“Nature gives you the face you have at twenty; it is up to you to merit the face you have at fifty."
Coco Chanel
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Tremella Mushroom Benefits For Skin:
Nature’s Hyaluronic Acid
The Ancient Secret to Plump, Youthful, Glowing Skin
Are you tired of looking in the mirror and seeing skin that just doesn't feel like *yours* anymore?
Maybe it's the dryness that no amount of lotion can seem to fix, or the fine lines that have become unwelcome residents on your face.
Trust me! I get it.
I'm turning 51 next week, and between swimming and living at 10,000 feet, it is challenging to keep my glowing, radiant, youthful skin that I get so many compliments on.
It can feel so frustrating, especially when the endless parade of chemical-laden creams and complicated treatments from modern medicine just leaves you feeling let down and your wallet a lot lighter.
If you're ready for a real, natural solution that nourishes you from the inside out, I want to introduce you to an ancient beauty secret.
Let's talk about the incredible tremella mushroom benefits for skin.
So, what in the world is a tremella mushroom?
Picture a beautiful, translucent, jelly-like flower blooming on a tree branch after a fresh rain.
That’s Tremella fuciformis!
It's also known as the "snow mushroom" or "beauty mushroom", and for good reason.
For centuries, it's been a treasured ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine and cuisine, revered by ancient beauties like Yang Guifei, who was said to have one of the most beautiful faces in Chinese history. She credited her radiant, youthful complexion to this magical little fungus.
It’s not some new fad; it’s a time-tested secret for timeless, graceful skin.
Tremella mushroom benefits for skin: Where the magic happens
So, how do tremella mushroom benefits for skin work?
You’ve probably heard of hyaluronic acid, right?
It's the superstar ingredient in modern skincare known for its ability to hold water.
Well, think of tremella as nature's version, but maybe even better!
The unique polysaccharide compounds in tremella can hold up to 500 times their weight in water.
It’s like a super-sponge for your cells!
This makes it nature's moisture magnet, drawing hydration deep into your skin for that plump, dewy look we all crave.
The result?
Deeply hydrated, supple skin that feels bouncy and alive.
The skin's natural production of hyaluronic acid, a key molecule for retaining moisture, can decrease by as much as 50% by the time a person reaches their 50's. This is a major cause of age-related dryness and loss of skin plumpness.
Papakonstantinou, E., et al (2012)
Now, let's talk about collagen
As we age, our natural collagen production slows down, leading to sagging skin and wrinkles.
Many people turn to animal-based collagen supplements, but what if there was a plant-based way to support your skin's firmness?
This is where tremella shines as a "vegan collagen" source.
To be clear, it doesn't contain collagen itself, but it does something even more powerful: it helps stimulate your body's *own* production of collagen!
By supporting your internal collagen factories, you can help restore your skin's natural bounce and firmness for a visibly smoother complexion.
After the age of 20, your body produces about 1% less collagen in the skin each year. This slow, steady decline is the primary driver of thinning skin and the formation of wrinkles over time.
Ganceviciene, R., et al. (2012). Skin anti-aging strategies. Dermato-endocrinology, 4(3), 308–319.
What the science says
Don't just take my word for it—the science is starting to catch up with ancient wisdom as I usually reiterate in my articles!
Several studies have explored the amazing tremella mushroom benefits for skin.
In one 2018 study published in Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, researchers found that the polysaccharides from tremella had potent anti-aging effects, protecting skin cells from damage caused by hydrogen peroxide.
Another human clinical trial showed that participants who consumed tremella experienced significant improvements in skin moisture and elasticity after just a few weeks.
These aren't just stories; this is real, measurable evidence that this humble mushroom can make a profound difference.
A client of mine, Jane, was in her late 40's and felt completely defeated by her dull, sensitive skin. She couldn't believe I am over 50 and have the skin I have! She had tried everything and was skeptical, to say the least. I suggested she try adding a high-quality tremella powder to her morning smoothie. A month later, she called me, ecstatic. Her skin, for the first time in years, had a natural glow. The persistent dry patches were gone, and she said her face just felt "happier" and more resilient. It’s stories like Jane's that show the real-world power of this gentle yet powerful solution.
Erin
The magic of tremella beyond skin benefits
The tremella mushroom benefits for skin go far deeper than just your skin's surface.
It's packed with powerful antioxidants that wage a daily war against free radicals in your body.
What are free radicals?
Think of them as tiny little villains that cause cellular damage, leading to premature aging and other health issues.
By neutralizing these villains, tremella mushroom benefits for skin help protect and revitalize you from within, supporting that youthful glow that comes from true, holistic health.
Gravity's effect is measurable, with fat pads in the cheeks descending over time.
Lambros, V. (2007)
I discuss how to slow gravity's effect to your face in my skin care routine below...
And it doesn't stop there!
