ByDORIT BEN-ARI

Gone are the days when mushrooms appeared only on our pizza or in our salad. Now, suddenly, they are everywhere: In serum, in night cream, in masks and even in anti-dandruff shampoo. Sounds a little strange? Actually, no. In traditional Chinese culture they have been used for over 2,000 years, and only in recent years have they taken center stage here as well. So why now? Why is everyone obsessed with mushrooms specifically lately? There are four reasons.

1. We are still living in the clean beauty era – with increasing use of natural, organic, healthy products and, most importantly, products that won’t ruin the planet along the way, and mushrooms fit all of these criteria perfectly. They are natural, sustainable, and environmentally friendly.

2. Scientific research has finally caught up with traditional medicine. It turns out that all those stories about magical mushrooms that turn back the clock have some truth to them. Research from recent years shows that mushrooms contain amazing bioactive compounds, antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that work wonders for the skin.

Now, suddenly, mushrooms are everywhere: In serum, in night cream, in masks and even in anti-dandruff shampoo
Now, suddenly, mushrooms are everywhere: In serum, in night cream, in masks and even in anti-dandruff shampoo (credit: GettyImages, Heritage Art)

3. We are in the midst of the “skinimalism” movement – minimalism in skincare – we want fewer products that do more. And mushrooms, with their wide range of benefits, fit exactly into this approach. One product containing mushrooms can do the work of three different products – hydration, protection, and softening – all in a single tube.

4. There are results – we use mushroom-infused products and we see change. The skin looks better, feels better, and responds better. And once a product works, it spreads like wildfire.

One product containing mushrooms can do the work of three different products – hydration, protection, and softening
One product containing mushrooms can do the work of three different products – hydration, protection, and softening (credit: Courtesy of Mycospring‎, DAN PEREZ)

Let’s talk for a moment about what mushrooms really do for our skin, because this is not just hype but real science backed by research:

Hydration and maintaining the skin barrier: Mushrooms contain polysaccharides, which are excellent moisturizing agents. And this is not just any moisture, but deep hydration that penetrates the inner layers of the skin.

Strong antioxidants – which play a crucial role in neutralizing free radicals, unstable molecules that can damage skin cells and contribute to premature aging.

Anti-inflammatory: Inflammation is a common factor in various skin conditions, including acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Mushrooms contain compounds that demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects and provide relief to inflamed skin.

Mushrooms, with their wide range of benefits, fit exactly into the “skinimalism” approach
Mushrooms, with their wide range of benefits, fit exactly into the “skinimalism” approach (credit: ASAF KARELA, Courtesy of Mycospring‎)

Inhibiting enzymes related to skin aging: Mushrooms show the ability to inhibit key enzymes that play essential roles in skin aging and pigmentation.

Supporting collagen production: As we age, collagen production naturally declines, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin. Some mushrooms, such as Tremella and Shiitake, have been studied for their ability to stimulate collagen production, promoting skin elasticity and firmness.

Brightening the skin and reducing hyperpigmentation: Certain mushrooms can help reduce dark spots and pigmentation disorders by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for melanin production.

In conclusion, the secret to young and healthy skin is not found in an expensive tube with a complicated scientific name, but in the forest. In mushrooms growing on trees, capable of surviving, recovering, and protecting themselves. And now they do the same for us. So yes, we’re buying into it. Literally.

The products we recommend

Gentle Cleansing Foam – facial cleansing foam by SENE

It is boosted with Cordyceps mushroom extract – which helps protect against environmental stress, improve skin moisture levels, strengthen collagen, and protect against UV radiation damage. It is joined by niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, squalane, calendula, and allantoin, which together know how to repair, moisturize, refresh, and renew the skin. Price: NIS 189.

Eye cream from the SEEDOLOGY series by GADE

At GADE they went all in with a sea of mushrooms: Shiitake, Reishi, and Maitake – which help reduce dark spots, irritations, inflammation, brighten the skin, and increase collagen production. They are joined by peptides, sugars, hyaluronic acid, caffeine, and mango seed butter, all so that you walk away satisfied with treated, refreshed, flexible, and de-puffed skin. Price: NIS 150.

Ultimune 4.0 – serum by Shiseido

It is composed of 91% natural ingredients with a precise combination of Reishi mushroom extract, flowers, leaves, and seeds, which strengthen, soothe, moisturize, and support aging cells while signaling them to clear out of the skin. This helps to curb, as much as possible, the main signs of aging such as uneven skin tone, loss of firmness, elasticity, and more. Price: NIS 600.

DYNASTY CREAM – facial cream by BEAUTY OF JOSEON for Super-Pharm

It contains ingredients from the South Korean heritage it comes from, such as rice bran water, ginseng, and niacinamide, whose benefits for the skin we know well, along with an extract of the Phellinus mushroom. This mushroom knows how to fight free radicals, reduce redness and inflammation, improve skin tone, and nourish it – all at a very reasonable price. Price: NIS 100.