Snow Mushroom

HISTORY

Legend has it that Imperial Concubine Yang Kuei-fei, celebrated as one of the most beautiful women in Chinese history, used Tremella mushroom for her facial care, consuming Tremella soup regularly and bathing in Tremella-infused water, which contributed to her radiant beauty and flawless skin, inspiring many to follow her beauty regimen. In Japan, Tremella mushroom, known as "Shiro Kikurage," has been used in culinary and medicinal applications for its health benefits and potent hydrating properties.

SCIENCE

Snow mushroom extract, scientifically known as Tremella Fuciformis Extract, is celebrated in skincare primarily for its incredible hydrating abilities and rich bioactive polysaccharides that exhibit various beneficial properties. Comparable to hyaluronic acid, this extract can hold up to 500 times its weight in water, making it an exceptional moisturizing ingredient. Its smaller molecular size allows it to penetrate deeper into the skin, providing hydration more effectively than many other agents, improving skin texture, diminishing roughness, and enhancing elasticity.

In addition to its moisturizing properties, snow mushroom extract is rich in polysaccharides, which help promote skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Research suggests that these polysaccharides possess antioxidant properties, effectively scavenging superoxide anion and hydroxyl radicals, thus neutralizing free radicals and inhibiting lipid peroxidation within membranes and cellular components. This process helps safeguard fibroblasts in the dermis, preventing damage to the skin's structure that could ultimately lead to the development of wrinkles and collagen loss.

The extract is also packed with antioxidants that combat free radicals and environmental stressors leading to premature aging. Studies have found that snow mushroom extract aids in shielding antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) from oxidative stress induced by UV radiation, significantly increasing antioxidant activities within the skin. This protection extends to extracellular matrix components, which play a pivotal role in skin hydration and wrinkle formation, particularly in photoaged skin.

Proven benefits of snow mushroom extract include enhanced hydration, improved skin elasticity, and a mild brightening effect. Research underscores its remarkable moisturizing and anti-wrinkle properties when applied topically. Further studies supported that the water content in skin treated with snow mushroom extract increased proportionally with higher concentrations, exhibiting a dose-dependent protective effect against water loss induced by UV radiation. Moreover, snow mushroom extract was shown to mitigate collagen depletion caused by UV irradiation, enhancing collagen content in UV-damaged skin by 22% to 26% depending on the dose, making it a versatile and valuable addition to any skincare regimen.

REFERENCES

• Zhang, Z. S., Wang, X. M., Zhao, M. X., & Qi, H. M. (2014). Free-radical degradation by Fe2+/Vc/H2O2 and antioxidant activity of polysaccharide from Tremella fuciformis. Carbohydrate Polymers, 112, 578–582.
• Wen, L., Gao, Q., Ma, C., Ge, Y., You, L., Liu, R.H., Fu, X. and Liu, D. (2016). Effect of polysaccharides from Tremella fuciformis on UV-induced photoaging. Journal of Functional Foods, [online] 20, pp.400–410.
• Lai, J. X., He, C. F., Zhao, J., & Dong, Y. M. (2010). Optimization of extraction technology of polysaccharide from Tremella fuciformis on commercialized basis and its function in skin care cosmetics. China Surfactant Detergent & Cosmetics, 40(4), 259–262.
• Jung, J. W., Cha, S. H., Lee, S. C., Chun, I. K., & Kim, Y. P. (1997). Age-related changes of water content in the rat skin. Journal of Dermatological Science, 14(1), 12–19.