The surprising magic of mushrooms

Jan 16, 2024

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Dr. Sophie Shotter

Dr. Sophie and Fiona discuss:

• How mushrooms help skin • Beta glucan • Adaptogens • Kojic acid and hyperpigmentation • Reishi’s anti-inflammatory (and hydrating) properties • Tremella (snow mushroom) and hyaluronic acid • Reishi • Mycelium and sustainable beauty • Stella McCartney’s mushroom leather bag • Origins and the iconic Mega Mushroom treatment oil • Other brands using mushrooms • Mushrooms as a supplement – inc. the immune system / cognitive function • Mushrooms and glutathione (antioxidant) – plus liver function • Lion’s mane – and anxiety and depression / sleep • Mushroom extraction processes • Different supplementation brands • Understanding reishi’s potential side effects • Curcumin and cellular health • Green tea and EGCG

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Dr Sophie and Fiona mention a few brands, ideas, studies and individuals – all the links are here:

Reishi inhibits the melanin-producing enzyme tyrosinase so is helpful in reducing skin pigmentation and discoloration.

A 2016 study found that mushrooms helped combat ageing, reduce skin disease inflammation and correct hyperpigmentation.

A 2019 study found that the beta-glucan in mushrooms helps improve the skin barrier and fight ageing with antioxidants.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S092666901630396X

https://digitalaesthetics.co.uk/news/news/mushrooms-in-the-beauty-industry#:~:text=A%202016%20Study%20on%20Industrial,and%20fight%20ageing%20with%20antioxidants.

In the UK, a company called Magical Mushroom uses mycelium to create packaging for various brands.

Boots Botanicals range uses mushrooms in its micellar water.

Kiehl’s uses sustainably grown chaga to help even out skin tone and boost radiance in its Super Multi-Corrective Cream.

Charlotte Tilbury used mushroom extract in her foundation back in 2016.

Meder Beauty’s Red-Apax Concentrate contains a truffle called Albatrellus ovinus extract, also called northern truffle, and this has been formulated to combat redness / rosacea, and has been proven to reduce discoloration and calm skin. Meder also have mushrooms also in their Equaderm cream.

SkinBetter has tremella in its TechNO neck perfecting cream and white mushroom extract in its EyeMax cream.

The Neostrata Dark Spot Corrector has Kojic acid.

Murad has mushrooms in their Invisiblur Perfecting Shield SPF 30.

Paula’s Choice has mushrooms in the Super Hydrate Overnight Mask.

And there’s an interesting looking cleanser by Kora - milky mushroom cleansing oil. There are also niche, boutique brands such as FRWRD Skincare whose hero product is the Organic Mushroom Super Serum which also promises to calm sensitive skin, reducing redness and breakouts.

Shroom Skincare have blended four mushroom extracts into its Mycelium Glow: Vitamin C & Mushroom Brightening Serum.

Neon Hippie uses a proprietary seven-mushroom complex for its range.

Youth to the People’s Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream uses fermented reishi and ashwagandha.

Herbar is another new mushroom-based skincare brand.

A.P. Chem is an interesting one as it uses what it calls Alt-Pharma ingredients including Polyglutamic Acid and GABA (both found in mushrooms). Their MicroDose Magical Moisturizer has a bit of a cult following and received coverage from Oprah.

We mentioned K beauty on our skincare episode - BioRepublic is a Korean beauty–inspired skincare brand that uses snow mushrooms in its organic sheet masks.

Alicia Keys has mushrooms in her skincare range which has been developed by dermatologists. Her Promise Serum uses snow mushroom, with zinc and vitamin B3.

Q+A Zinc PCA Facial Serum is made with reishi and shiitake and it’s (currently) only £9 so good for a budget buy.

Ren’s Redness Relief Serum uses white mushroom extract and is very popular with those who have rosacea.

More info…

Mushrooms are high in glutathione, an antioxidant and detoxifying nutrient, as well as ergothioneine, which protects DNA from oxidative damage. Plus mushroom polysaccharides have a significant impact on the immune system and are even said to fight viruses, bacteria and other pathogens.

Reishi has been shown to help de-stress and create deeper, better sleep – but only if used regularly.

Lion's mane has typically been used in supplements for brain health, but Origins are said to be looking at developing formulations for topical use because of its antioxidant benefits.

Some other hero ingredients include:

Ashwaganda – it’s been claimed it can reduce anxiety by up to 44%. Chaga - contains vast amounts of antioxidants and is praised for boosting immunity and slowing down the ageing process. Maca - is linked to libido and sexual function. Shilajit – is said to balance sex hormones.

Lots of these are available in powders that can be added to smoothies or coffee or foods.

Always look for certified organic mushrooms that have been “extracted” – that’s key to making sure you’re getting the highest quality with maximum efficacy.

Wunder Workshop combine different adaptogens for their super powders.

GROWN liquid supplements can either be added to drinks or placed straight onto the tongue.

Other brands include: Bristol Fungarium

Dirtea

The Nue Co Nootro Focus

Kiki Health Organic Lion’s Mane Extract Mushroom

Inessa Immunity Complex

WelleCo The Super Elixir - Daily Greens Pouch Refill

Indi Supplements

Grass and Co

Research demonstrates that curcumin activates certain proteins that help delay cellular senescence and promote longevity. Plus, some studies demonstrate that it combats cellular damage and significantly increases life span, postponing age-related disease and symptoms.

Green tea contains a polyphenol called Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG restores mitochondrial function in cells and acts on pathways involved in aging. It also induces autophagy, the process by which the body removes damaged cellular material.

Plus, there may be an association between green tea intake and protection against aging skin, as well as reduced hyperpigmentation caused by ultraviolet (UV) light.