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We’ve all heard – “Change is the only constant” and being a beauty writer, as I learn and unlearn things and explore the beauty planet, the fact only gets reinstated – every single day. That’s the beauty of the beauty world (pun intended) – every day brings something brand new; better ingredients, newer formulations, never-seen-before products, impressively mind-boggling inventions and more make entries, some wild card ones, even. For a consumer, the current situation of the beauty space can be both – overwhelming and exciting because there is so much to pick and choose from. Finally, we can say, a customer is (truly) the king. From introductions of actives and acids to comebacks of age-old traditional heroes – the beauty space is certainly packed with a truckload of things to offer, leaving you spoilt for choices. While the sound of this is great, one can’t deny that it can get confusing. So, we’re here to decode the latest ‘it’ ingredient – mushrooms.
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Mushrooms In Skincare
Recently, mushrooms have been everywhere. Global brands like Youth To The People, Ren Skincare, Origins as well as local ones like Earth Rhythm and The Switch Fix have employed the ingredient for better skin and hair. “The polysaccharides in mushrooms hydrate your skin, making it soft and supple. It’s a good source of vitamin D, a powerful source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects,” says Dr Karishma Kagodu, Head, Dr Karishma’s Aesthetics, Bangalore. Contrary to popular belief, mushrooms have been used for their beauty benefits for a while now in Chinese traditions. And, how can one forget the iconic collaboration between global skincare brand Origins and Dr Weil, through which mushrooms first became a skincare player in the year 2005? Additionally, different species of mushrooms offer different benefits and uses.
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What Are The Benefits?
“Mushrooms are powerful adaptogenic ingredients and help to calm stress and reduce inflammation. Mushrooms contain omega fatty acids and ceramides, which can help to build up the skin’s moisture barrier, acts as an exfoliant, prevents water loss, and keeps the skin hydrated,” says Dr Kagodu. She goes ahead and gives us a rundown of the various types of mushrooms and their benefits, “Several types of mushrooms are used in topical creams, serums, and facial preparations. One good example is the Chaga mushroom, which blocks harmful UV rays and is higher in antioxidants. Reishi mushrooms have been used in anti-ageing skincare products since the 80s. Kojic acid derived from mushrooms has been used in skin de-pigmentation topical creams. Tremella mushrooms or snow fungus or beauty mushrooms have skin benefits and an easy way to incorporate these into your diet is via food vanilla collagen. In addition, Shiitake mushrooms act as an exfoliant, promote faster skin renewal and increase skin elasticity. These mushrooms containing kojic acid have skin-lightening benefits.”
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For Whom Is It?
All in all, mushrooms rise as a great source of ceramides, antioxidants like vitamin C and other anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory properties that makethem a great addition to one and all’s skincare routine. However, Dr Kogadu says it's particularly highly beneficial for dry skin, “Mushrooms contain specific antioxidants, omega fatty acids, and ceramides which help lock moisture into your skin and are boon for all skin types, especially dry skin.” Additionally, the soothing and calming effects of the ingredient also make it a great option for skin with rosacea and eczema.
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But Can You Derive The Skincare Benefits By Only Eating Them?
“Mushrooms are used internally and topically, but getting their skincare benefits is wholly and solely based on the skincare requirements,” confirms Dr Kogadu. “To achieve a hydration effect, you’ll have to apply mushrooms topically, while acquiring the immunity strength, reducing skin sensitivity, and improving resilience to environmental irritants, mushrooms are suggested to be incorporated into your diet as they are high in Vitamin D,” she suggests.
Also read: Adult Acne 101: An Expert Dermat Breaks It Down For You
Why Is Mushroom Exploding As An Ingredient In The Beauty World? | Femina.in - Femina
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