Top 5 Mushrooms for Skin Health Benefits

Skin Health Benefits From Mushrooms

Did you know that mushrooms are not just tasty additions to our meals but also have amazing benefits for our skin? Yes, that's right! These little fungi have the power to enhance our skin health in multiple ways.

One of the most remarkable benefits of mushrooms is their ability to regulate the body's stress response. They nourish and support the adrenals and central nervous system, which can lead to better skin health. Unlike traditional Eastern medicine systems, Western medicine tends to compartmentalize each organ system, treating them separately. However, the truth is that all organs and systems in the body are interconnected and can impact each other significantly.

When we experience chronic stress, our sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight response) gets activated. Cortisol is released, which can break down collagen and elastin structures - the proteins that keep our skin firm and youthful. Stress can also reduce digestion and nutrient absorption, leading to dehydrated and dry skin. Furthermore, it can increase free radical damage, which can accelerate cellular aging, disrupt cellular function and wear down our own antioxidant systems. Over time, this continual cortisol release can lead to hormonal imbalances and skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne.

The good news is that medicinal mushrooms can help protect our skin from these harmful effects. They are potent antioxidant boosters that shield our skin from environmental pollutants and free radicals while improving nutrient assimilation into the skin cells. So, incorporating medicinal mushroom extracts into our skincare routine can do wonders for our skin health.

You can consume mushroom extracts in your daily diet or use skincare products that contain them, such as moisturizers, cleansers, toners, and face masks. Many skincare brands are now incorporating functional mushrooms into their products, making it easy for us to reap their benefits.

Mushrooms are not only delicious but also have fantastic benefits for our skin. So, why not add them to your skincare routine and see the magic for yourself?

Why Skin Health Maintenance is So Important

As humans, we are wired to appreciate beauty, and nothing quite catches our eye like healthy skin. Our skin is not only a reflection of how we see ourselves but also a window into how others perceive us.

As a nutritionist, I know that having healthy skin means having a well-functioning and beautiful body. Skin health is a vital sign that can reveal underlying chronic imbalances and inflammation. It's not just a matter of physical health, but also emotional and psychological health.

Having poor skin can greatly affect our self-esteem and self-confidence, making us feel insecure and unattractive. But when our skin is in tip-top shape, we radiate confidence and positivity that others can't help but notice. It's the kind of energy that inspires us to live our best lives and be the best version of ourselves.

So take good care of your skin, because it's not just about looking good, it's about feeling good too. When you have healthy skin, you feel vibrant, confident, and unstoppable. It's a feeling that can't be beaten!

5 Mushrooms Promoting Your Skin Health

If you're on the hunt for the latest anti-aging breakthrough, you might be surprised to learn that the answer could be growing in the forest. That's right – scientific studies have shown that five specific medicinal mushrooms can work wonders for your skin. Not only do they help boost antioxidant activity, but they also lower inflammation, strengthen immunity, and enhance hydration. With benefits like these, it's no wonder that more and more people are turning to these natural wonders for their anti-aging needs. Let’s start with Reishi.

Reishi Mushroom

Get ready to meet the ultimate anti-stress herb - Reishi mushrooms! This adaptogenic mushroom has been used for centuries to improve overall well-being and extend longevity. But did you know that it can also work wonders for your skin?

Stress can wreak havoc on your skin, causing hormonal breakouts, premature aging, and other imbalances. Luckily, Reishi mushrooms are here to help! Known as the "Ultimate Anti-Stress Herb," Reishi can calm your nervous system, preserve cortisol, and improve your body's resistance to stress. This can assist with the balance of sex hormones, preventing various skin issues and even treating acne.

Reishi mushrooms contain skin-protective compounds like polysaccharides, triterpenoids, and polyphenols that act as antioxidants, shielding your skin from oxidative damage caused by UV rays, pollution, and harsh beauty products. When taken both internally and used topically, Reishi can protect your skin cells from this damage, improving their function and structure, and giving you a more youthful appearance.

