Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) a fungi commonly found in colder regions, including Siberia, Canada and Alaska. Also here in the Netherlands and in Belgium you can find this medicinal mushroom although it is rather rare here.
Chaga mushroom has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries including for its beneficial effect on the immune system and its ability to increase the resilience to stress.
In recent years, Chaga has received a lot of attention because of its positive influence on our health, including its benefits for the skin.
Howard Murad, dermatologist and anti-aging specialist says that skin care products only address 20% of your skin: 80% is affected by what you eat and drink, including your nutritional supplements.
Prolonged stress accelerates the aging process.
Adaptogens such as Chaga help you stay balanced by being able to cope better with various stressors.
This is how Chaga mushroom contributes to healthy, beautiful skin:
Chaga mushroom for skin
Antioxidant properties
Chaga mushroom contains high levels of antioxidants, which help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.
Free radicals can lead to premature aging, fine lines, wrinkles, and other skin damage.
The Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) tests the amount of antioxidants in food. Chaga ranks highest among all natural foods and contains 3x as many antioxidants as Açaí berries.
The high concentration of antioxidants, polysaccharides, melanin and zinc in Chaga mushroom helps protect the skin and cells against damage from UV radiation.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Chaga mushroom has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe and calm irritated skin such as redness, sensitivity, acne and eczema.
Moisturizing properties
Chaga mushroom is rich in polysaccharides which have moisturizing properties and help improve the skin's overall texture and appearance.
Collagen production
Chaga mushroom helps stimulate collagen production in the skin. Collagen is a protein that helps keep the skin firm and supple, and its production declines with age.
By stimulating collagen production, Chaga mushroom may help improve the skin's elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Anti-aging properties
Chaga contains betuline acid which aids in the repair and renewal of skin cells.
It also contains some of the highest amounts of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD). Deficiencies of this substance that develop as we age, contribute to wrinkles and skin discoloration.
Would you like to experience what Chaga mushroom can do for your skin and immune system?
It's one of the 7 medicinal mushrooms in the I am glowing nutricosmetics blend with Reishi, Tremella, Shiitake, Lion's Mane, Maitake and Cordyceps.
Do you have specific questions about adaptogens and what they can do for you? During a holistic 1:1 consultation we will look into this together.
Always consult with your doctor in case of physical or psychological complaints.
The information provided here is educational in nature and is not a substitute for regular medical care in the form of advice, diagnosis and treatment.