06.19.2025 •

Reishi Mushrooms for Skin Health

As the weather warms up and we spend more time outdoors, our skin often needs extra support to stay healthy, hydrated, and resilient. One natural ingredient that’s gaining attention in skincare is reishi mushroom—a powerful adaptogen known for its wide range of health benefits, including its ability to support clear, glowing skin.

Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years to promote overall wellness. While they’re best known for supporting immunity and reducing stress, reishi is now making its way into the skincare spotlight thanks to its high antioxidant content and anti-inflammatory properties.

Plus, it’s easier to look good on the outside, if you are feeling healthy, well-rested, and energized on the inside.

Why Reishi Is Great for Your Skin

Antioxidant Protection

With summer months bringing you more sunshine and time outdoors, you may then be exposed to more UV rays and pollution—both of which can speed up skin aging. Of course, you are still wise to use physical barriers like a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect your skin, but wouldn’t it be nice to have other options that help you recover from sun damage? Thankfully, antioxidants take on that role, offering support as they neutralize the free radicals that cause damage.

Reishi mushrooms are rich in polysaccharides and triterpenes, both of which are antioxidants, so include them in your daily routine this summer. Of course, sun damage and pollution don’t stop being risks when the summer ends, so keep up with the antioxidants throughout the year to help protect your skin from premature aging!

Supports Collagen and Elasticity

As the main structural protein in your body, collagen keeps your skin firm and smooth. Elastin is another key protein that provides elasticity to your tissues, including your skin. Unfortunately, natural production of both collagen and elastin slows with age. This is where reishi comes in. By blocking the breakdown of collagen and elastin and supporting the body’s collagen production, reishi can contribute to firmer, more resilient skin over time—great news if you want to maintain a youthful glow through the summer months and beyond.

Soothes Irritated Skin

For those with sensitive or irritable skin, the arrival of warmer weather can pose a challenge. Heat, humidity, and sweat can trigger skin issues like redness, acne, or eczema flare-ups. But don’t think you’re out of the woods when fall arrives, as that the colder months mean the heaters pop on and that cold, dry air is also hard on your skin. Reishi mushrooms can calm more than your nervous system. Their anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe irritated or sensitive skin, giving you a clearer, more even complexion.

How To Get Glowing Skin with Reishi

One of the easiest ways to enjoy the benefits of reishi mushrooms is through a high-quality supplement. Japanese red reishi capsules made with concentrated reishi extract can support your skin—and your overall health—from the inside out.

If you want to step up your skincare routine, look for creams or serums that include reishi as a key ingredient. These products can help hydrate, protect, and soothe your skin when applied consistently as part of your routine.

Reishi mushrooms offer a natural, effective way to support skin health—especially during the summer when your skin faces the extra challenges of UV exposure and heat from the sun. Using both a reishi supplement and a reishi-infused topical, this versatile mushroom can help you maintain a clearer, more radiant complexion all season and all year long.

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Dr. Melissa Carr is a registered Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine with a B.Sc. in Kinesiology. In practice since 2001, Dr. Carr has a passion for sharing health information. She has been a nutrition instructor and a health consultant, lecturer, and writer for 24 Hours Vancouver newspaper, Fraser Health Authority, UBC, and the David Suzuki Foundation, amongst others.