The Benefits of Reishi Mushrooms for Skin Health

Who knew a mushroom could be your skin’s new best friend?

Seriously. Reishi mushrooms might not win any beauty contests in the fungi world, but when it comes to skin health, they’ve got some pretty fascinating stuff going on.

Let’s be real: skin can be tricky

Some days your skin feels glowy and smooth. Other days? Dry patches, dull tone, weird little bumps that seem to pop up out of nowhere. And if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably already tried half the products on the shelf with mixed results.

That’s where reishi mushrooms come in. No, not as a face cream ingredient you’ll forget about in two weeks. I’m talking about reishi as something you can actually take daily—as a powder in your smoothie, brewed into tea, or in a capsule. Kind of like feeding your skin from the inside out.

You don’t need to be a wellness junkie to be curious about that.

So, what is reishi?

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is known as “the mushroom of immortality” in traditional Chinese medicine. It’s been used for centuries to support overall health and longevity¹. It’s adaptogenic, which means it helps your body deal with stress².

Wait—what does stress have to do with skin?

A lot, actually. Stress can show up on your face before your brain even catches up: breakouts, redness, dryness, and that “ugh, I look tired” vibe all day long.

By helping your body adapt to stress, reishi may support your skin in feeling and looking calmer and more balanced².

Reishi and your skin: what the science says

Here’s where it gets interesting.

Reishi mushrooms are naturally packed with antioxidants³. These are compounds that help your body deal with everyday stressors like pollution, sun exposure, and even lack of sleep—all of which can do a number on your skin over time.

Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals³. What are free radicals? Basically, unstable molecules that latch onto your cells (including skin cells) and cause damage. Think of it as tiny chaos for your complexion.

On top of that, reishi contains beta-glucans—natural sugars that are known to help your skin retain moisture⁴. And yeah, hydrated skin = healthier-looking skin. No fancy serum required.

Another cool component? Reishi contains triterpenes², which are plant compounds that may help support your body’s natural response to irritation or sensitivity—two common skin woes.

So in simple terms: Reishi might help your skin stay calm, stay hydrated, and handle life’s ups and downs without freaking out. Kind of like a chill best friend for your face.

How to try it (without wrapping yourself in mushroom spores)

One of the best things about reishi is how easy it is to sneak into your routine.

You don’t have to overhaul your entire skincare shelf. You can just start with a daily supplement—think a capsule, powder, or tincture. Personally, I like adding half a teaspoon of reishi mushroom powder into a morning smoothie or oat milk latte. It tastes a little earthy but not too much. Some brands even mix it with cacao—instant healthy hot cocoa vibes.

Prefer no taste at all? Capsule form might be your move.

Tea is another option. Just steep some reishi slices in water and let it simmer for 20–30 minutes. It’s not exactly your usual chamomile, but it has this grounding, almost woodsy flavor that feels like a hug for your insides. Very cozy.

If you’re already taking other supplements, just check in with a healthcare provider to make sure it all plays nice together.

What I’ve noticed

I started taking reishi when I was going through a weird combo of stress and breakouts. I wasn’t sleeping great, my skin looked dull, and I just felt… puffy? It wasn’t drastic, but enough that I noticed.

After a couple of weeks of adding reishi to my daily routine, I started to feel more even—inside and out. My skin didn’t change overnight, but it gradually looked calmer. Less redness. Less texture. And I wasn’t reaching for as much concealer.

It might’ve been the better sleep it helped me with, or just the stress-busting effects, but either way—it made a difference.

Consider this your plant-powered skin care addition

If glowing from within sounds too cheesy, let’s just say: your skin feels different when your whole system is supported.

Reishi isn’t a miracle. It won’t erase a lifetime of sunburns or replace drinking water. But it can be a small, helpful shift toward better balance—and sometimes that’s all your skin really needs.

So next time you’re sipping your morning coffee or blending a smoothie, maybe sprinkle in a little reishi.

Not because it’s trendy, but because it might just help you feel a little more grounded, glowy, and like yourself.

Ready to give it a try? Start with something simple. One scoop, one cup of tea, one tiny habit—and see what your skin has to say.