How to Make Your Own Mushroom Face Masks

There are many reasons to put mushrooms in your cup – for their healing anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties, and for their richness in B vitamins and potassium to name a few. (Plus they’re also delicious!) These are all attributes that have many benefits for keeping your body healthy and strong. But did you know that the mushroom benefits for skin are just as potent and plentiful?

 

It’s for this reason that many expensive cosmetic companies are using mushrooms for skin care products.  And we don't blame them - our skin can absorb vitamins and minerals from mushrooms quite effectively!

So if you're already using mushroom powder (and cacao) in your coffee, tea, or smoothies (and even if you're not), why not add it into your beauty regimen? The mushroom benefits for skin are super impressive and our mixes contain no grains, no fillers, or additives.. so like, why not rub 'em on your face? 

 

 

Once you read more about our favorite mushroom benefits for skin, you'll want to make these really easy (and inexpensive) DIY mushroom skincare recipes for your at-home, cellular glow-up. 🙃

 

 

Mushroom Polysaccharides

We can’t talk about the mushroom benefits for skin without first talking about polysaccharides. This carbohydrate has an important role in keeping your cells healthy. They provide structural support, store energy, communicate with other cells, and support immunity. They’re also abundant in all types of mushrooms. ^(1,2)

Polysaccharides are responsible for keeping your skin hydrated. Research shows that they can help your skin retain moisture thus protecting your natural skin barrier. A healthy skin barrier is crucial for skin repair and skin renewal. When used regularly, polysaccharides can help prevent dry skin which can lead to fine lines and wrinkles. ^(1,2,3)

Recent studies show that polysaccharides exhibit antioxidant properties.⁽⁴⁾ Antioxidants are important for preventing oxidative damage caused by free radicals and environmental threats like UV radiation and pollution. This points to a way that polysaccharides and the mushrooms that contain them can help prevent early signs of aging on the skin. ⁽⁵⁾

So if you want your skin to stay hydrated and youthful for as long as possible, consume and apply more polysaccharide-fueled mushrooms. Want to know more reasons why you should put mushrooms on your skin and face? Keep reading!

 

Best Mushrooms for Skin
Tremella 

Tremella mushroom has also been turning heads for its varied health benefits and its reputation for skin beautification. Dating back to the Tang dynasty around 710 AD, Yang Guifei, one of China’s famed four great beauties is said to have credited tremella with maintaining her youthful appearance. ⁽⁶⁾ Unlike a lot of ancient lore, this one actually has credible confirmation from modern cosmetic chemists. 

Tremella may keep your skin looking young and vibrant by lengthening the lifespan of fibroblasts. Skin fibroblasts are cells that play a significant role in repairing wounds and making collagen. By keeping fibroblasts alive longer, tremella can protect skin elasticity and prevent sagging. ⁽⁷⁾ This in combination with Tremella’s ability to inhibit the development of inflammation makes it a powerhouse for protecting your skin from damage. ⁽⁸⁾

 

(Yang Guifei herself after a good mushroom face scrubbing, if I had to guess.)

 

Tremella acts similar to hyaluronic acid, the beauty industry’s chemical poster child. In China and Japan, it’s gaining popularity as an alternative to hyaluronic acid because of its impressive skin moisturizing powers. ⁽⁹⁾ Some say that tremella can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water! 

However, compared to hyaluronic acid, tremella has even smaller, more gelatinous particles. So it can penetrate the skin more effectively. This mushroom is also able to attract and bind to water molecules, thus improving the hydration & elasticity of your skin. ⁽⁹⁾

So if you’re looking for a natural solution for dry skin, try tremella. Its moisture-locking and collagen-preserving super powers may help keep your skin looking as youthful as Yang Gurfei for years to come. 

 

Reishi 

For thousands of years, Chinese medical practitioners have used reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) for its vast amount of health benefits. Now studies suggest that reishi mushroom benefits for skin may be just as extensive. 

