Ingredients Spotlight: Reishi

For centuries, Reishi mushrooms have been used in Asia medicinally for its health benefits, including boosting the immune system, reducing infection, improving cholesterol and fighting cancer (when used with standard cancer treatments). But does it actually benefit the skin when used topically as a skincare ingredient?

The answer is yes. Studies have shown that applying Reishi does hugely benefit skin’s health, in terms of increased immune function, reduced inflammation, protection against UV-induced cellular damage, detoxification, and regulation of genes important for cellular aging.

Prevents Premature Aging

Reishi is abundant in Ergothioneine and reduced Glutathione. Considered two of the most powerful antioxidants in the skin, and together with antioxidant-rich adaptogens, triterpenes, and phenols, they enhance sun protection, and fight free radicals whilst preventing their formation. Whilst, Vitamin D, which can be found in significant amount in Reishi, can affect the telomeres in our DNA, and slow collagen glycation process.

Reishi has also be shown to inhibit the enzyme elastase, thereby preserving elastin and structural support of the skin.

This means Reishi can work at the skin’s cellular level to prevent wrinkles, loss of elasticity, stiffness, dullness, etc., essentially slowing down aging of the skin.

 Product Recommendation
KLUR
Sculpture + A Overnight Enrichment Cream  <- Click to shop

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 Soothes Redness & Irritation

Inflammation reaction in the skin can lead to redness, irritations, and even aging. Rich in immune boosting adaptogens and beta-glucan, which work by stimulating the macrophages and stimulate other immune cells to attack pathogens, Reishi helps fight virus and pathogens that pass through the skin barrier. At the same time, the Vitamin D in Reishi, shown to be more effective than Vitamin E, reduces lipid peroxidation and inflammation.

For this reason, it is particularly good for people with compromised skin barriers like eczema, rosacea or dermatitis, as well as dry, irritated skin.

 Product Recommendation
OUMERE
Serum Bioluminelle™  <- Click to shop

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Hydrates Intensely

As we mentioned above, Reishi is rich in beta-glucan. Being a unique sugar molecule, it acts as a humectant to draw water to the skin. In fact, tests have shown beta-glucan at the same concentration is 20% more hydrating than hyaluronic acid, which we know can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water.

On the other hand, Polysaccharides and Cerebrosides, which are responsible for the skin’s natural ability to hydrate, retain water, repair and renew, can be found in significant amount in Reishi. Not only can they increase skin hydration, they can also plump skin to decrease fine line, as well as repair and reinforce the ceramides in the moisture barrier.

In short, Reishi is ultra hydrating and plumping!

 Product Recommendation
KLUR
Immersion Serum Concentrate  <- Click to shop

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Reduces Hyperpigmentation 

Studies have demonstrated when used in extract form, Reishi are capable in reducing melanin content and inhibiting the melanin-producing enzyme tyrosinase in the skin, and are therefore great in reducing skin hyperpigmentation, acne marks and discoloration.

With high levels of terpenes, Reishi also helps promote skin renewal and rejuvenation. This means old, dead melanin cells can be shredded faster from our strata corneum, thereby evening out skin tone and brightening skin.

 Product Recommendation
LA BELLA FIGURA
Gentle Enzyme Cleanser  <- Click to shop

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