The Power of Mushrooms: How Fungi Help Our Skin Thrive from Within and Without
In the quiet understory of the forest, mushrooms work tirelessly. They recycle nutrients, form vast underground networks, and support the vitality of entire ecosystems. This same intelligence can also support our own resilience—inside and out.
Mushrooms are finally having their moment in skincare and wellness, and for good reason. These fascinating fungi are dense with bioactive compounds that nurture the skin barrier, neutralize oxidative stress, and modulate inflammation. Whether consumed or applied topically, mushrooms hold a unique place in holistic skin health.
Fungal Intelligence: A Brief Science Primer
Mushrooms are neither plant nor animal. They are part of the fungi kingdom, an ancient lineage known for its adaptability. This adaptability comes from unique compounds such as:
-
Beta-glucans: Long-chain polysaccharides that hold and deliver moisture, strengthen immunity, and calm inflammation.
-
Ergothioneine: A potent antioxidant that protects mitochondria—the energy centers of our cells—from oxidative damage.
-
Polyphenols and terpenoids: Phytonutrients that help repair environmental damage and balance the skin’s natural microbiome.
These compounds, evolved to help fungi survive in extreme conditions, work synergistically in our bodies and on our skin.
Mushrooms for Internal Skin Health
When consumed, medicinal mushrooms can help balance the body’s stress response, regulate immunity, and quell chronic inflammation—factors directly tied to how our skin ages and repairs.
-
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is revered in traditional medicine as the “mushroom of immortality.” Its beta-glucans and triterpenes support immune balance and calm the body’s stress axis (HPA axis), helping reduce stress-induced breakouts and dullness.
-
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) grows on birch trees in extreme cold and is one of the richest natural sources of antioxidants. Its polyphenols and melanin help protect skin against UV-induced oxidative stress.
-
Maitake and Shiitake support liver detoxification and glucose balance, both of which play a role in hormonal and inflammatory skin conditions.
When these mushrooms are incorporated into a nutrient-dense diet or high-quality supplements, their systemic effects often show up on the skin as improved clarity, elasticity, and glow.
Mushrooms in Topical Skincare
Beyond internal benefits, mushrooms are extraordinary when applied directly to the skin. Their water-binding polysaccharides deliver deep hydration, while their antioxidants help defend against daily environmental aggressors.
Shiitake Mushroom Extract, featured in The Purist Delicate Skin Serum, offers three key topical benefits:
-
Brightening: Shiitake contains natural kojic acid, which helps even skin tone and diminish the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
-
Antioxidant Protection: Ergothioneine and polyphenols neutralize free radicals, reducing the cascade of damage that leads to premature aging.
-
Barrier Support: Beta-glucans help maintain the lipid barrier, improving elasticity and reducing irritation in sensitive or reactive skin.
Other mushroom extracts, such as Tremella (often called “vegan hyaluronic acid”) and Cordyceps, are becoming increasingly popular in advanced formulations for their ability to hydrate and energize skin cells.

The Microbiome Connection
We are learning that mushrooms may help balance the skin’s microbiome—the complex ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms living on the skin’s surface. A well-balanced microbiome protects against irritants and pathogens, maintains proper pH, and supports optimal barrier function.
Compounds like beta-glucans and prebiotic polysaccharides feed beneficial microbes, supporting a healthier skin environment over time.
A Ritual Inspired by Fungal Resilience
In the same way mushrooms quietly repair the forest floor after disturbance, your skin thrives when you nourish its repair processes rather than over-stimulate.
A simple, mushroom-inspired ritual:
-
Step 1: Mist skin with Neroli Hydrasoothe Treatment Mist to reset pH and prepare the skin.
-
Step 2: Layer on Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence to deeply hydrate with hyaluronic acid and phytoceramides.
-
Step 3: Seal in moisture and fortify with The Purist Delicate Skin Serum—rich in shiitake mushroom extract and soothing alpine botanicals.
This trio mirrors the forest’s intelligence: it hydrates, strengthens, and protects the barrier so your skin can heal and flourish naturally.
Foraging Inspiration: The Telluride Mushroom Festival
If you’re as enchanted by mushrooms as we are, you might find yourself at the Telluride Mushroom Festival, usually held in mid-August. Part mycology symposium, part culinary celebration, the festival showcases how mushrooms can enrich our lives—from food and medicine to sustainability and art. Learn more about the festival here ➜
Mushrooms remind us that profound transformation often happens quietly, beneath the surface. By supporting the skin’s natural resilience—inside and out—we can age with more vitality and grace.
Continue reading