Everyday skincare brands release dozens of new products to help us retain the original state of our skin, address specific skin concerns and slow down the effects of ageing.
So it’s understandable if you get carried away by all of this and forget that the best skincare routine consists of items that don’t stray too far away from nature.
So which of nature’s ingredients can assist you in achieving that absolutely flawless skin?
Enter Reishi mushrooms. Even though this adaptogen is popularly known for its medicinal properties, there are actually a plethora of Reishi mushroom benefits for skin.
In this blog, we’ll teach you everything there is to know about Reishi for better skin, including
- The benefits of Reishi mushroom for skin
- How to use Reishi mushrooms for skin
In this guide:
6 Benefits of Reishi mushroom for skin
Reishi mushrooms offer dozens of benefits that promote your overall skin health, and the effects of these benefits range from combating hyperpigmentation to slowing down the effects of ageing on our skin.
1. Reishi mushroom benefits for skin lightening
Reishi mushroom possesses a natural triterpenoid called Ganodermanondiol that plays an active role in reducing hyperpigmentation and discolouration of skin.
Ganodermanondiol effectively prevents melanin production, the substance responsible for skin pigmentation. It does this by inhibiting the activity of tyrosine (a melanin-producing enzyme).
That said, Reishi mushrooms can assist in lightening up areas of the skin susceptible to scarring, freckles, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation.
2. Reishi mushroom hydrates the skin
Reishi mushroom is believed to possess skin-hydrating qualities because of its high concentration of polysaccharides.
What exactly do polysaccharides do for the skin?
Well, they are long-chain carbohydrates that can help your skin retain moisture and improve its barrier function.
The polysaccharides found in Reishi are said to have a humectant effect. What this means is that they can attract and hold onto water molecules. This can help increase the skin’s moisture levels and improve its overall hydration, which can be especially beneficial for those with dry skin.
Another way Reishi mushroom benefits the skin in terms of hydration is through its high concentration of beta-glucans. These polysaccharides can help soothe and nourish the skin.
Additionally, they may also help stimulate collagen production, which can improve the elasticity and firmness of your skin.
3. Reishi is rich in anti-inflammatory properties
Because of how united most systems of the body are, weakness in one system often affects one or multiple other systems. In this case, we are referencing the immune system and the skin’s defence system.
With persistent and chronic inflammation, our immune system is forced to work overtime to combat the effects of inflammation on our body, which leads to exhaustion in general.
When the skin’s defence is exhausted, the skin begins to break down, and its barrier function becomes impaired.
Reishi mushroom is believed to have several anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it a potentially valuable natural remedy for a range of inflammatory conditions. Some of the key anti-inflammatory properties of Reishi include:
1. Inhibition of inflammatory mediators
Reishi mushroom contains compounds that inhibit the production of various inflammatory mediators like cytokines, histamine, and prostaglandins. These mediators play a key role in promoting inflammation in the body, so inhibiting their production can help to reduce inflammation.
2. Antioxidant activity
Reishi is rich in several antioxidants (compounds that help to protect the body against oxidative stress and inflammation). By neutralising harmful free radicals in the body, antioxidants can help to reduce inflammation and prevent damage to cells and tissues.
3. Immune system modulation
Reishi mushroom contains compounds that can help to modulate the immune system, which plays a crucial role in regulating the inflammatory response. By supporting a healthy immune response, Reishi can help to reduce chronic inflammation and promote healing.
4. Anti-allergic properties
Reishi has been shown to have anti-allergic properties, which can help to reduce inflammation caused by allergic reactions. By inhibiting the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators, Reishi can help to reduce the severity of allergic reactions and improve overall immune function.
Read more: Mushrooms for inflammation
4. Reishi promotes skin healing
Reishi mushroom has been used in traditional medicine for years, and one of its benefits concerning this is that it promotes skin healing. It does this in several ways, with one being its immunomodulatory effects.
Certain polysaccharides found in Reishi mushrooms are said to have immunomodulatory effects. This means that they can help regulate the immune system, and a properly functioning immune system is essential for skin and wound healing.
