Natural or Synthetic: Natural
Origin: The reishi mushroom (aka the ling zhi mushroom) is a polypore mushroom that grows wild in damp, dark forests on decaying logs and tree stumps.
Location: Reishi mushroom is commercially cultivated in East Asia and North America.
Beauty Benefits: Reishi mushroom has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 4,000 years. It is used to treat a wide variety of health conditions - ranging from arthritis to diabetes. However this magical mushroom doesn't just treat the body internally, it also does wonders for the skin and hair.
Reishi mushroom is anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic and it helps to repair skin damage (e.g. sunburn, insect bites and cut and bruises). Now, as fabulous as healing is, it is the anti-ageing benefits of reishi mushroom that make it extra special. The hero ingredient is rich in antioxidants that promote cell regeneration and protect skin from environmental damage. Environmental damage is responsible for accelerating skin ageing, so protection really is everything.
Warnings: Reishi mushroom is safe to use topically. However if you are pregnant, I would recommend consulting a doctor before using it.
Found in: Dr. Weil For Origins Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Advanced Face Serum 50ml (£60.00 John Lewis / $71.00 Macy's). This lightweight serum helps to calm and soothe the skin, reduce redness and even skin tone. In addition to reishi mushroom, this antioxidant-rich serum contains chaga mushroom and cordyceps mushroom, which both strengthen the skin's barrier and reduce inflammation.
