It seems like every week there’s a new trendy skincare ingredient that promises a healthy, glowing complexion. But few of them are backed by science. Most dermatologists and product developers will tell you that the vast majority of beauty trends can’t compare to time-tested ingredients like retinol, niacinamide, or salicylic acid. But there’s one exception: mushrooms. Wondering what mushrooms can do for your skin?
ContentWhat Mushrooms Are Good for Your SkinLook for These Specific Mushrooms in Your Skincare ProductsHow to Incorporate Mushrooms into Your Beauty Routine
WomanEL has put together a simple guide to this natural ingredient. Spoiler alert: there's evidence that it can actually change your complexion.
What Mushrooms Are Good for Your Skin
The popular mushroom, used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, is now appearing in serums and creams from top brands and can brighten, firm, and protect skin, says esthetician Ginger King.
Rich in a fiber known as beta-glucan, mushroom extracts, King compares to nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and protective antioxidants. Most importantly, mushrooms are known as adaptogens—herbs, roots, and other plants that help the body mitigate the effects of stress, she says.
Experts recently shared the most common benefits:
- Lightening dark spots. According to dermatologist Marisa Garszyk, one of the most powerful skin lighteners, kojic acid, is derived from mushrooms and is well-known for its ability to even out skin tone. One animal study found that two edible mushrooms had potent depigmentation activity by inhibiting melanin synthesis.
- Hydration. Mushrooms are known humectants that help skin retain moisture, says dermatologist Dandy Engelman. One study found that adding extracts of three different mushrooms—maitake, reishi, and lion's mane—to shower gel reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
- Minimizing the signs of aging. Dr. Engelman adds that mushrooms can also stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. In one study, it was found that mushroom extracts have a general antiaging effect on the skin due to their moisturizing, protective, anti-inflammatory and collagen-stabilizing properties.
- Protects the skin. Mushrooms also have antioxidant properties that protect the skin from free radicals that damage it and lead to premature signs of aging.
- Reduces inflammation. Dr. Engelman explains that because mushrooms are adaptogens, they have anti-inflammatory properties. This means they can fight stress, balance the skin and reduce redness. They can also fight skin conditions like dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema, she says.
Want to delay skin aging? Then start taking care of collagen banking now.
Look for these specific mushrooms in skin care products
Not all mushrooms are the same. And some of them are better than others for certain skin problems. Here are a few varieties to look out for:
- Chaga. Research shows that they have a unique combination of bioactive compounds that can have a beneficial effect on the health of the entire body.
- Tremella. The tremella mushroom, better known as the snow mushroom, is rich in moisturizing polysaccharides, according to research. Although this mushroom is a lightening ingredient, it is best used to moisturize the skin.
- Truffle. Truffles are a type of mushroom that are high in fatty acids and antioxidants, according to research. Truffle extracts in skincare help soothe, protect, and brighten skin.
- Reishi. For anti-aging benefits, turn to the reishi mushroom. Research shows that reishi mushroom helps reduce photoaging of the skin.
- Lion’s Mane. This mushroom supports collagen production, helping to improve the appearance of fine lines and wounds.
- Shiitake. They contain kojic acid, so they can help brighten the skin and reduce hyperpigmentation. Studies show they also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Cordyceps. This is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredient that helps protect the skin from environmental aggressors. Animal studies have also shown that it fights oxidative stress and stimulates collagen production.
How to include mushrooms in your cosmetic procedure
According to King, mushroom extracts can usually be found in serums, creams, and lotions, and are fairly easy to incorporate into your routine. They are well-tolerated, work great with other active ingredients like vitamin C or retinol, and don’t cause irritation or redness. Unless you have a known allergy or sensitivity to mushrooms, your skin should tolerate these products well.”
Dr. Engelman agrees, adding that pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before using mushroom products.
Many ingredients can cross the skin barrier into the bloodstream, which could affect a fetus or a breastfeeding baby, and not all types of mushrooms have been well studied for safety. “I always recommend caution when trying something new,” she says.
By the way, mushroom coffee has become no less popular. But do they really add mushrooms to it? We tell you here.