Mushrooms; you either love them or hate them. Rich in flavour and boasting a wealth of nutritional benefits, mushrooms have been recommended as part of a healthy diet for centuries. With health and lifestyle trends (like veganism!) on the rise, we are becoming more attuned to the importance of fresh, natural produce and its impact on the body.
So, whether you’re a mushroom advocate or a ‘pick them out of your food’ type of person, our fungus-based friends (or acquaintances) have made their way into a whole new realm of modernism: skincare. That’s right – the health properties of mushrooms have been found not just to be beneficial when ingested, but also when applied to the skin.
We sat down with the experts at Origins, DIRTEA and KIKI Health to find out which mushrooms to add to your beauty routine and why...
What are the internal and external benefits of mushrooms?
When we think of mushrooms, beauty isn’t typically the first place our minds take us – it’s more likely to our dinner plates. However, Gina Sell, marketing manager at KIKI Health, explains: “Each mushroom extract works differently based on its unique composition and the specific bioactive compounds it contains.”
She goes on: “While some mushrooms may primarily target cognitive health, others may focus on immune support, energy enhancement, or overall vitality. Integrating a variety of mushroom extracts into one's wellness routine may offer comprehensive benefits to support overall health and wellbeing.”
1. Trimella
Known for its hydrating and skin-plumping effects, Simon Salter, co-founder of DIRTEA, reveals: “Tremella works its magic by forming a protective barrier on the skin, locking in moisture which can hold over 500 times its weight in water and promoting collagen production, leading to plumper, more youthful-looking skin.”
Simon continues: [DIRTEA’s] mushrooms are exclusively extracted from 100% of the fruiting body, where the majority of beneficial compounds reside.”
“Whether consumed as a powder or added to dishes and juices, each mushroom offers a concentrated dose of these beneficial compounds, ensuring optimal absorption by the body.”
2. Lion’s Mane
Got a good gut feeling about Lion’s Mane? We’re not surprised!
“Lion's Mane mushroom offers several benefits for beauty, primarily due to its rich content of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients help promote skin health by reducing oxidative stress, which can lead to premature aging and dullness,” reveals Gina. “Incorporating Lion's Mane into your beauty regimen can lead to a radiant, youthful complexion and improved skin texture.”
So, not only does it help to reduce premature ageing, but it can help soothe and calm irritated skin, supporting a reduction in the appearance of redness and promoting a more even complexion.
3. Chaga
Ready to discover the nutrient-rich powerhouse of skincare benefits?
“Chaga is another mushroom that is one of the highest sources of antioxidants on planet earth,” Simon highlights. “One cup of Chaga powder amounts to 600 blueberries antioxidants! Antioxidants help neutralise free radicals, which can damage skin cells and contribute to ageing.”
Incorporating chaga into your routine can help promote a healthier, more radiant complexion. As well as being a very powerful detoxifier, Simon adds: “Its betulinic acid content may support skin regeneration and repair.”
4. Reishi
The Reishi mushroom, also known as the ‘immortality mushroom’, has firmly held its place in the beauty industry for centuries, dating all the way back to traditional Chinese medicine. Reishi’s key beauty benefits include its ability to restore lack of moisture in dry or dehydrated complexions, help prevent fine lines and wrinkles, and support a restful night’s sleep.
When using reishi mushrooms in skincare, Simon tells us: “I prefer reishi mushroom in the evening as it has calming effects, so it is the perfect way to wind down from a stressful day.” Our skin works its hardest overnight while we are sleeping, so this is a great way to incorporate the restorative mushroom into your busy routine as you settle down for the night.
The do’s and don'ts for mushrooms in beauty...
Do's:
- Do Research Thoroughly: “Take the time to research the specific mushrooms you plan to use, including their benefits, potential side effects, and recommended dosage. Understanding each mushroom's properties will help you make informed choices.”
- Do Start Slowly: “Begin with a lower dosage and gradually increase it as needed. This approach allows your body to adjust to the supplement and reduces the risk of adverse reactions.”
- Do Listen to Your Body: “Pay attention to how your body responds to the mushroom supplements. If you experience any discomfort or unusual symptoms, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.”
Don’ts:
- Don’t Guess: “Don’t forget that each mushroom has a unique health benefit, and they are preventative measures; however, always seek medical attention if you are concerned about your wellbeing.”
- Don’t Substitute: “Don't neglect a healthy diet and regular exercise as foundational elements of health and well-being. Incorporating DIRTEA into your lifestyle signifies a commitment to improving your health and its potential is best realised when part of a broader health and beauty routine.”
- Don't Overdo It: “While mushrooms can offer numerous health benefits, taking excessive doses can lead to adverse effects. Stick to the recommended dosage guidelines provided by healthcare professionals or supplement manufacturers.”
Not only do these mushrooms work wonders on their own, but together, they can perform a little bit of magic! Gina explains: “Mushrooms often have synergistic effects when combined, enhancing their individual benefits. However, it's essential to consider individual sensitivities and potential interactions when incorporating multiple mushrooms into a routine.”
Shop all mushroom infused beauty here...