Reishi mushroom is a star ingredient because it’s deeply hydrating and detoxifying. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits protect your skin from oxidative stress just as much as your body. This helps fight against premature aging, redness, and fine lines on your skin. ^(10,11,12)

Reishi contains beta-glucans, a chain of antioxidant glucose molecules that are responsible for attracting water from the environment to your skin. Not only does putting reishi mushrooms on skin keep it hydrated, but it also protects it from damage and early aging as well. ⁽¹³⁾

Reishi’s hard-working hydrators help your body synthesize ceramide, which makes up the protective layer of your skin. In short, ceramide keeps moisture in and oxidative stress out. ^(14,15,16) 

Between sun damage and aging, your body’s natural store of ceramide depletes over time. When it does, your skin can start to look more dehydrated or wrinkled. By restoring your body’s supply of ceramides with an adaptogen like reishi, your skin becomes less reactive to stress from your environment. ^(14,15,16) 

Reishi mushrooms can preserve the integrity of your complexion as much as your body. Want to protect your skin from the aging effects of oxidative stress? Try using an organic, grain-free mushroom powder like Malama’s Reishi Mushroom Extract Powder on your face! 

 

Chaga

Blueberries are often celebrated for being a fantastic source of antioxidants. But according to the National Cancer Institute, Chaga has 46 times the antioxidant content compared to blueberries! ⁽¹⁷⁾

The impressive antioxidant properties of Chaga can help support your whole body. But when it comes to using Chaga mushrooms on the skin, its benefits are truly overflowing. 

The antioxidants in Chaga are amazing because they are able to protect our cells from free radicals that cause oxidative damage. This can help prevent early signs of aging such as dullness, wrinkles, and sagging. ⁽¹⁸⁾

 

Chaga, along with Cacao, has some of the highest amounts of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD). ^(19,20,21)  SOD helps prevent and reduce oxidative stress found throughout the body. Oxidative stress breaks down cell tissue and damages DNA which can lead to a plethora of diseases and illnesses, so it's nothing to sneeze at.

The SOD in the Chaga repairs cells and is able to reduce the damage done by free radicals. By using a skincare product with a high dose of Chaga, we can help treat our external cells and repair aging skin. ⁽²¹⁾

 

 

 

Chaga contains Betulonic Acid, which has been shown to promote skin cell regeneration. This regeneration is crucial for healing, particularly if you have scarring or any other type of skin wound. Betulonic Acid also helps stimulate the synthesis of collagen, which is extremely beneficial in preserving skin elasticity and youth. ^(22,23)

Protecting your skin from UV radiation, particularly from the sun, can help prevent damage and early aging. Melanin, a natural pigment that’s the mastermind behind dark hair and complexions can help protect your skin from UV radiation. It protects your skin by absorbing UV rays before they can cause damage to your skin cells. ^(24,25)

There are a handful of foods that can encourage melanin production such as berries and leafy greens. But the Chaga mushroom benefits for skin stand out from the rest because it actually contains melanin. Thus naturally protecting your skin from UV sun damage that can cause premature skin aging. ⁽²⁶⁾

So if you spend a lot of time outside in the sunshine, as we do here in Hawaii, turn to Chaga for some extra UV protection. Along with sunscreen of course. You can reap the skin-protecting benefits of Chaga by taking Malama’s Chaga Mushroom Extract Powder internally or externally. 

 

 

Cordyceps Benefits for Skin 

Cordyceps are best known for their ability to provide long-lasting, stable energy. But a lesser-known benefit of cordyceps is that they can keep your skin looking fresh and energized as well.

 

Cordyceps are another mushroom that can help preserve the vitality of your skin. This is because they’re rich in antioxidants – which we mentioned earlier can protect your skin from free radicals and UV damage. This can help fight early signs of aging and keep your skin looking youthful. ^(27,28,29)

 

Whether you eat cordyceps or put them on your skin, they can provide beneficial anti-inflammatory properties. When applied topically, one study found that cordyceps are effective for reducing inflammation in mice. This means they may be able to soothe red, irritated skin and help it heal faster. ^(30,31)

 

If your skin has been looking tired and dull, try rubbing some cordyceps on your face. Malama Mushrooms has organic Cordyceps Mushroom Extract Powder that you can use in your skincare regime. 

 

Shiitake Benefits for Skin 

Shiitake mushrooms are known for their ability to protect your immune system to keep you healthy. But did you that shiitake mushroom benefits for skin are just as impressive?

