What Are The Skincare Benefits Of Reishi Mushrooms?
Reishi mushrooms are a natural remedy with a wealth of potential skin benefits. From fighting signs of aging to reducing inflammation, reishi mushrooms can help to improve the health and appearance of your skin.
In this article, we will explore the skin benefits of reishi mushrooms and how they can be incorporated into your skincare routine.
An Introduction to Reishi Mushrooms
When we hear the word “mushroom,” the first things that typically come to mind are a yummy risotto or a memorable weekend at Coachella—not mushroom benefits for skin. But did you know mushrooms are absolute powerhouses in the world of wellness?
The health and beauty benefits that mushrooms deliver to the skin are undeniable. There are over 10,000 types of known mushrooms in the world, and humans have been leveraging the health benefits of mushrooms for centuries.
However, one mushroom, in particular, dominates beauty ailments, skin concerns, and aging: reishi. Because of the notable benefits that these powerhouse mushrooms provide, reishi mushrooms have recently become more popular in the western world—and for good reason.
So, why do mushrooms deserve a spot in your beauty routine? What are the exact benefits that reishi and other mushrooms give your skin? Are reishi and other mushrooms formulated in many beauty products? What are the mushroom benefits for skin?
We’re answering all of those beauty questions and more. So, get ready to become a ‘shroom and reishi expert.
What are reishi mushrooms, and why are they so popular?
Reishi mushrooms have been referenced as far back as 100 B.C. to treat beauty and health ailments of all kinds. Humans have used mushrooms to help treat the flu, detox the body, improve energy levels, boost the immune system, and even fight infections and cancer.
It is no wonder that reishi mushrooms are marketed as a superfood in today’s wellness industry. Reishi and its extracts have made their way into everything from smoothies and elixirs to gummies and even candles (yes, you read that right).
Reishi has come to be known as the “mushroom of immortality” because of the anti-aging perks this specific mushroom variety brings. Not only do people believe in them, but they’ve been proven by science.
The longevity-promising benefits that reishi mushrooms bring are thanks to the high levels of antioxidants that reishi delivers, whether administered internally or externally. However, reishi mushrooms are stacked with plenty of other compounds worthy of your attention (and beauty routine).
Reishi mushrooms host over 400 body-loving nutrients. This long list is proven to enhance longevity and improve the skin’s overall condition. So, what benefits does reishi give the skin? That’s next.
Skincare benefits of reishi mushrooms
Let’s dive into the sea of benefits that reishi mushrooms can provide to your skin, specifically. Deeply hydrating in nature and brimming with a wide range of nutrients, reishi extracts can be found in all types of skincare and body products. Here are 6 major beauty benefits proven by science and beloved by millions worldwide.
Improves the appearance of aging
One of the most well-known benefits of reishi mushrooms is their ability to combat signs of aging. High levels of antioxidants make mushroom extracts an ideal skincare ingredient to fight and prevent the signs of aging. Reishi contains two of the most potent antioxidants, ergothioneine, and glutathione.
Science names aside, this duo prevents premature aging by inhibiting free radicals from forming under the skin’s surface. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause damage to cells and lead to the formation of wrinkles and fine lines.
By neutralizing free radicals, reishi mushrooms can help to slow down the aging process and keep the skin looking youthful. If that wasn’t enough reason to love antioxidants, they protect the skin from pollution and sun exposure.
Hydrates and protects the skin barrier
Dry skin is a common concern for many people, and reishi mushrooms can help to improve hydration levels. Another compound worthy of your skin’s attention is polysaccharides, rich in reishi mushrooms.
Polys offer skin hydrating benefits because they work to reinforce the skin’s barrier by attracting and retaining water molecules. In short, the skin’s delicate barrier is responsible for keeping the good in (collagen, moisture, etc.) and the bad (pollution, free radicals, etc.) out.
Maintaining a strong skin barrier is essential for glowing, supple, and healthy skin. By keeping the skin hydrated, reishi mushrooms can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as prevent dryness, flakiness, and itching.
Soothes the skin and reduces redness
Inflammation within the body can expedite aging, both internally and externally. Thankfully, reishi mushrooms have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe inflamed skin and reduce redness.
Reishi mushrooms can fight inflammation due to their adaptogenic properties that help boost and balance the body’s immune system. Adaptogenic ingredients also help prevent the body from triggering flare-ups and future irritation.
How? Adaptogens like reishi can help prevent your skin from reacting to environmental stressors, making it an ideal additive for sensitive skin, or those who suffer from conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
Revitalizes the complexion
Promoting cell turnover is key to youthful-looking skin. Reishi mushrooms contain a complex of amino acids responsible for cellular repair and regeneration. As a result, skin appears firmer and healthier with a smoother texture and brighter appearance.
Lysine is another beneficial nutrient within reishi that reinforces elasticity under the skin’s surface, like collagen. The firmer support that lysine creates also improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Brightens skin tone and reduces skin pigmentation
Reishi mushrooms can also help to brighten the complexion and improve skin tone. Many beauty brands have recently adopted the ingredient to help brighten the skin and achieve a more youthful look. How? They contain melanin inhibitors, which can help to lighten dark spots and improve skin clarity.
This helps reduce hyperpigmentation and discoloration in the skin and can even help fade acne scars. Dark age spots are among the first things to appear on aging skin, so using ingredients that help lessen their appearance can make a difference in the long run.
Safe and beneficial for most skin types
Natural and high in benefits, mushrooms and their extracts are ideal for most skin types. Unlike harsh (yet also beneficial) ingredients like retinol or glycolic acids, beauty products containing mushrooms are generally safe to use as often as one likes - or as the manufacturer recommends.
Note: When choosing a skincare product or supplement containing reishi mushrooms, look for high-quality, organic products to ensure that you are getting the best benefits.
Incorporating Reishi Mushrooms into Your Skincare Routine
Now that you know 6 lovely reishi mushroom benefits for skin, you may wonder: How can I integrate mushrooms into my beauty routine? Thankfully, reishi mushrooms are more popular in the beauty world than you may know.
Products formulated with “adaptogens” often use reishi or ashwagandha extracts, two types of mushrooms that are great for the skin. Mother nature has provided us with a beautiful, natural ingredient that can help us restore and maintain our best skin.
Look for mushroom extracts from serums to face masks, cleansers to edibles—you name it. A quality reishi product with a rich concentration of this powerhouse won’t just benefit your skin but increase your confidence and show self-care to your body in a whole new way!
Amanda Larson is a beauty and wellness copywriter and content creator. Her studio, Cote Creative, helps companies find their creative side to become brands people love. Connect with her on Instagram or via her website, cotecreativeco.com.
