Mind, body and beauty: a beginner's guide to mushrooms

From hippie hallucinogen to buzzworthy health and wellness ingredient, here is our beginner’s guide into the world of mushrooms, known for their multiple benefits for skin, body and mind.

SIX MEDICAL MUSHROOMS TO KNOW

CORDYCEPS SINENSIS (CATERPILLAR MUSHROOMS)

Superpower: Antioxidant protection, anti-inflammatory and hydration

This powerhouse, rich in antioxidants helps to protect the skin from inflammation, free radicals and oxidative stress. Cordyceps is also great for making the skin appear more youthful, with its ability to reduce the visible signs of ageing and assist with skin moisture retention for plumped, luminous skin.

AGARICUS BLAZEI (ALMOND MUSHROOMS)

Superpower: Skin brightening, repair and barrier strengthening

Looking for skin that is even-toned and resilient? This mushroom is loved for its skin-brightening properties and is trusted to help fight hyper-pigmentation and fade dark spots. It also offers skin barrier support by strengthening the skin barrier to protect it from trans-epidermal moisture loss.

CORIOLUS VERSICOLOR (TURKEY TAIL)

Superpower: Anti-inflammatory, skin firming

A great mushroom for sensitive skin types, its anti-inflammatory benefits help to soothe irritated skin and redness. It is also a great ingredient to look for when seeking to improve skin elasticity and firmness.

GANODERMA LUCIDUM (REISHI)

Superpower: Skin regeneration, combat skin sensitivity

Reishi mushrooms are rich in polysaccharides and beta-glucans and are known for assisting with skin cell regeneration as well as anti-inflammatory properties that help to calm sensitive skin for a more rejuvenated complexion.

GRIFOLA FRONDOSA (MAITAKE):

Superpower: Skin refinement, texture, detoxification

Looking for a more refined skin texture? Maitake mushrooms are known for their ability to refine the appearance of pores to help improve skin texture as well as aid in detoxification of the skin, thanks to its antioxidants, for skin that is clearer, smoother and healthier-looking.

LENTINULA EDODES (SHIITAKE)

Superpower: Collagen support and UV protection

We all know shiitake mushrooms as a food ingredient but its skin and wellness benefits include being able to support skin collagen production and elasticity for firmer, plumper skin. Rich in vitamins, minerals and amino acids, they are also great for providing protection from UV damage.

THREE OF THE BEST: MUSHROOM SKINCARE

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Add a dose of mushrooms to your arsenal with these mushroom-rich skincare and wellness additions

1. Origins Dr Andrew Weil Mega-Mushroom Soothing Hydra-Mist with Reishi and Snow Mushroom 100ml, R490 edgars.co.za
2. Rexi MSHRM Eye & Face Serum 30ml, R229 rexi.co.za
3. Goodmind Functional Mushrooms Capsules, R320 foragoodmind.com