This amazing mushroom is a true multi-tasker for your wellness routine.
The same polysaccharides that hydrate your skin also act as prebiotics and support a resilient, healthy immune system.
Plus, early research suggests that tremella has neuroprotective properties, meaning it may help support cognitive clarity and brain health.
Imagine simplifying your wellness routine with one single superfood that nurtures your skin, supports your immune system, and helps keep your mind sharp.
That's the holistic power of tremella.
A word of caution...
Okay, so you're ready to give it a try.
Amazing!
But please, listen closely: not all mushroom products are created equal.
If you are familiar with me (I'm a dietitian), you know I get on my soapbox about the majority of mushroom supplements out there being full of crap and a complete waste of your money.
This is so important.
Look for companies that:
- are extracts (the gold standard for mushroom supplements)
- are transparent with the amount of beta-glucans on their label, and what is NOT in the product (like heavy metals and grain)
- 3rd party test
My favorite brand is Real Mushrooms, and is the brand I love and use in my home.
Use code: first20p for 20% off your first order
Use code: ShroomMystic for 10% off every order after your first
If you purchase a product through the links on this page, I receive a small commission at no cost to you. I was not paid to review these products, and I did not receive it as a freebie. I'm suggesting it to you because I own it and love it, and I think you would, too. For more info, please see this policy.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
But how do I even use it?
You might ask....
This is the best part—it's incredibly easy!
High-quality tremella extract powder (get the powder instead of capsules...it's nicer to your tummy) has a very mild, slightly sweet taste that is barely noticeable.
My favorite way is to add a teaspoon to my morning coffee or tea. It dissolves easily and doesn't change the flavor. You can also blend it into a smoothie, stir it into oatmeal or yogurt, or even just mix it with a glass of water.
It’s a simple, two-second addition to your day that can make a world of difference.
Want beautiful skin as you age? Follow my natural skin care routine
My skin care routine
Serums
- Best absorbed when you put them on after toning. Pat them on and let dry for a minute before adding moisturizer
- It's Skin Deep Bakuchiol
- It's Skin Deep Vitamin C
- Hyaluronic Acid (this one has both large and small HA molecules...important to get one with both!)
Moisturizers
- Apply after serums have dried
- This is the best moisturizer I have ever found! They have one for body and face. It is clinically proven to reverse the signs of aging: crepey skin, fine lines, and dryness. I swim regularly and live at 10,000 feet...it is impossible to keep my skin hydrated and soft. THIS STUFF WORKS! It contains clinically proven peptides and tremella mushroom. Get $30-40 off your order today ($150+ orders)
- Sonage's Lumenez Vit C & E for deep hydration at night. Get $20 off today!
- OneSkin eye cream. Get $30-40 off your order today ($150+ orders)
- Hexane-free Castor Oil (body, face, hair daily). Castor oil boosts collagen production and lots of other amazing things for your skin, hair, eyebrows and eyelashes. I slather my body and face after my night time shower before bed.
Sunscreen
- Add on top of moisturizer
- OneSkin SPF Get $40-30 off your order today ($150+ orders)
Masks
- It's Skin Deep peel (1-2x/week)
- Sonage has great masks (1-2x/week) Get $20 off today!
Skin modalities
- Gua sha 2-3x per week
- HIIT (high intensity interval training) for my face (10 minutes every other day). DailyOM: 10-Minute Method to Naturally Tighten Your Face
- LED red+ light therapy mask (5-20 minutes 3x/week) Red light stimulates collagen and other light frequencies brighten and heal. Get one that fits your budget. Get one with a neck piece!
- 26:2 hot yoga/sauna 3-5x/week (sweating by these modalities brings your natural oils to the skin's surface)
Make up
- Prime Prometics for mature skin. I use their CC cream, eyeshadows and mascara
- City Beauty. I love their City Lips, Line Blurring Wrinkle Filler (works great for my ex-smoker's lips) and lip plumping oil and night oil
- Fiera I love their concealer and lip plumper
Diet...because beautiful skin begins in the gut
- Tremella mushroom supplement
Real Mushrooms is the brand I use and love in my home
Use code: first20p for 20% off your first order
Use code: ShroomMystic for 10% off every order after your first
- Collagen peptides with tremella mushroom (I add this to my smoothie...dietitian approved! I aim for 100+ grams of protein/collagen per day, and 20 grams before 11am)
- Collagen creamer for my coffee
- And more collagen
- No alcohol (alcohol is the worst thing to age your skin, other than the sun)
- Clean, organic, minimally processed diet
- Water, water, water
- Minimal sugar (less than 20g of added sugar per day)
Follow me and spread the spores!
If you purchase a product through the links on this page, I receive a small commission at no cost to you. I was not paid to review these products, and I did not receive them as freebies. I'm suggesting it to you because I own it and love it, and I think you would, too. For more info, please see this policy.
As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.