Mushrooms, aka the herbs for the immortals, are becoming very popular among skincare gurus, specialists, and, of course, celebrities. But is this fungi trend really worth it?
The magic of mushrooms has long been acknowledged. They are used to prevent various illnesses, give fortitude, and increase life span for centuries. They are also part of a superior category of herbs, which make them a nutritional powerhouse. So how they ended up in skin care routines?Â
Here is what you need to know.
Skin Care Routine and Mushrooms
Many skin conditions nowadays are triggered by stress, more than you can imagine. So dealing with skin breakouts, first signs of ageing, or skin inflammation can have stress as the culprit. Also, not all skincare products work the same for all people.
Antioxidant
Being a nutritional powerhouse, mushrooms have been proved to do wonders when it comes to skin imperfections. They’re also powerful antioxidants, protecting your skin from the environment while soothing the skin, treating pigmentation, and reducing inflammation.
“Kojic acid is derived from shiitake mushrooms and it can be used to treat pigmentation topically, while beta glucan (also found in mushrooms) is great for repairing the skin barrier,” explains Katharine Mackenzie Paterson, skincare and beauty expert.Â
Hyaluronic acid and hydroquinone alternative
Specialists also discuss the mushrooms’ multifaceted benefits, highlighting the snow mushrooms thanks to their fantastic benefits. For example, they can be a great alternative to hyaluronic acid and hydroquinone because they contain kojic acid.
Mushroom cocktail for the skin
Dr Andrew Weil, M.D., has built a beauty empire based on the efficacy of mushrooms, and his skincare products are now best-selling worldwide. But, what makes the products so efficient?
Dr Weil talks about a trio of mighty mushrooms, including cordyceps, chaga, and reishi, being so good for treating various skin issues. He explains:
“[the trio of mushrooms] were specifically used in the formula for their ability to combat skin’s pathway to irritation to soothe and calm it.”
Given that mushrooms are so good for skin and body, remember that it’s not great to add new skincare ingredients/ products to your skin care routine without discussing them with a specialist. What suits a person’s skin might not do the same for you.