Tremella Mushroom, or Tremella fuciformis, is often called the beauty mushroom, and for a good reason. Tremella has been used for centuries for its youthful, beauty-enhancing benefits. This medicinal mushroom also contains additional health benefits, such as supporting healthy blood pressure and reducing the signs of redness and swelling.

With all the buzz surrounding this white, jelly-like fungus, it is no wonder why people are curious about its beauty benefits.

What Is a Tremella Mushroom?

More than likely, you’ve heard of many types of mushrooms such as shiitake, chaga, and reishi mushrooms. But have you heard of the Tremella Mushroom?

Tremella Mushrooms are claimed to preserve one’s natural beauty. In fact, it is one of the most beneficial ingredients for maintaining a radiant and youthful complexion.

Also called silver ear mushrooms, snow mushrooms, white jelly mushrooms, or snow fungus, Tremella Mushrooms grow in warm, tropical regions, and their fruiting body contains a nearly translucent white loofah-like or jellyfish appearance.

History of The Tremella Mushroom

Historically, in China, the Tremella Mushroom is considered the “Fountain of Youth,” and in Chinese medicine, it is known for its many health benefits. It is believed that the snow mushroom reduces inflammation, boosts the immune system, supports lung function, and helps maintain clear, glowing skin.

During the Tang Dynasty in the 8th century, legend shows that Yang Guifei – one of the Four Beauties of ancient China – turned to the Tremella Mushroom for her youthful, radiant complexion. It has been said that she was so beautiful, her “face that would put flowers to shame.”

What Are the Benefits of Tremella Mushrooms?

Tremella is clinically used to support and replenish fluids in the body, support decongestion, asthma, constipation, balance cholesterol, and lower redness and swelling. It is incredibly rich in fiber, which helps support healthy blood sugar levels and healthy digestive health.

A 2020 review concluded that the best-studied health effects of Tremella include:

• Reduces Swelling – dietary fiber and polysaccharides support the digestive system.
• Supports Immunity – helps strengthen the immune system with polysaccharides.
• Regulating Blood Glucose Levels- polysaccharides help control blood sugar levels.
• Protects the Liver- polysaccharides reduce inflammation, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) fights free radicals and oxidative stressors.
• Boosts Learning and Memory – stimulates superoxide dismutase, which supports cognitive function.
• Benefits Digestive Health – dietary fiber supports a healthy gut.
• Supports Weight Management –bioactive compounds in mushrooms and a healthy diet and exercise contribute to a healthy weight.
• Improves Mood – contains high vitamin D levels, supporting a healthy mood, serotonin, and melatonin levels.

Reduce Swelling & Support Healthy Digestion

Redness and swelling can wreak havoc on your body, leading to various health conditions. Consuming Tremella may help reduce excess swelling due to their polysaccharide content.

In fact, a 2021 study showed that mice treated with high doses of Tremella polysaccharides experienced reduced colonic swelling. It also positively influenced the intestinal flora in the mice, proving that Tremella may also support digestive health.

Enhance Immunity

Your immune system helps fight infections and other bacteria and viruses that compromise your health. As we age, our immune system becomes weak, allowing us to become susceptible to illness.

Tremella’s polysaccharide content contributes to the immunity-boosting potential of this mushroom. In a 2018 study, Tremella polysaccharides reduced the severity of liver and spleen damage in mice with cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression.

Incorporating Tremella into your diet may give your immune system a strengthening boost.

High In Antioxidants

Tremella mushrooms contain high levels of antioxidants, like many other medicinal mushrooms such as Chaga and Reishi.

Help Lower Cholesterol

Research suggests that several mushrooms, including Tremella, may help manage cholesterol levels. During a study performed in 1966, a group of rats were fed a high cholesterol diet and given either Tremella or jelly ear fungus.

The study revealed that mushrooms significantly reduced cholesterol levels, but they did not substantially change HDL, liver cholesterol, or total lipids. These studies indicate that Tremella may benefit health. However, additional human studies are needed.

High In Vitamin D

Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, helping us maintain strong bones and teeth. Brain health and immunity are also dependent on adequate vitamin D levels.

Mushrooms contain ergosterol, a chemical that converts to vitamin D2 when exposed to ultraviolet light. There is some evidence that dried mushrooms have higher vitamin D2 and ergosterol levels than fresh mushrooms. Consuming dried Tremella may contribute to heightened vitamin D levels in the body.

How Does The Tremella Mushroom Benefit The Skin?

As a natural source of hyaluronic acid, the Tremella Mushroom is no longer an ancient Chinese beauty secret. Its ability to replenish hyaluronic acid in the body is one reason why the Tremella Mushroom may be one of the best natural beauty foods for the skin.

Today, it is trending around the globe for its skin and beauty-enhancing properties, such as:

• Naturally moisturizes the skin
• Nourishes the skin
• Improves skin elasticity
• Promotes healthy aging
• Brightens the complexion
• Deeply hydrates the skin

For centuries, Chinese women used Tremella to keep their skin moist, plump, and soft. Today, Tremella Mushroom is an ingredient found in skin serums, like our Dew Drops Mushroom Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin C Serum, and moisturizers to hydrate and replenish moisture deep within the skin.

This superfood can hold over 500 times its weight in water. In fact, the Tremella Mushroom naturally increases hydration to improve overall health. By using Tremella Mushroom as a source for hyaluronic acid, this ingredient penetrates the skin easier, allowing for intense hydration.