 

Part of the reason why shiitake mushrooms are so good for you is that they’re high in antioxidants (Do you notice a pattern yet?). One of these antioxidants is L-ergothioneine, which can help prevent the breakdown of cells caused by oxidative stress. This can help prevent early signs of aging on the skin such as wrinkles and dullness. ^(32,33)

 

Shiitake also has potent anti-inflammatory properties which can help protect your body and skin from harmful bacteria. This can help your skin recover from injuries faster and reduce redness and puffiness. ⁽³³⁾ Shiitake also contains high amounts of a polyunsaturated fat called oleic acid. This in combination with its anti-inflammatory properties can leave your skin looking bright, balanced, and calm. ^(34,35)

Want to boost the health of your skin as well as your body? Try adding shiitake mushrooms to your diet and skin care regime. Malama Mushrooms 8 Mushroom Superfood Mix contains shiitake and it’s always made from whole, fruiting body mushrooms – never myceliated grain filler. 

 

Cacao Benefits for Skin

Yes, we know Cacao is not a mushroom, but we love all of our children equally and our cacao mixes are technically our first-born. Plus, as we mentioned, Cacao rivals Chaga for the highest amount of SOD. This coupled with one of the highest measured antioxidant (ORAC) capacities make it a stand-out for protecting your cells from oxidation and aging. It's also rich in many important minerals like iron, selenium, copper, zinc and manganese. 

 

 

Studies show applying raw cacao offers a lot of the same benefits as eating it. The high levels of antioxidants protect and repair the skin from damage and premature aging. And as a potent anti-inflammatory, it soothes redness and blemishes, improving the skin’s complexion. 

 

DIY Mushroom Skincare ✨

Make your own mushroom mask, exfoliating scrub, and anti-aging cream at home and spread the mush love to your soon-to-be glowing skin!

Mushroom Mask

Super quick and easy mushroom mask that will leave your skin feeling soft and refreshed!

 

 

Add the following to a small bowl:

• 1 tablespoon of Mālama Reishi Mushroom Mix (or Reishi Cacao).
• 1 tablespoon of Mālama Chaga Mushroom Mix (or Chaga Cacao)
• 1 tablespoon of Mālama 8 Mushroom Superfood Mix (with Tremella mushroom - note: this mix also has Chaga and Reishi in it, so you can skip the first two ingredients OR keep 'em in for extra skin-love).
• 1 teaspoon of Organic Cacao powder (optional if you did not already use a cacao mix for previous ingredients).

Next:

• Mix in 1 tbsp water OR a skin-nourishing oil like coconut or jojoba until fully blended and mixture is damp throughout (it should be an applicable paste-like consistency, not too-runny or too chalky). Choose your mixing agent according to your skin type.  We recommend water if you have large pores, oily skin, or break-out easily (unless you already know coconut or jojoba oil works for your skin!). Use an oil if you want a more moisturizing mask.

Apply to skin and leave on for 15-30 minutes. Wash off with warm water, dab your face with dry wash cloth, and preen yourself on your new glow.

*Bonus plant-stuff you can throw in, if you have them at home:

+ Ashwaganda - Known as one of the most powerful herbs in Ayurvedic healing, Ashwaganda has been utilized since ancient times topically for many skin issues.

+ Bentonite Clay - Bentonite clay has been used since ancient times both internally and externally. We find it more gentle on your skin for purification than activated charcoal.

+ Green tea (Camellia sinensis) or Matcha - both of these add more antioxidant protection to strengthen collagen and repair free radical damage.

 

 

Adaptogen Anti-Aging Cream With Mushrooms

This one a little more involved, but worth it.  For this, you will need to heat up unrefined shea butter, which is loaded with vitamins A, D, and E + fatty-acids, a staple for softening, soothing, and toning skin and used for all kinds of skin conditions (eczema psoriasis, acne, etc.). Shea butter also has anti-inflammatory and healing properties, boosting collagen.

