Science
Functional mushrooms present a toolkit of compounds that benefit human skin. Many of these components are completely unique to their fungal creators, and confer surprising properties for wound-healing, hydration and skin rejuvenation. Lets take a look:
Beta Glucan
Beta Glucan is a natural carbohydrate that fortifies the skin’s moisture barrier, preventing water loss and keeping the skin hydrated. This unique compound works as an antioxidant, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by counteracting the effect of free-radicals upon the skin. These long chains of sugar, cellulose and starch bind together to create a lightweight and undetectable barrier that protects the skin from irritation, dehydration and UV damage, while plumping the dermis and encouraging the production of collagen. B-Glucan is a strong anti-inflammatory, which works to reduce redness, swelling and puffiness, while soothing the skin and increasing its wound-healing potential. These molecules exists naturally within the cell walls of various yeasts, fungi, seaweed and grains such as oats. Some mushroom species, such as the Cauliflower Mushroom can consist of >40% B-Glucan by weight. Multiple studies have concluded that this skincare superstar is equal in effectiveness to Hyaluronic Acid, with the added benefits of smoothing skin and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
Tremella Polysaccharides
These long chains of sugar are unique to members of the genus Tremella (Snow Mushroom, Witch’s Butter and others), and give these species their gelatinous nature and unprecedented ability to rehydrate themselves by pulling moisture directly out of the air, locking away any available hydration to survive periods of drought. Tremella Polysaccharides have been been used for their healing abilities since ancient times, and are now lauded as a better alternative to hyaluronic acid because their smaller molecular structure can more-easily penetrate and absorb into the skin. In addition, the beneficial barrier created by these molecules is more durable and complete than that created by hyaluronic acid.
Much like it does for its host mushroom species, Tremella Polysaccharides pull hydration deep into human skin and lock it away, lending a plump, youthful look and diminishing the appearance of wrinkles.
Kojic Acid
Kojic acid occurs naturally within many mushroom and yeast species, and is known for its ability to even out skin tone, lessening the appearance of hyper-pigmentation, age-spots and scars. In addition, it demonstrates strong antioxidant effects and assists in skin cell repair from environmental damage and UV exposure. The strong antimicrobial effects of Kojic Acid help prevent the occurrence of breakouts and blemishes associated with bacteria on the skin.
Ergothionene
Ergothionene is a powerful amino acid antioxidant that lessens the appearance of skin discoloration by disabling an enzyme that activates melanin production. This contributes to even, glowing skin, and can lessen the aging effects of hyper-pigmentation. Additionally, this mushroom-derived compound naturally soothes the skin and helps to repair cellular damage from environmental factors. Not only is Ergothionene itself an antioxidant, but it also assists in preventing the degradation of the skin’s naturally-occurring antioxidant system, boosting the natural defenses that prevent harmful damage from daily interaction with free-radicals. This unique amino acid-derivitive is found in great amounts in Button Mushrooms, Oyster Mushroom, Porcini, and Shiitake.
Lentinan
Another powerful antioxidant derived from Shiitake mushrooms, Lentinan is a powerful ally in the mitigation of environmental toxins and the harmful effects of UV light upon our skin. Lentinan shows unique promise for its anti-inflammatory characteristics, soothing the body’s overactive inflammatory response, and mitigating the effect of viruses and bacteria upon the skin.
Veratric Acid
A phenolic acid derived from Cauliflower Mushroom, Veratric Acid works as a powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and photo-protective agent. This novel compound encourages fibroblasts to synthesize collagen, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles by modulating Matrix Metalloproteinases and epidermal layer integrity.