Preparation
To brighten and calm your complexion in one fell swoop, go foraging for mushrooms. While all kinds are nutrient-rich, new research shows that the chaga variety, found mainly on birch trees, is extra-magical at nourishing skin. They have calming properties, so they’re especially effective in treating breakouts, contact dermatitis, rosacea, and eczema, says Birmingham, Alabama, dermatologist Corey L. Hartman. However, their benefits are universal: They reduce the look of discoloration and spots, and also have betulinic acid to help maintain collagen.
Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Mushroom Relief & Resilience Soothing Treatment LotionHouse of Grō After Dark Anti-Aging Night SerumKiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective CreamDr. Dennis Gross B3 Adaptive SuperFoods Stress Repair Face CreamFrwrd Mushroom Super Serum
As for other types to search for? Reishi mushrooms, excellent free-radical fighters, can be found in Eminence Organic Skin Care Birch Water Purifying Essence ($49, dermstore.com). The snow variety delivers good moisture; try Olay Regenerist Collagen Peptide24 Moisturizer ($29, ulta.com). Shiitakes have high levels of kojic acid to brighten, says NYC dermatologist Marie Hayag. Consider Plant People Restore Botanical Face Mask ($60, plantpeople.com). Ahead, learn more about what makes the fungus such a phenom—and where to find it.
Prop styling by Nidia Cueva; product styling by Laura Kinsey Dolph