But that's not all - studies have shown that Reishi mushrooms can also increase the thickness of your epidermis and dermis, improving skin structure, protecting skin cell DNA, preventing the degradation of collagen and elastin, and enhancing superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels within the skin - the body's master endogenous antioxidant compound.

And if you're dealing with acne scars or other topical wounds, Reishi mushrooms can help speed up the healing process. This amazing mushroom has anti-tyrosinase activity, reduces pigmentation, and may even have a skin-lightening effect.

But the benefits don't stop there - Reishi mushrooms have also been shown to support heart health and balance blood pressure, delivering all the right nutrients to your skin to keep it healthy and glowing. So what are you waiting for? Add some Reishi mushrooms to your skincare routine and start reaping the rewards!

Chaga Mushroom

Unlock the secret to radiant and healthy skin with Chaga mushrooms (Inonotus obliquus), nature's powerhouse of antioxidants. These miraculous fungi form a natural defense shield against harmful pro-inflammatory compounds that we encounter daily.

Chaga mushrooms are also abundant in melanin, a protein responsible for determining our skin color and protecting us from UV rays and premature aging due to sun exposure. Think of Chaga as an internal sunscreen, boosting melanin production to keep your skin youthful and vibrant.

Loaded with superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, Chaga mushrooms are a treasure trove of master endogenous antioxidants. These antioxidants are crucial for maintaining skin health, as they counteract oxidative damage resulting from stress. Stressors, such as sun exposure, injuries, or excessive exfoliation, can cause deterioration, premature cell death, aging, pH and lipid imbalances, and slow wound healing.

Oxidative stress is also responsible for visible signs of aging, including breakouts, oil imbalances, and a diminished ability to regenerate new cells. Chaga mushrooms come to the rescue, packed with essential vitamins and minerals like selenium, which aid in preventing oxidative liver damage and promoting optimal liver function.

Moreover, Chaga mushrooms are a fantastic source of beta-glucan polysaccharides, which stimulate collagen production. Collagen, the key structural component of our skin, is responsible for maintaining its elasticity, firmness, and hydration. As collagen production naturally decreases after the age of 25, incorporating Chaga mushrooms into your wellness routine can help you preserve that youthful glow. 

Cordyceps Mushroom

Shiitake Mushroom

Did you know that shiitake mushrooms can do wonders for your skin? These tasty mushrooms contain L-ergothioneine, a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent skin damage, aging, and cell breakdown. Plus, shiitake mushrooms are loaded with kojic acid, a natural skin-brightening compound that can help fade sun spots, melasma, and pigmentation.

In addition to these skin-loving benefits, shiitake mushrooms also offer anti-inflammatory effects, promote healthy skin cell turnover, and reduce skin irritation. And if that wasn't enough, shiitake mushrooms even inhibit elastase, an enzyme that breaks down elastin in the skin, leading to anti-aging effects and supporting healthy, youthful-looking skin.

So if you're looking to boost your skin's radiance and protect it from damage, consider incorporating shiitake mushrooms into your diet or skincare routine. Your skin will thank you for it!

Tremella Mushrooms

Tremella mushrooms have been used as an ancient beauty tonic for centuries. That's right! This ultra-hydrating superfood has the incredible ability to hold 1000x its weight in water, making it about 5x more hydrating than hyaluronic acid - a widely popular ingredient in many skincare products.

Tremella mushrooms are not only beneficial when consumed internally but also when applied topically to the skin. Its small particle size enables it to penetrate the epidermal layer of our skin, resulting in a more hydrated and radiant complexion.

But that's not all! Tremella mushrooms are also rich in uronic acid, an antioxidant compound that increases SOD, glutathione, peroxidase, and catalase - key master antioxidants that protect the skin, reduce lipid barrier dysfunction, and preserve our moisture barrier. By incorporating Tremella mushrooms into your skincare routine, you're giving your skin the ultimate hydration boost and protection against environmental stressors.

