Tremella Fuciformis, also known as the snow fungus or silver ear mushroom, is a type of mushroom that has been traditionally used in Asian cultures for centuries due to its various nutritional and medicinal benefits. It is an edible fungus with a unique appearance, which resembles a white, translucent jelly-like substance and often grows on the dead or fallen branches of broadleaf trees, especially those of the genus Quercus. In recent years, it has also gained popularity in the beauty industry for its skin-enhancing properties. Let’s take a closer look at how Tremella Fuciformis affects the skin and the benefits of including Tremella Fuciformis in your skincare routine.

Benefits of Tremella Fuciformis

Tremella Fuciformis strengthens the skin barrier

Tremella mushroom contains a variety of bioactive compounds that provide benefits for the skin.
It is known for its high concentration of polysaccharides, which are complex sugar molecules that provide numerous benefits of the skin. One of the key polysaccharide is beta glucans which are known for their ability to retain large capacity of moisture in the skin due to the presence of large water loving chemicals within its molecular structure. Beta glucans work by forming a thin, breathable film that acts as a barrier to prevent moisture from evaporating from the skin’s surface. In addition, beta glucans also stimulate the production of hyaluronic acid, a component that is naturally produced within the body. Hyaluronic acid, as a humectant, helps attract and bind to water molecules, keeping the skin hydrated and plump. In a recent research study, it was shown that Tremella Fuciformis polysaccharides have the ability to promote the activity of moisturizing genes in the skin to provide moisturizing and lubricating benefits.

Tremella Fuciformis reduces skin inflammation

Tremella Fuciformis has also been shown to possess potent anti-inflammatory properties, making it a promising ingredient in skincare formulation aimed at reducing skin inflammation. Studies have shown that a polysaccharide known as Tremellan that is unique to the snow fungus has the ability to suppress the production of inflammatory molecules such as cytokines and chemokines in immune cells. In the absence of inflammation, the skin has an improved ability to heal and repair damaged skin cells.

Tremella Fuciformis improves collagen and elastin production

Collagen makes up about 80% of the skin's structure, while elastin provides the skin's ability to stretch and bounce back. As we age, our skin's natural production of these proteins decreases, leading to sagging skin and wrinkles. While Tremella mushrooms do not contain collagen itself, the polysaccharides found in tremella mushrooms are beneficial to promote collagen synthesis in the skin, which helps boost skin elasticity and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Tremella Fuciformis effects on the process of aging

Skin aging can be affected externally and internally. The external effects of aging can be associated with chronic ultraviolet radiation from exposure to the sun, air pollution and nicotine whereas internal effects of aging can be associated with lack of antioxidants and the reduced ability of skin cells to regenerate. Both of these factors are known to disrupt the skin barrier function and reduce the production of collagen. Studies have shown that snow fungus possess rich antioxidant properties that have the ability to slow down several aging pathways in the skin . These antioxidants scavenge for free-radicals and neutralize their negative effects on the skin in efforts to protect the skin from signs of skin issues such as dryness, decrease elasticity and changes in skin thickness.

In addition, Tremella Fuciformis also helps improve hyperpigmentation and even out the skin tone. Enzyme Tyrosinase is a protein compound that stimulates the production of skin pigments known as melanin in the skin cells. One study published in the medical journal In Vivo showed that Tremella Fuciformis significantly reduces the activity of enzyme Tyrosinase to reduce melanin production.

How to include Tremella Fuciformis in your daily skincare routine?

Tremella Fuciformis is commonly found in different skincare products ranging from serums to moisturizers. Here are some of our favourite products with Tremella Fuciformis.

 

The RNW Der. Esthe Hyaluronic Acid Deep Moisture Mask is a fragrance-free sheet mask that contains Tremella Fuciformis Extract and 8 different types of Hyaluronic Acid molecules to deeply moisturize all layers of the skin.

 

 

The Mary & May Citrus Unshiu + Tremella Fuciformis Serum is a lightweight and fragrance-free serum that contains two powerful natural ingredients rich with antioxidants to hydrate the skin, fight hyperpigmentation and resolve skin blemish issues without the risk of skin sensitivity. This is an absolute favourite for those struggling with sensitive skin.

 

 

Looking for a gentle serum that nourishes and protects your sensitive skin? The Vegreen Skin Barrier Reishi Serum is just what your sensitive skin needs. This skin barrier serum contains reishi, chaga and tremella mushrooms, which are all known for their various skin benefits which works on all skin types.

 

Now that you have learned about Tremella Fuciformis and its amazing benefits, which of the recommended products would you include in your skincare routine? Let us know in the comments below!

 

Reference

Chiang, JH., Tsai, FJ., Lin, TH., Yang, JS., Chiu, YJ. Tremella Fuciformis inhibits melanogenesis in B16F10 cells and promotes migration of human fibroblasts and keratinocytes. In Vivo. 2022 Mar-Apr;36(2):713-722. doi:10.21873/invivo.12757

 

Yang, M., Zhang, Z., He, Y., Li, C., Wang, J., Ma, X. Study on the structure characterization and moisturizing effect of Tremella polysaccharide fermented from GCMCC5.39. Food Science and Human Wellness 2021 v.10 no.4: 471-479.

 

Koohgoli, R., Hudson, L., Naidoo, K., Wilkinson, S., Chavan, B.,Birch-Machin, MA. Bad air gets under your skin. Experimental Dermatology V26. Issue 5: 384-387. doi: 10.1111/exd.13257

 

Wen, L., Gao, Q., Ma, C., Ge., Y., You, L., Liu, RH., Fu, X., Liu, D. Effect of polysaccharides from Tremella fuciformis on UV-induced photoaging. Journal of Functional Foods. 2016. Volume 20: 400-410. doi: 10.1016/j.jff.2015.11.014