I’m the first to admit that I love skincare. I LOVE skincare, all of it: going to beauty store openings, trying new serums, adjusting my skincare routine. But a few years ago I discovered I was only scratching the surface of my skin health. A bit like in Limitless when Bradley Cooper unlocks his brain’s full potential thanks to a new drug. Topical creams can only do so much, and until recently I’d failed to appreciate the impact of what you ingest has on skin health, and of course overall health.

Mushroom has emerged as a surprising new hero in the wellbeing community. The humble fungi, once mostly relegated to culinary use, has taken the spotlight in skincare, health supplements and ingestible powders. As we increasingly seek natural remedies that promote overall wellbeing, mushrooms have become a go-to ingredient due to their wide-ranging health benefits.

What do mushrooms do for your wellbeing?  

While mushrooms have long been used in traditional medicine, especially in cultures across Asia, their recent boom in Western wellness is driven by a growing awareness of their potential to enhance wellbeing. In A Better Second Half, Liz Earle dedicates a whole section to the wellbeing benefits of mushrooms, from the energy-boosting chaga to depression-busting cordyceps and the anti-inflammatory shiitake. She even adds lion’s mane to her coffee for a boost in mental clarity.

1. Adaptogenic Properties: adaptogens, such as reishi and lion’s mane mushrooms, are substances that help the body manage stress and restore balance. They are believed to help the body cope with physical and mental stress, and support immune function.
2. Plant-Based Movement: if you’re looking to reduce your meat consumption, mushrooms are a great alternative as they’re rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
3. Immune Support: mushrooms like reishi, shiitake, and maitake are rich in beta-glucans, helping to boost immunity and protect against infections and diseases.
4. Mental Clarity and Cognitive Function: mushrooms like lion’s mane contain compounds that stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), which supports the maintenance of neurons in the brain. As a result, lion’s mane is believed to improve memory, focus, and overall brain function.
5. Stress and Anxiety Reduction: adaptogenic mushrooms such as reishi and chaga are known for their ability to combat stress by helping to lower cortisol levels (the body’s primary stress hormone), reducing feelings of anxiety and improving sleep quality.
6. Gut Health: mushrooms such as turkey tail contain prebiotics – compounds that promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and help boost overall digestive health.

Skin Benefits of Mushrooms

Beyond their internal health benefits, mushrooms are increasingly used in skincare products for their rejuvenating, healing, and anti-aging properties.

1. Anti-Aging and Antioxidant Power: oxidative stress, caused by pollution and UV exposure, accelerates the aging process, but mushrooms like reishi can help slow down signs of aging as they are packed with antioxidants, helping to fight oxidative stress and protecting the skin from environmental damage.
2. Hydration and Skin Healing: mushrooms are highly effective in hydrating and nourishing the skin. Reishi mushrooms, in particular, are used in skincare for their ability to improve moisture retention, strengthening the skin’s barrier and making it more resilient to environmental stressors – ideal for with dry or sensitive skin.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: mushrooms such as Turkey tail and shiitake have anti-inflammatory properties, helping to soothe acne or eczema-prone skin.

How to Incorporate Mushrooms Into Your Daily Routine

With the wealth of mushroom products on the market, it’s never been easier to incorporate mushrooms into your routine and enjoy their health and skincare benefits.

1. Supplements: these can provide immune support, cognitive enhancement, or stress reduction.

Moodeys Wake up call supplements: Start the day with a focus supplement featuring Lion’s Mane, nicknamed ‘Brain Mushroom’ for its impact on the growth of brain cells and improving memory. Herbaly also offer capsules to assist with daily cognitive function and vitality: Wellness Mushroom Complete contain an impressive 15 different types of functional mushrooms including Maitake, Reishi and Turkey Tail. If you prefer more of a treat format, Fantastic Fungi memory gummies also support optimal brain health. Then in the evening, wind down with Moodeys Rest & Repeat supplements, rich in Reishi which reduces stress and improves sleep.  

Fushi Organic Reishi Mushroom capsules: known as an adaptogen and therefore believed to help our body adapt to stress, reishi is often used to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. Pop a couple of these 100% pure fresh ground reishi capsules daily for a boost to your overall wellbeing.

2. Teas and powders

Vitola Hair Boost Blend Powder: containing 18 vitamins and minerals, this citrus-flavoured food supplement includes reishi mushrooms to help regulate stress and therefore minimise stress-related hair loss.

3. Skincare

Pai Tri-Mushroom 10% Super-Soothing Booster: containing a powerful trio of Reishi, Chaga and Cordyceps mushrooms, this comforting booster reduces irritation is ideal for sensitive skin

Rosalena Rose Quartz Magic Mushroom: the fungi even influences the shape of facial stones. Best used in combination with an oil to massage facial contours, starting from the centre and rolling it outwards across forehead, cheeks and jaw, to stimulate circulation, encourage a healthy glow and tone facial muscles.  

4. Cooking: a super versatile ingredient that can become a kitchen staple – add to stir fries and omelettes.

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