Mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years and we now understand more about their processes and how they can interact with skin. In skincare, mushrooms are often used for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties but now, also for their amazing ability to interact with the nervous system via skin.
HOW DO MUSHROOMS WORK FOR SKIN?
Mushrooms can communicate, not only through contact but across long-distance. They do this via a network of underground filaments called Mycelium.
Mycelium uses biochemical, electric, and electromagnetic impulses which share a similarity to the nervous system in animals and humans.
Hypothetically, the biochemical language of skin nervous cells and mushroom biochemistry share similarities, and so the nervous system of skin reacts to the signals of mushroom extracts.
MUSHROOMS IN SKINCARE
Among well-known mushrooms with benefits to skin are Chaga and Shiitake. In Meder Beauty we use two key mushrooms, Albatrellus Ovinus also known as Northern Truffle in our Red-Apax Concentrate. And Agarikon in our Equa-Derm cream. Both can interact with our nervous system.
A MUSHROOM FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Northern Truffle or Albatrellus Ovinus is a mushroom that was used in traditional Viking medicine as a painkiller. In recent years, studies confirm that it contains agents with an anaesthetic effect.
Substances found in Northern Truffles can affect dopamine receptors of the brain and simultaneously suppress pain receptors in the body. Quickly reducing or even eliminating pain.
The skin has many pain receptors, some are responsible for other sensations too such has heat, inflammation, and water retention.
Regular use of its extract mutes pain receptors and reduces their reaction to various stimuli. This leads to reduction of skin sensitivity and symptoms of irritation, including redness, itching and discomfort.
Meder Beauty uses this amazing mushroom in Red-Apax concentrate. Targeted care for redness and sensitivity, to calm skin and bring relief of symptoms for those with redness, rosacea, sensitive skin, or those experiencing menopausal flushes.
A MUSHROOM FOR OILY SKIN
Agarikon was one of the most popular medicines in ancient times, often called the longevity elixir.
As well as having a potent anti-inflammatory effect it can affect our parasympathetic system. When this system’s activity increases, skin can change, leading to wide pores and an increase of sebum production.
The application of Agarikon has the opposite effect. Tightening pores, improving muscle tone, and reducing the activity of sebum glands. Making it a perfect choice for those with oily skin.
Meder Beauty uses Agarikon mushroom extract in Equa-Derm Cream for these effects.
Mushrooms continue to attract the attention of the scientific community for their prospective use in both medicine and health. As we learn more about them, we’ll be able to harness more of their abilities that can be beneficial for skin.
