Ingredient Spotlight: Mushroom Extracts
Sure, mushrooms might show up in that hot new dish at your favorite restaurant, but that’s not the only place you’ll see them this year! Mushroom extracts are a trending ingredient in the skincare world right now, and for great reason.
So why all the hype? Mushrooms are “adaptogens,” meaning they are part of a category of non-toxic plants that help your body adapt to and resist stress. They’re also a great staple in clean beauty, due to their many antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, lending to that toxin-free pregnancy ritual that means so much to you as a mama. They’re packed with B vitamins like Niacinamide, a popular brightening ingredient, and humectants, which draw moisture into your skin.
- Combat dull skin
- Hydrate
- Reduce dark spots/melasma
- Protect against environmental stressors
- Reduce the appearance of wrinkles
One of the major skin complaints during pregnancy is a type of hyperpigmentation known as melasma, often referred to as the “pregnancy mask.” Characterized by its dark spots, melasma affects up to 75% of expecting moms. Lingzhi (aka Reishi) mushrooms are a great natural aid in treating this skin condition, due to their high amounts of kojic acid, which help to naturally brighten the skin without irritating side effects. Kojic acid also helps protect against future dark spots by blocking abnormal pigment production.
The Lingzhi mushroom grows at the stump of deciduous trees and has strong antioxidant power. It can be recognized by its reddish-brown cap and fan-like appearance. These mushrooms, which are rare in the wild, have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, but you can find them locally in our Rose Glow Brilliance Protection Souffle.
Make sure to look for pregnancy and nursing-safe shiitake and lingzhi mushroom extracts to brighten and soothe your mama skin. And don’t forget to follow with a great sunscreen, too.
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