When it comes to improving your skin, it turns out the answer may lie in one of the oldest organisms on earth: mushrooms. Snow mushrooms, that is, a flowery white mushroom that skin experts suggest might just be as magical as it looks.
With antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and more, it’s no wonder this ingredient has found it’s place in skincare solutions. Read on to learn all about how you can reap the benefits of this skincare ingredient.
WHAT IS SNOW MUSHROOM?
Snow mushroom, scientific name Tremella fuciformis, is a species of fungus that looks more like a sea creature than a typical mushroom. It gets its name from its jelly-like “ears,” which are a striking translucent white.
Snow mushroom is typically found in dense tropical and subtropical forests, where its bright white is a stark contrast to the lush greens and browns of the forest. It’s no wonder the snow mushroom has attracted attention for thousands of years.
Long before we considered the benefits of snow mushroom in popular skincare, snow mushroom benefits were embraced in traditional Chinese medicine. Chinese medicine teaches that snow mushroom, known in Chinese as Bai Mu Er, is an amazing source of nourishment in the body, capable of strengthening the immune system, fighting colds, and treating coughs. It’s often used by the elderly.
Modern science backs up these ancient claims. Snow tremella mushroom is loaded with immune-boosting polysaccharides that promote interferon and interleukin, two powerful immune-boosting proteins. Science also suggests that snow mushrooms have neuroprotective properties and may be able to help ward off degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. It’s no wonder their benefits have been revered for thousands of years.
TOP BENEFITS OF SNOW MUSHROOM FOR SKIN
Snow mushroom benefits are numerous, ranging from nourishment to protection. Just like hyaluronic acid, Snow mushroom can hold a significant amount of water, and its molecular structure makes it an even more flexible skin care solution. These capabilities make it easy to use in a range of target areas and to combine with other ingredients.
Hydration
When it comes to tremella mushroom benefits, hydration is at the forefront. Take one glance at the robust tremella mushroom, and you’ll have hydration on the mind. It can help retain water within the skin and restore the skin’s natural vitality, making it an excellent choice for skincare for dry skin.
One of the tremella mushroom’s benefits is that it doesn’t just help with hydrating your skin upon application, but it also contributes to preventing moisture from leaving the skin altogether. This can contribute to a healthier skin barrier.
Collagen Production
The same polysaccharides that give snow mushrooms their immune-boosting benefits are the key to their abilities in collagen production, as well. These carbohydrates naturally occur as proteins in your body and support your skin, muscles, bones, and connective tissues. In skin care, polysaccharides help to strengthen the skin barrier and promote skin elasticity.
Antioxidant & Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Snow tremella mushroom’s polysaccharides also contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. The application of snow mushroom extract can help stimulate the skin’s production of superoxide dismutase, the body’s naturally occurring antioxidant.
Tremella mushroom’s benefits include protecting against oxidative stress and free radicals, calming the skin, and more.
UV Protection
Snow mushrooms may also provide protection against UV rays when applied topically or taken orally. Mainly, it can help guard the structural integrity of the skin and reduce the loss of water and collagen when exposed to UV rays.
Wound Healing
Perhaps one of the most interesting studies performed on snow mushrooms for skin showed its capabilities in regard to wound healing. Results suggested that snow mushrooms contributed to both the formation of new blood vessels and the prevalence of healing cells in the wound.
The more quickly a wound heals, the lower the risk of scars and other lasting cosmetic blemishes. This is especially beneficial to those who struggle with acne.
ARE THERE ANY POTENTIAL DRAWBACKS OF USING SNOW MUSHROOMS FOR SKIN?
As with almost any skincare ingredient, some might have an allergic reaction to snow mushrooms or sensitivity to a new product. If you have known allergies to fungi, it may be a good idea to consult with a medical professional before introducing snow mushrooms into your skincare routine.
WHAT TYPES OF SKINCARE HAVE SNOW MUSHROOM
It’s clear why snow mushroom has been embraced by the skincare world. Recently, snow mushrooms’ beneficial properties have been incorporated into everything from moisturizers and toners to serums, cleansers, and more.
OUR TOP RECOMMENDATION FOR SNOW MUSHROOM FOR SKIN
Discover full-spectrum snow mushroom benefits with our Barrier Pro™ Essential Moisturizer. We worked with skin health professionals to develop the ultimate moisturizer for skin repair. Replenish hydration, protect your skin barrier, balance your skin’s microbiome, refine texture, and more.
Benefits of Barrier Pro™ Essential Moisturizer
The Barrier Pro™ Essential Moisturizer offers:
Replenishment: Barrier Pro Essential Moisturizer intensely and deeply rehydrates depleted skin. Its multi-layer hydration improves the ability to retain hydration.
Rebalance: Thanks to snow mushroom, this moisturizer supports an environment for good bacteria to thrive, creating a balanced microbiome and creating smooth and supple skin.
Renew: Calm the skin with soothing botanicals, neutralize damage from free radicals, and increase skin’s resilience against environmental aggressors like UV and blue light.
The result is plumper, stronger, healthier, and more youthful-looking skin. Don’t just take our word for it; hear from our customers. A clinical study of Barrier Pro Essential Moisturizer showed that:
100% of people who used Barrier Pro Essential Moisturizer agreed that their skin looked and felt more plump immediately after application.
96% agreed that skin looked more radiant and healthier immediately after application.
92% agreed that skin was smoother, healthier, more nourished, and more hydrated after 4 weeks of use.
Sounds like an excellent addition to your skincare routine, right?