stressors and keep it looking youthful.

Hydrating Properties

Mushrooms also offer excellent hydrating properties. They are high in natural polysaccharides, which can help to attract and retain moisture, keeping skin plump and hydrated. This is particularly helpful for people with dry, dehydrated skin that appears dull and lackluster.

One of the best mushrooms for hydration is the tremella mushroom. Tremella mushroom extract is used in many skincare products, as it can help to plump up the skin and increase its natural moisture levels. It also has a unique texture that feels silky smooth.

Anti-aging Properties

Mushrooms are great for anti-aging, thanks to their high levels of antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. They can help to boost collagen production, improve skin elasticity, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Shiitake mushrooms contain kojic acid, which helps to even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of age spots. They also have lentinan, a beta-glucan that can help to boost collagen production and improve skin elasticity. Advanced Skin Therapeutics Advanced Brightening Pads are the perfect product to add to regimen to achieve brighter, even skin while incorporating all the benefits mushrooms have to offer. Another option for a product containing kojic acid is NeoStrata Dark Spot Corrector.

Brightening Properties

Mushrooms contain various compounds that can help to reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation, leaving skin looking brighter and more even-toned.

The maitake mushroom is beneficial for brightening skin. It contains high levels of Vitamin D, which can help to regulate melanin production and reduce the appearance of dark spots. Incorporating maitake mushroom extract into your skincare routine can help to brighten up dull, tired-looking skin. SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense is a power-house, layerable dark spot corrector clinically proven to reduce the appearance of key types of skin discoloration in all skin tones, including hard-to-treat forms such as stubborn brown patches and post-acne marks. SkinCeuticals Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment is a phyto botanical blend that targets key factors of surface imperfections and dullness. This daily corrective treatment smooths skin and minimizes the appearance of pores, while visibly reducing excess oil and redness, for enhanced brightness.

Other Must-Try Fungi

There are many different types of mushrooms used in skincare products, each with its own unique benefits. Here are a few other mushrooms to look out for:

  • Lion’s Mane: This mushroom contains natural polysaccharides, beta-glucans, and SOD to hydrate skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Snow Mushroom: Also known as the white jelly mushroom, it is high in natural polysaccharides that can help retain moisture and improve skin elasticity.
  • Cordyceps: Cordyceps contains adenosine, cordycepin, and triterpenoids that can help to reduce the appearance of dark circles and improve skin radiance, making it an excellent choice for brightening skincare products.

Incorporating Mushrooms Into Your Skincare Routine

If you’re interested in incorporating mushrooms into your skincare routine, many products on the market contain mushroom extracts. These include serums, moisturizers, face masks, and even facial sprays.

When choosing a skincare product that contains mushrooms, look for products that use high-quality mushroom extracts and avoid harsh chemicals or fragrances that could irritate your skin. It’s also a good idea to do a patch test before using a new skincare product to ensure you’re not allergic to any ingredients.

In addition to using skincare products that contain mushrooms, you can also incorporate mushrooms into your diet to help support healthy skin. Mushrooms are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can benefit your skin from the inside out.

Final thoughts

Mushrooms are versatile and powerful ingredients that can benefit your skin in various ways.

From their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to their hydrating, anti-aging, and brightening effects, mushrooms are a natural way to achieve healthy, glowing skin.

Whether you’re using skincare products that contain mushroom extracts or incorporating mushrooms into your diet, there are many ways to take advantage of the benefits that these fungi have to offer. So, next time you’re at the grocery store, why not pick up a few different types of mushrooms and see how they can benefit your skin?

Want to learn more about the best skin-nurturing ingredients? Chat with the skincare experts at Advanced Skin Therapeutics! We can help you select products that fit your specific concerns, skin type, and complexion goals with our dermatologist-approved range of trusted skincare brands.