Another way Reishi benefits the skin healing process is via its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties discussed in the section above.
5. Reishi restores skin elasticity
It’s no secret that as we age, our skin loses its elasticity and firmness. This is because of the decline in the production of collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for our skin’s structure and give our skin the ability to stretch.
Reishi mushrooms can assist in the restoration of your skin elasticity through several potential mechanisms.
One of those mechanisms would be its collagen-boosting production mechanism.
As we’ve already stated, the Reishi mushroom contains compounds such as triterpenoids and polysaccharides that have been shown to stimulate collagen production in the skin.
By increasing collagen production, Reishi mushrooms assist in restoring skin elasticity and firmness. But that’s not all. Other benefits of increased collagen production include
- It relieves joint pain.
- It prevents bone loss.
- It aids in boosting your muscle mass.
- It assists in promoting your heart health.
6. Reishi mushroom for anti-ageing
Reishi mushrooms are incredible anti-ageing ingredients that increase collagen production, moisturise the skin, increase cell turnover and neutralise free radicals, which can damage the skin and contribute to ageing and disease.
Not only does it help your skin achieve a smooth and even tone by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but it also assists in maintaining the strength of your skin.
Now while the role Reishi plays in providing you with healthy, luscious skin cannot be denied, it is important to understand that not all anti-ageing ingredients are created equally.
The effectiveness of Reishi may vary depending on several factors like concentration and formulation of other ingredients it is mixed with, and also individual skin type and needs.
How do I use Reishi Mushroom for skincare?
Now that you’ve learnt all the juicy benefits of using Reishi mushrooms for your skin if your next question is, how do I use Reishi in my skincare routine?
As always, we’ve got you covered.
Reishi mushrooms can be used in your skincare routine in different ways, depending on the product and formulation. Some common ways to incorporate it into your skincare routine include
Reishi as a topical skincare product
Reishi mushroom extract can be found in topical skincare products such as serums, moisturisers, and masks. These products can be applied to the skin according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
You should know that the effectiveness of Reishi mushrooms on your skin strongly depends on how much Reishi extract can be found in whatever skincare product you decide to use.
That said, a good rule of thumb is to check if Reishi mushroom extract can be found among the top five ingredients in the product you choose to use. If it is, then you’re off to a good start.
It is important to note that while Reishi mushrooms may have potential benefits for the skin, not all skincare products that contain Reishi mushrooms are created equal. Look for products that have high-quality, concentrated Reishi mushroom extract, and be cautious of products that make exaggerated or unverified claims about their benefits.
As with any skincare product, patch test before using and discontinue use if you experience any irritation or adverse reactions.
DIY Reishi face masks
What better way to add Reishi mushroom into your skincare routine than using it as a moisturising face mask? You can easily make a DIY face mask using Reishi mushroom powder.
Simply mix Reishi mushroom powder with water or other liquid ingredients such as honey or yoghurt to form a paste. Apply the mask to your face, leave it on for 10-15 minutes, and then rinse with warm water.
This can help to soothe and hydrate the skin, as well as provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Reishi mushroom supplements
Another alternative method of adding Reishi into your skincare routine is taking the mushroom as a supplement. Reishi mushroom supplements can be taken in various forms, like powders, capsules, tinctures, and gummies.
The dosage and form of the supplement you choose to take may depend on your health status, age, and other factors. This is why it is important to walk this by your healthcare provider first.
Secondly, it is essential to closely follow the instructions on the product label as you wouldn’t want to overuse or underuse the product.
The recommended dosage for Reishi mushroom supplements may vary from person to person, but a typical dosage is 1-3 grams per day.
Final words on Reishi mushroom for skin
To sum it up, Reishi mushrooms are a powerful natural ingredient that offers numerous benefits for the skin.
Reishi mushrooms can help promote overall skin health, from lightening hyperpigmentation to restoring elasticity. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it a beneficial natural remedy for a range of inflammatory conditions.
Reishi mushrooms hydrate the skin, retain moisture, improve its barrier function, and nourish it with polysaccharides. As a result, Reishi mushroom is an excellent choice for those looking to improve their skin naturally!
