Why mushrooms are the latest must-have skincare ingredient

A key component of traditional Chinese medicine, mushrooms have long been recognised for their healing properties by communities across Asia. But now the rest of the globe is catching up. Ingesting certain mushrooms is said to have various benefits, from boosting your overall health to fighting the side effects of stress on your body. These supposed effects are yet to be confirmed by science, but still, various species of ‘shroom are today being embraced as another option for those looking for natural treatments and nutritional supplements – and claims like these are quietly piquing the interest of the skincare industry, too.

“Mushrooms have been used for centuries to boost immunity in the body as well as on the skin,” says David Yi, founder of Good Light, an inclusive beauty brand. “In today’s modern era, folks can benefit from mushroom extracts for anti-inflammatory skin barrier protection and hydration.”

More than skin deep
Mushrooms are technically just the fruiting bodies of fungi, the bits we see sprouting from the soil or the sides of trees. Tens of thousands of species of fungi have so far been described by science, with millions more suspected to be out there. Unsurprisingly their effects on humans vary hugely.

“There is tremendous genetic diversity within the mushroom category, and different extracts excel at different things,” Michael Ahmad, senior director of global education at Herbivore, told Editorialist. “Some hydrate, some brighten and others soothe. It’s all about aligning with the right mushrooms to treat your core concerns.”

According to experts, certain mushrooms can draw water into the epidermis and retain moisture, which is why they’re considered a must-try for those dealing with dryness and dehydration. Others may provide the skin with antioxidants, fatty acids, ceramides and vitamin D, which can boost collagen production, brighten up your complexion, fortify the skin barrier, prevent premature ageing, balance skin pH and provide anti-inflammatory effects.

These potential abilities to boost hydration, decrease itchiness and reduce inflammation make mushrooms sound like a godsend for those dealing with symptoms of psoriasis and eczema.
Furthermore, mushrooms are classified as adaptogens – herbal substances that may work at a molecular level to stabilise cell function. This feature is said to make them capable of soothing stress and its side effects, regulating hormonal imbalances and again relieving inflammation.

Make a meal of it
If you are looking to add mushrooms to your skincare routine, you should first determine what kind will help your skin the most. Some wellness brands like to specialise in specific species, while others experiment with a variety.


Under the guidance of Dr Andrew Weil – a world-renowned leader and pioneer in the field of integrative medicine – Origins was one of the first beauty brands to recognise the highly therapeutic value of the mushroom some 10 years ago. And now, to continue spearheading the mushroom movement, Origins has upgraded the formula of its bestselling Mega-Mushroom collection, making it more powerful in boosting skin’s resilience, strength and radiance.

So, what exactly are the benefits of using mushrooms in your skincare? Boasting a 7,000-year history of use, the mushroom helps to reduce visible redness, calm sensitivity and irritation, as well as containing powerful anti-inflammatory ingredients that leave your skin looking fresh and feeling strong and hydrated. The new trio of mushrooms, Chaga, Resihi and Cordyceps, were specifically used in the formula for their ability to combat skin’s pathway to irritation to soothe and calm stressed skin. 

Popular species to know
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Chaga
This type of mushroom is full of melanin and has more antioxidants than many so-called superfoods. The combination is said to shield the skin from the sun and other effects of weather, which can help reduce redness.

Shiitake
This mushroom can be an excellent ally for those searching for a brightening formula or decreasing hyperpigmentation. Packed with kojic acid, it can degrade melanin, helping to hide scars and dark spots, even out skin tone and brighten up complexion.

Snow
This fungi is said to hold up to 500 times its weight in water, making it an uber-hydrating ingredient. “We use snow mushroom, which is also in our Moon Glow Milky Toning Lotion, and is a beautiful humectant,” Good Light’s Yi says. “It binds moisture to the skin, improves elasticity, and also calms angry skin. It’s a wonder ingredient that allows you to get the benefits of an active like hyaluronic acid.”

Cordyceps
High in antioxidants, when used in topical formulas, cordyceps fungi may improve skin elasticity, rehydrate, boost collagen production and calm inflammation and irritation caused by eczema. Moreover, they may protect the skin against environmental damage by fighting oxidative stress.