Originally published in Pure E Women’s Magazine, 2006 by Aimee Grant, Skin Care and Health Consultant

We all know about the psychedelic properties of mushrooms. Whether you’ve partaken and experienced these hallucinogenic benefits, well…we’ll never know, but what about their other healing properties?

Mushrooms for healthy skin? Yes, they are becoming very popular in skincare products. For example, one of the key ingredients in Japanese mushrooms is Kojic Acid, which brightens the complexion. For more than 3,000 years Asians have revered mushrooms for their ability to improve health, preserve youth, enhance longevity and restore balance in the body

N.V Perricone M.D. Maitake

Maitake is a large mushroom that is a member of the shiitake family. Maitake grows deep in the mountains of northeastern Japan and has been long known for its medicinal properties.

Rich in polysaccharides called beta-glucans that help to stimulate cell’s immunity, Maitake helps enhance the control of blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, and body weight by sensitizing the cells to insulin which makes cells more effective in fighting Metabolic Syndrome, the symptoms are obesity, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar levels, which can lead to inflammation. Check with your doctor before taking.

Rodan + Fields Reverse Kit

Rodan + Fields Reverse Kit, a skin lightening regimen features:

Reverse: prepare – a skin-lightening toner. It fades unwanted brown spots and uneven pigmentation on the complexion. Kojic acid aids in brightening the skin tone. This product is also helpful at enhancing cell turnover – giving you brighter more radiant skin.

Also included in the Reverse kit:

Reverse: treat a skin-lightening lotion that features Kojic Dipalmitate (derived from mushroom) to enhance your skin’s healing properties. This prepares and further brightens the skin leaving radiance and a younger-looking complexion.

Origins Plantidote™ Mega-Mushroom Face Cleanser

This extremely gentle, milky lotion cleanser features a proprietary, signature blend – Hypsizygus ulmarius, Cordyceps and Reishi Mushrooms, Ginger, Turmeric, and Holy Basil – as well as skin-soothing Chamomile and Licorice Extract. It quickly removes makeup, dirt, debris, and impurities without upsetting skin’s naturally protective lipid balance and keeps even highly sensitive or reactive skin calm throughout the cleansing process.

Ole Henriksen’s Hands Foward SPF 15

Hydrate dry, cracked skin as you nourish, soothe, renew, and protect. Kojic Dipalmitate (derived from mushrooms) provides the gradual fading of brown spots and discolorations.
Optimize Your Skin’s Defenses

Plantidote™ Mega-Mushroom Face Serum

It features his proprietary blend of Hypsizygus ulmarius, Cordyceps and Reishi Mushrooms, Ginger, Turmeric, and Holy Basil. And due to its lightweight liquid form, it easily penetrates the skin’s outermost layer. Use it twice daily and you’ll soon see a renewed radiance and clarity. Your skin will look and feel calmer, healthier, and less stressed. Patent Pending.

Plantidote™ Mega-Mushroom Face Cream

This remarkable face cream with Hypsizygus ulmarius and Chaga mushrooms immediately helps quiet and calm skin. By mirroring the amazing process that sends Narcissus Lily Bulbs into dormancy as a means of “self-protection”,

it signals the skin to conserve its energy to optimize its defenses against age accelerators. The skin has the ability to maintain a stronger, healthier, more youthful appearance.

This patented technology is further supported by Menyanthus and Heather extracts to keep skin firm; Fucoidan from Okinawan seaweed to discourage moisture loss and Vitamins C and E to defend against destructive oxidation.