Rithika Raghu investigates how mushrooms have been transforming the beauty and health industry.
Every week, it seems like there’s a new micro-trend in health and beauty. There are always big promises of glowing, healthy skin, yet few have been backed by scientific claims. But as consumers gradually shift away from complex, synthetic formulas, mushrooms have become a coveted ingredient. The fact that mushrooms are now entering the mainstream beauty arena is no surprise. For centuries, the superfood has been integral to Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for its healing and rejuvenating properties. Now, this has been corroborated by modern science.
Mushrooms – of which there are more than 150,000 identified species – offer a wealth of skincare benefits. Science-based skincare giant Perricone MD is among the myriad brands tapping into the power of mushrooms.
According to Georgina Henry, education manager at Perricone MD, mushrooms are being harnessed in skincare as they are “rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and are an adaptogenic ingredient, which supports the skin’s ability to combat stress.”
“As consumers seek natural and effective ingredients, mushrooms have emerged as a versatile option,” she explains. Mushrooms can help balance and stabilise the body’s response to stress, promoting calm, radiant and healthy skin. It’s no wonder these miraculous adaptogens are being bottled up in Perricone MD’s efficacious formulas alongside other skin-enhancing powerhouse ingredients, such as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. “Mushrooms combat free radicals, reducing damage to the skin which is a leading cause of signs of ageing like wrinkles and dullness,” Henry continues. “Their anti-inflammatory properties soothe irritated or sensitive skin, plus they strengthen the skin’s natural barrier.”
Perricone MD utilises a variety of mushrooms in its results-driven formulas. Mushroom Complex, derived from lingzhi, shiitake and maitake mushrooms, is a powerful antioxidant complex that supports skin by promoting a balanced pH for radiant, youthful-looking skin. The brand also uses chaga mushrooms because their non- irritating properties help reduce redness by soothing and conditioning stressed, tired skin.
Another brand that is revolutionising the use of mushrooms in skincare is Mother Made. Co- founded by Jessica Clarke and Emily Blanchett, the supplements company has just launched in the UK and prides itself on its transparency, using only certified organic, functional and sustainably sourced mushrooms.
“I truly believe mushrooms have a place in every household!” Clarke enthuses. “Functional mushrooms are redefining wellness because they are all about preventative health, longevity and quality of life.” “I believe there’s no need to feel perpetually tired or overstimulated –we’ve harnessed the transformative powers of nature’s little alchemist, the mushroom, to help you feel your best,” she says.
During her modelling days, Clarke was constantly looking for effective sleep solutions. With relentless travelling disrupting her circadian rhythm, restful shut-eye was hard to come by. But when she discovered reishi mushrooms, she found a natural solution, minus the brain fog every morning. This cultivated her deep appreciation for mushrooms and spurred the idea for Mother Made. Now she aims to educate people on how they can use mushrooms in everyday life. “There is a mushroom for everything, which I love,” Clarke says. “Each mushroom has a plethora of benefits, but they beautifully align with the wellness ‘needs states’.” She explains that reishi is the sleep mushroom, cordyceps is known as the energy mushroom, and lion’s mane helps cognitive function and brain health.
The brand endeavours to demystify the supplement industry, stripping back multi-layered steps and helping customers blend products seamlessly into their wellness regime to combat stress, burnout – or simply navigate daily life.
“The AM powder can be added into morning coffee and the PM blend can be incorporated into evening tea,” says Clarke. “The tablets are super easy to supplement during the day when needed for focus, performance and to relax.”
With beauty brands, such as Perricone MD and Mother Made, bringing mushrooms to the fore, this trend shows no sign of abating. In a world where our skin is constantly exposed to pollution, UV rays and other aggressors, adaptogenic mushrooms taken topically or orally offer essential protection and nourishment. If you’re looking to optimise your skin look out for these powerful fungi. Your skin will thank you.
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