 

 

You will need: 

• 1/2 cup of unrefined raw shea butter 
• 1/2 tablespoon of Mālama Reishi Mushroom Mix
• 1/2 tablespoon of Mālama 8 Mushroom Superfood Mix (with Tremella mushroom - note: this mix also has Chaga and Reishi in it, so you can skip the first two ingredients OR keep 'em in for extra skin-love).

First:

• Start by placing a small heat-safe bowl in a pan of hot water, or use a double-boiler. Then pour shea butter into a heat-safe bowl and place bowl in the pan of warm-to hot water until it melts enough to stir and then carefully remove from heat.

Next:

• Add in dry ingredients until completely blended (note: if you choose to add some of the bonus oils included below, be sure to mix these in before the dry ingredients).
• Cover your mixing bowl and place in the fridge for 30 minutes.
• Then take the bowl out of the fridge and stir or whip everything really well for a few minutes.
• Transfer the cream into a storage container (a leftover jam jar, small cambro, or tupperware container works well).

To apply:

• Rub a dime-size of your new mushroom cream onto your face and neck after washing your face morning and night for an all-day and all-night moisturizing cream dream.

*Bonus -stuff you can throw in, if you have them at home:

+2 tsp of Rosehip Seed oil - Rosehip seed oil helps to regenerate the skin and prevent premature aging. 

+2 tsp of Jojoba oil - Jojoba oil is much like our own skin's oil, so it is easily absorbed and leaves the skin feeling well hydrated. 

+ 2 tsp Vitamin E oil or break open a capsule - The vitamin E helps to protect the skin from free-radicals and it also acts as a natural preservative*

+20-50 drops of Carrot Seed Essential Oil - Carrot seed oil smooths out any skin imperfection and promotes natural cell regeneration.

 

 

Mushroom Exfoliating Skin & Face Scrub

This is exactly the same as the face mask recipe, but with some grit. Your skin will feel super duper soft after this one! 

Add the following to a small bowl:

• 1 tablespoon of Mālama Reishi Mushroom Mix  (or Reishi Cacao).
• 1 tablespoon of Mālama Chaga Mushroom Mix (or Chaga Cacao)
• 1 tablespoon of Mālama 8 Mushroom Superfood Mix (with Tremella mushroom - note: this mix also has Chaga and Reishi in it, so you can skip the first two ingredients OR keep 'em in for extra skin-love).
• 1 teaspoon of Organic Cacao powder (optional if you did not use a cacao mix for previous ingredients).
• 1 tablespoon coconut sugar, sea salt, or coffee grinds for texturized exfoliate.

Next:

• Mix in 1 tbsp of a nourishing oil like coconut, rose seed, or jojoba OR use raw honey if you want a thicker scrub (be sure to melt if it's a solid-honey) until fully blended and dry goods are thoroughly distributed.

To apply:  

• Rub onto skin in small circles to exfoliate, avoiding getting to close to the eyes. Leave scrub on for 15 - 30 minutes and then wash off with warm water. Use two-three times a week.

 

 

 

 *Bonus plant-stuff you can throw in, if you have them at home:

+ Ashwaganda - Known as one of the most powerful herbs in Ayurvedic healing, Ashwaganda has been utilized since ancient times topically for many skin issues.

+ Bentonite Clay - Bentonite clay has been used since ancient times both internally and externally. We find it more gentle on your skin for purification than activated charcoal.

+ Green tea (Camellia sinensis) or Matcha - both of these add more antioxidant protection to strengthen collagen and repair free radical damage.

 

 

We hope you enjoy learning about the mushroom benefits for skin and creating these DIY mushroom facemasks! We love to see our followers having fun with mushrooms. If you create any of these recipes at home, tag us on Instagram @malamamushrooms to get a chance for a shoutout! Mahalo!

 

Sources:

 

1. https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007%2F978-3-319-03751-6_64-1 
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5302426/#:~:text=Mushrooms%20are%20a%20widely%20consumed,%2Dsodium%20health%2Dpromoting%20food.&text=Such%20compounds%20include%20mushroom%20polysaccharides,mannans%2C%20galactans%2C%20and%20xylans.
3. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/278651048_Effects_of_Polysaccharide-Based_Formulations_on_Human_Skin
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23627941/
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5514576/ 
6. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Yang-Guifei
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5561887/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29854576/