And if you're looking for extra skin benefits, why not try white button mushrooms too? Agaricus Bisporus (button mushrooms) are naturally high in vitamin D and rich in beta-glucans, making them excellent for improving overall skin health. Just remember, the vitamin D content is only present in mushrooms that have been exposed to sunlight.

So why not add Tremella and white button mushrooms to your diet and skincare routine to give your skin the ultimate boost of hydration and protection? Your skin will thank you!

Some More Skin Rejuvenation Products to Try

It's not just medicinal mushrooms that can work wonders for your skin. There are also plenty of other adaptogenic herbs and tonic products out there that can help you achieve a more youthful-looking complexion. These powerful ingredients have been shown to boost antioxidant activity, reduce inflammation, strengthen immunity, and more. So if you're looking to up your skincare game and turn back the clock on your skin, be sure to explore the world of adaptogens and tonics. Who knows, you might just discover your new favourite skincare secret! You can try:-

 

Astragalus Root

Have you heard of the amazing benefits of astragalus root? This powerful tonic herb has been traditionally used for its immune-boosting and energy-restorative properties. But did you know that it's also an incredible skin adaptogen with potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, UV-protecting, collagen-boosting, and hydrating benefits?

Astragalus has been shown to inhibit pro-inflammatory pathways, reduce reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress, and the activation of cytokine signalling - all of which are prevalent in skin conditions. Inflammation is the root cause of pain, redness, and degradation in skin structure, but astragalus contains incredible anti-inflammatory properties that help protect skin cells, decrease cell damage, and reduce autoimmune responses in the skin, which is commonly seen in conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

But that's not all! Astragalus also decreases collagen breakdown by inhibiting enzymes such as elastase, catalase, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) - all of which digest collagen, and elastin, and accelerate aging. In fact, studies have shown that astragalus specifically protects against collagen breakdown induced by environmental factors such as UV damage from the sun.

And that's not even the best part! Astragalus also increases the creation of hyaluronic acid within our skin - a hero product in anyone's skincare routine. Hyaluronic acid holds water within the epidermis and improves hydration and skin health. By improving our body's own creation of hyaluronic acid, astragalus supercharges our skin's hydration, preventing dry and dehydrated skin, and the signs of aging associated with a lack of moisture.

Incorporating astragalus into your skincare routine can help you achieve healthier, more youthful-looking skin. So why not give it a try and see the amazing benefits for yourself?

 

Schizandra Berry

Have you ever heard of the "beauty berry"? That's right, Schisandra has been given that nickname by Chinese Medicine for thousands of years! And for good reason - this powerful berry is known for giving women soft, youthful, and radiant skin.

So, what makes Schisandra so special? For starters, it's a potent antioxidant that can help reduce free radicals and prevent premature aging. It's also been shown to protect the skin from environmental stressors like pollution, UV damage, and cigarette smoke. And who doesn't want a little extra protection from those harmful elements?

But that's not all - Schisandra is also a potent liver herb, which means it can help support the liver in creating endogenous antioxidants and even regenerate itself. And why is that good for skin health? Well, the liver plays a crucial role in metabolizing toxins, drugs, and hormones - all of which can wreak havoc on our skin if not properly filtered. Plus, the liver is responsible for filtering our blood and delivering important nutrients to our skin cells, while also eliminating cellular toxins.

So, if you want to give your skin a little extra love and protection, consider incorporating Schisandra into your daily routine

Pearl Powder

Pearl powder - a powerful ingredient with a rich history in the world of beauty and aesthetics.

Cleopatra herself was a fan of pearl powder, and it has been used for centuries across ancient Egypt, India, China, and the Mayan civilization. This potent ingredient is packed with micronutrients such as calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, and silica, as well as an array of amino acids that act as building blocks for collagen and elastin.

Not only is pearl powder a potent antioxidant that protects the skin from further damage and accelerated aging, but it also enhances healthy skin function and structure. Plus, pearl is a Shen tonic - meaning it can help calm an overactive mind and spirit, reducing the impact of stress on the body. And that's not all - pearl has even been shown to prevent the presence of melanin and sun spots, helping the skin to become more porcelain-like.

