Hard, brown, and wrinkled mushrooms do not look like an ideal ingredient for soft, supple, acne-free skin. Yet it's terrific that Chinese medical professionals haven't let outward appearances stop them from treating skin issues with the fungus for thousands of years.
Medicinal mushroom compounds are now being acknowledged for their numerous medical benefits in the West, and they are quickly becoming a favorite ingredient in acne treatment products.
But how is mushroom good for acne? Mushrooms are rich in vitamin D and have anti-inflammatory properties, hence can be used topically to treat acne and reduce outbreaks. In addition, mushroom extracts are frequently utilized in skin care products for acne treatments, and when ingested, they assist your body's ability to heal and repair acne damage.
Before diving headfirst into the world of mushrooms, you should learn a little something about acne. Numerous things, including stress, gut health, vitamins, personal care items, and nutrition, can impact our skin's health. But one thing is always consistent: inflammation.
So, let’s look at mushroom acne benefits and how they can help you eliminate those pesky pimples from your life.
Best Mushrooms For Acne
The severity of acne and how quickly it progresses are influenced by hormonal interactions, sebum production, the impact of specific bacteria, etc. The following mushrooms have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and immunomodulatory effects making them a go-to for acne.
The Calming Effects Of Reishi
What It Does? Reishi works by inhibiting microorganisms that promote acne through its bactericidal and immunomodulatory qualities. Moreover, Reishi helps control the androgen conversion, which interferes with the development of acne-causing hormones.
Suitable for: hormone regulation with bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effects.
Known as the "mushroom of immortality," Reishi has the longest health benefits of any medicinal fungus. It functions primarily as an adaptogen for the skin. Reishi(1) soothes dry, itchy skin, fortifies the skin, and aids in treating acne, wounds, and swelling. Reishi truly supports smooth, glowing skin from the inside out.
It is also one of the best mushrooms for acne. Reishi mushroom peptidoglycans include amino acids that are necessary for the synthesis of antimicrobial peptides. Moreover, it contains immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce acne.
The androgen hormone, which contributes to female cyclical acne, is likewise controlled by the mushroom. By balancing androgens, the nervous system will be relaxed, and the body's resistance to stress will be raised. In addition, the hormonal imbalance restored by Reishi prevents androgen-driven breakouts in the neck, jaw, chin, and upper back.
Chaga, The Mushroom-Powered Moisturizer
What It Does? Chaga inhibits mast cell production, which reduces inflammation and keeps acne in check.
Suitable for: moisturization and preventing breakouts.
Chaga treats acne by moisturizing the skin and minimizing clogging and dirt accumulation. Keeping the skin clean and moisturized can help prevent and treat acne. In addition, doing this can prevent inflammation-related skin problems, including cracking and decaying. Chaga also aids in the treatment of acne by reducing inflammation(2).
Lion’s Mane For Healing
What It Does? Lion's mane mushrooms appear to regulate hormones and offer anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects.
Suitable for: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging effects.
Lion's mane appears to treat various skin conditions, has anti-aging effects, and offers a good amount of antioxidants. In addition, Lion's mane is one of the best mushrooms for your skin since it has outstanding anti-inflammatory characteristics. Since inflammation frequently causes acne and other skin issues, it is easy to understand why this fungus is among the top picks.
Young individuals frequently experience hormonal acne, which is notoriously difficult to treat. Lion's mane(3) and other adaptogenic mushrooms seem to balance hormone levels in the body, which may help treat hormonal acne.
In addition to stabilizing hormones, Lion’s mane provides skin benefits and alleviates acne through its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to speed up acne healing.
Shiitake, The Anti-inflammatory Powerhoues
What It Does? Shiitake has antibacterial, alkalizing, and hormone regulation properties thanks to its bioactive compounds.
Suitable for: hormonal regulation, hepatic protection, and bactericidal effects.
Shiitake has literally been used for hundreds of years in traditional Chinese medicine for its therapeutic properties, particularly for the skin! The mushroom is valued highly for its capacity to reduce the appearance of acne scars and photodamage.
The mushroom's skin-healing qualities increase suppleness, promote quicker skin renewal, and strengthen skin barriers. Shiitake is abundant in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
FAQs About Mushrooms For Acne
Are There Any Side Effects Of Using Mushrooms For Acne?
There are no severe side effects of using mushrooms for acne. However, it may cause skin rashes in rare cases. In addition, ingesting the mushrooms may lead to an upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, and cramps.
What Compounds In Mushrooms May Help With Acne?
Polysaccharides and beta-glucans in the mushroom cell wall fight inflammation and protect the skin from acne. In addition, they also contain selenium and antioxidants that can decrease irritation and calm inflammation.
How Can Mushrooms Be Consumed To Help With Acne?
Mushrooms can be consumed raw or cooked. However, functional fungi extracts are the best option to get the most out of the medicinal properties. Pop a capsule, steep in teas, or mix powders into your smoothies; the choices are endless.
Key Takeaway
Using mushrooms for acne has several benefits, most notably its anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, they have vitamin D, antioxidant compounds, peptidoglycans, and polysaccharides that speed healing, balance hormone, and combat bacterial infection. So, if you are suffering from acne, try one of these mushrooms and see the difference in your skin!
References
- Suppression of the inflammatory response by triterpenes isolated from the mushroom Ganoderma lucidum, (1)https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1567576909002240
- Orally administered aqueous extract of Inonotus obliquus ameliorates acute inflammation in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice, (2)https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874112004771
- Potential Activity of Aqueous Extract of Culinary-Medicinal Lion's Mane Mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers. (Aphyllophoromycetideae) in Accelerating Wound Healing in Rats, (3)https://www.dl.begellhouse.com/journals/708ae68d64b17c52,77c52f4810e4b47b,42ed51fd0670aea6.html
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