In the world of beauty products, it seems like there’s a trendy new ingredient every damn day. First it was matcha, then collagen, then CBD. Today, it’s mushrooms. But much like matcha, mushrooms have been used in ancient Chinese medicine for centuries—before there was even a record of it (not kidding).
We're not talking about wolfing down a quattro funghi pizza and waiting for your skin to glow. These mushrooms are special (but not *so* special that they’ll cause any mind-altering funny business) and have adaptogenic properties that, when ingested, purportedly boost brain function and energy while helping to suppress anxiety and depression, according to a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
When applied topically via skin-care products, explains dermatologist Dr. Patricia Farris, the antioxidants in mushrooms can help improve moisture retention, shrink pores and give us that glow we love so much. Look for ingredients like ashwagandha, reishi, chaga, lion’s mane and snow mushrooms to reap the mind/body benefits. (Or let us do the hard work for you, and shop our product picks below.)