So, how can you incorporate this powerhouse ingredient into your routine? Pearl powder can be used both topically as a face mask and internally by adding it to your hot drinks, smoothies, or other food and dessert recipes. With the long history of pearl powder and its numerous benefits, it's no wonder it's a cornerstone herb in the world of beauty. Give it a try and see the results for yourself!

FAQs

Do mushrooms provide skin benefits?

Medicinal mushrooms contain an abundance of skin-supportive compounds such as polysaccharides, triterpenoids, and antioxidants that help reduce inflammation in the skin, maintain hydration, reduce damage caused by stress, and provide anti-aging and skin-balancing benefits.

Which mushrooms are best for overall skin health?

In various studies, Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps, Shiitake, and Tremella mushrooms have all been scientifically proven to be the top medicinal mushrooms for supporting overall skin health.

How do mushrooms help with the rejuvenation of skin cells? 

Mushrooms contain unique antioxidant and polysaccharide compounds that help skin cells rejuvenate by protecting them from oxidative stress, which drives accelerated skin cell damage and aging.

Conclusive Words

Adding medicinal mushrooms into your skincare routine, whether topically or internally, can have so many health benefits to give you glowing skin and improve lines and wrinkles. Mushrooms are rich in antioxidants that help protect skin cells from accelerated aging and premature death, as well as help balances skin pH and lipid levels. They are naturally anti-inflammatory and possess anti-tyrosinase activity that can improve inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

Mushrooms can also help increase the moisture and hydration of the skin, fight off bacteria, and prevent the breakdown of collagen and elastin which contribute to supporting healthy, vibrant, and youthful-looking skin. To enhance the benefits of mushrooms for skin health, consider combining your mushroom extracts with vitamin C. Your skin will thank you for this superfood boost!

References

Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide prevents oxidation and skin aging - https://www.cjter.com/CN/article/downloadArticleFile.do?attachType=PDF&id=4130

Ganoderma lucidum as a cosmeceutical: antiradical potential and inhibitory effect on hyperpigmentation and skin extracellular matrix degradation enzymes - http://www.serbiosoc.org.rs/arch/index.php/abs/article/view/3759

Effect and Mechanism of Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharides on Human Fibroblasts and Skin Wound Healing in Mice - https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11655-018-3060-9

Anti Aging Implications of Astragalus Membranaceus (Huangqi): A Well-Known Chinese Tonic - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5758356/

Anti-inflammatory activity of compounds isolated from Astragalus Sinicus L. in cytokine-induced keratinocytes and skin - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24651533/

Astragaloside IV controls collagen reduction in photoaging skin by improving transforming growth factor-β/Smad signalling suppression and inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase-1. - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25591734/

Cosmetic Benefits of Natural Ingredients: Mushrooms, Feverfew, Tea, and Wheat Complex - https://jddonline.com/articles/dermatology/S1545961613S0133X/2

Development of Mushroom-Based Cosmeceutical Formulations with Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Tyrosinase, Antioxidant, and Antibacterial Properties - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6274557/

Mushroom Cosmetics: The Present and Future - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305078746_Mushroom_Cosmetics_The_Present_and_Future

Schisandra Protects the Skin from Global Pollution by Inflammatory and Redox Balance Pathway Modulations: An In Vitro Study - https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/5/2/36

Written by Eliza Hedley

Eliza is a health, mindset and abundance enthusiast obsessed with helping experience living at a higher level.

Her relaxed new-age approach and understanding of nutrition and wellness see her empowering and coaching individuals to understand that their health is the ultimate asset. Upon experiencing first-hand the power and place of tonic herbalism and medicinal mushrooms in everyday life, Eliza’s become an adaptogen fangirl and feels their utilisation in today’s world is essential for abundance and wellbeing.

Website: https://theholisticsister.com 

Instagram: @the_holistic_sister_