Antioxidant Power

The polysaccharides in Tremella mushrooms stimulate the production of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the brain and the liver. SOD is a vital antioxidant enzyme in the body because it helps protect and regenerate the skin and prevents wrinkling and sagging.

Tremella also prevents oxidative damage to the skin when used as a topical antioxidant.

Deep Hydration Benefits

The polysaccharides in Tremella have remarkable water retaining properties. They form a flexible film over the skin to lock in moisture, smooth skin’s texture and keep the barrier intact.

Vitamin D Benefits

Vitamin D is known for its benefits to the body, including bones and skin. Mushrooms, in particular, are one of the highest food sources of vitamin D. When applied topically, vitamin D supports healthy cell growth, wound healing, and maintaining healthy skin barrier functions. Essentially, it acts as nature’s bandage.

It is essential to support your skin with natural sources of vitamin D, such as Tremella. Between the ages of 20-70, your skin’s ability to create vitamin D decreases by at least 50 percent. Mushrooms contain ergosterol, a chemical that converts to vitamin D2 when exposed to UV light.

What Is the Difference Between Tremella and Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid and the Tremella mushroom have vital properties that make them ideal skincare ingredients to support aging skin.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a prevalent ingredient in skincare today. Hyaluronic acid binds and retains water molecules, making it a key component that supports your skin in its natural aging process. It holds up to 1000 times its weight in water, and it hydrates from the inside out.

Hyaluronic acid is a carbohydrate, gel-like substance found naturally in the human body’s muscles, tissues, and joints. It lubricates these areas and maintains moisture in the skin, providing softer, more supple skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

It is worth noting that many brands use sodium hyaluronate rather than pure hyaluronic acid. Sodium hyaluronate is a lab created version of hyaluronic acid, and is significantly less effective. Sodium hyaluronate has much larger molecules that cannot penetrate the skin effectively to aid in building hydration and moisture.

Tremella Mushroom

As we age and experience stress, diet, and environmental changes, our bodies lessen the production of hyaluronic acid. This lessening is where the Tremella mushroom’s benefits step in by mimicking the effects of hyaluronic acid, drawing moisture to the skin and keeping it hydrated. This additional moisture results in increased elasticity, tone, smoother texture in the skin, and a more youthful appearance.

Dermatologists suggest that the gelatinous molecules of Tremella are much smaller than those of hyaluronic acid, making Tremella much easier to penetrate the skin. The smaller molecules also hold more water.

Tremella naturally increases the production of hyaluronic acid, so consuming this mushroom and using it as a part of your daily skincare regimen is highly beneficial to the skin's natural aging process both inside and outside of the body.

Why is Tremella Used in Skincare?

Tremella is quickly making its way into the beauty industry, and for a good reason. Research indicates that Tremella could improve overall skin health due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This mushroom also nourishes the skin and seems to inhibit melanin formation, possibly reducing the appearance of dark spots when applied topically.

A 2017 study found that Tremella protected human fibroblasts (collagen-producing cells). The scientists treated fibroblasts with Tremella extract then exposed them to hydrogen peroxide to induce oxidative stress. Results showed that the Tremella activated pro-survival pathways and reduced cell death.

Researchers need additional studies to know this for sure, but it seems there may be many benefits to using Tremella in your daily skincare regime.

Why Should You Use Tremella Mushrooms in Your Skincare Regimen?

Many cosmetic and skin care products contain chemicals, parabens, artificial colors, and potentially harmful ingredients. These impure ingredients can clog your pores, irritate the skin, or, worse, absorb into your bloodstream.

This absorption is why you should be mindful of the ingredients in your skincare. Plant-based skincare from 100% plant-derived ingredients is clinically proven to beautify your skin naturally, allowing you to have peace of mind.

Bottom Line

For centuries, the Tremella mushroom has been celebrated and used as medicine in Eastern Asian culture.

Modern science is recognizing its benefits, allowing Tremella its time to shine. Its benefits aren’t just skin deep, though. More research is needed to discover how Tremella benefits the human body, but initial results are promising. While we may not have genuinely found the Fountain of Youth, we can deliver one of its ingredients.

Three Ships Beauty is on a mission to be the most transparent beauty brand globally. Our skincare line offers natural solutions to your skincare concerns, including the Dew Drops Mushroom Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin C Serum, which won the SELF Beauty Award for Best Serum For Dry Skin. It is packed with 100% plant-derived ingredients to help moisturize, brighten, and plump your complexion.

This formula contains Tremella, Kakadu plum (vitamin C), and red algae extract. So, set your mind at ease with plant-based ingredients you can trust, naturally.

If you liked this article, you might also like 6 Reasons Why You Need Tremella Mushroom in Your Skin Care Routine and  Here’s Why Mushrooms Should be the Newest Addition to your Skincare.

Sources:

Effects of beta-glucans on the immune system | NCBI

(PDF) Chemical compounds and health benefits | Research Gate

Therapeutic Potential of Superoxide Dismutase | NCBI

Tremella Polysaccharides Suppresses | NCBI

Cholesterol-Lowering Properties | NCBI

The hypocholesterolemic effect of two edible mushrooms | ScienceDirect

Frontiers | Tremella fuciformis Polysaccharides | Frontier

(PDF) Chemical compounds and health benefits of Tremella | Research Gate

Medicinal Mushrooms & Weight Loss | NCBI

Immunomodulatory | NCBI

What Foods Are Highest in Vitamin D? | Medicine Net

Vitamin D and Aging | NCBI

Structure, Bioactives, and Applications | Heparin

Mushroom Cosmetics: The Present and Future | MDPI

Skin deep | Sustainability at Harvard | Harvard

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