Lion's mane mushrooms are pretty popular in many cultures. It is a delicacy for some and a food staple for others, and it helps the body like a superfood. This delectable fungus is high in minerals such as magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc. They are an excellent protein supplement for vegetarians and have numerous skin advantages.
What, skin? Yes, you read that correctly! Lion's mane mushrooms have roots in traditional Chinese medicine and are connected with restoring energy and addressing imbalances, ranging from impaired immune to sensitized skin, through lowering inflammation.
So, let’s take a closer look at the Lion’s mane acne benefits.
The Science Behind Acne
Acne is a common skin condition where the pores in your skin clog. Pore blockages cause whiteheads, blackheads, and other types of pimples. Pimples are sometimes painful, pus-filled skin blemishes.
Clogged hair follicles or pores cause acne. Hair follicles are tiny tubes holding a strand of hair—several glands empty into your hair follicles. When too much stuff is present inside the hair follicles, it gets clogged. Sebum, germs, and dead skin cells can block your pores.
When your pores become clogged, substances obstruct your hair follicle, resulting in a pimple. This causes inflammation, which manifests as pain and swelling. Inflammation can also be seen as skin pigmentation, such as redness surrounding a pimple.
Stress, drugs, food, oily or fatty skin care products, air pollution, and specific weather conditions can all contribute to acne or worsen an existing acne breakout. Furthermore, acne is a hormonal condition triggered by androgen hormones (testosterone).
Treatments for acne are effective, but they can be stubborn. The pimples and bumps heal slowly, and another appears when one starts to fade. Finding practical solutions that address these underlying problems is, therefore, critical.
Now, what is the link between Lion's mane and acne? We’re onto it next!
The Potential of Lion's Mane for Acne Treatment
Many people wonder, can Lion's mane cause acne? On the contrary, the mushroom is one of the best picks for the skin.
Lion’s mane combats inflammation
Inflammation is a common cause of acne and other skin issues, and Lion's mane has excellent anti-inflammatory traits, so it's easy to see why this fungus is one of the best mushrooms for your skin. The anti-inflammatory Lion's mane mushroom acne benefits can help control redness, swelling, and irritation associated with the skin condition.
According to the findings of a 2015 study(1) on the anti-inflammatory benefits of Hericium erinaceus, Lion's mane displayed anti-inflammatory effects through inhibiting TLR4-JNK signaling. The mushroom extract significantly reduced the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin (IL)-6.
The findings revealed that Lion's mane might disrupt signaling pathways, resulting in anti-inflammatory actions on macrophages and preventing or reducing inflammation.
According to a 2019 study(2),the TLR4-JNK pathway causes inflammation. Lion's mane appears to reduce inflammation levels by blocking TLR4-JNK signaling, which may treat acne caused by inflammatory processes in the body.
Lion’s mane speeds up wound healing
The International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms(3) published a study on the wound-healing capabilities of Lion's mane on rats. A Hericium erinaceus aqueous extract was applied topically to the animals. According to the findings, this mushroom has the ability to accelerate wound healing in animals and is likely to have a similar impact in humans.
In addition to hastening acne recovery, Lion's mane gives skin benefits and alleviates acne through its anti-inflammatory properties and capacity to balance hormones.
Balancing Hormones With Lion's Mane
Hormonal acne is frequent among teenagers and notoriously difficult to treat. Hormone imbalances lead to acne development, particularly in those with high androgen levels. Adaptogenic mushrooms, particularly Lion's mane, appear to balance hormone levels in the body, which may help with the treatment of hormonal acne.
Hericium erinaceus is a known nootropic that appears to enhance neurogenesis. This mushroom includes chemicals that stimulate the generation of neurotrophic factors generated from the brain. BDNF, in turn, affects hypothalamic hormone production.
As a result, by increasing BDNF, these adaptogenic mushrooms may modulate hormone production. This calls for more human research into the effects of this fungus on acne-related hormones (estrogen and progesterone).
Anti-Oxidant And Immune-Boosting Effects
Lion's mane skin benefits are not just limited to fighting acne. They also have anti-oxidant and immune-boosting benefits. Oxidant activity is also linked to the aging phenomena, and the use of Lion's mane may have anti-aging benefits.
Lion’s mane combats oxidative stress
The mushroom has anti-aging properties, delivers a good dose of anti-oxidants, and appears to treat various skin ailments. A Malaysian study(4) assessed the anti-oxidant properties of various medicinal mushrooms. The anti-oxidant activity of Lion's mane was discovered to be the fourth highest.
A strong anti-oxidant role of mushroom polysaccharides has also been documented in renal oxidative damage(5) caused by blood supply restoration following an episode of ischemia. The fungus' anti-inflammatory characteristics attenuate immune responses. They also aid in reducing inflammation while relieving allergy symptoms.
Lion’s mane boosts the immune system
A healthy immune system is essential for preventing acne breakouts. Hericium erinaceus(6) strengthens the immune system through anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The mushroom also boosts the activity of certain types of white blood cells (NK cells), which help to increase immunity. It increases the number of macrophages, a pac-man-like cell that eats and kills intruders in the body, which improves the killing of foreign particles and germs.
Lion's mane improves gut health
Your skin reflects the health of your intestines. In other words, if you want clearer skin, it may be time to go under the hood and see what's going on with your gut. The good news is that treating your gut may help with acne.
Studies(7) have shown probiotics help your body fight off harmful bacteria, balance your stomach, and reduce acne. Lion's mane contains digestive enzymes as well as phytochemicals like beta-glucans. These are prebiotic fibers that help to regulate the immune system.
They encourage healthy gut flora and a robust immune system. In addition, the fungal polysaccharide protects against numerous respiratory viruses that cause colds and flu.
Incorporating Lion's Mane into Your Skincare Routine
Here are a few methods to use Lion's mane mushrooms in your skincare routine for a healthier, brighter complexion. Using products containing mushroom extracts is one of the simplest methods to incorporate Lion's mane into your skincare routine. These are available in a variety of formats, including face creams, serums, and masks.
Make your own face mask if you want a more natural way to incorporate mushrooms into your skincare routine. Combine Lion's mane mushroom powder with water or other substances such as honey, aloe vera, or coconut oil to make a smooth paste. Apply the mask to your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
To gain the benefits of Lion's mane for acne, you should use both topical Lion's mane treatments and Lion's mane supplements. With Lion's mane mushroom supplements, starting with 750 mg and gradually increasing to 1500 mg or more per day is the best way to go.
Using topical Lion's mane products in addition to supplements is perfectly safe. However, patch testing and speaking with your healthcare provider is a good idea before introducing new skincare products.
Complementary Lifestyle Factors
Aside from topical and oral treatments a dermatologist prescribes, additional options exist. Identifying the source of your acne might help you look and feel your best. And to find the leading cause of your acne, we must stand back and examine your entire body.
A holistic approach to acne treatment begins with optimizing liver function and hormone balance. Reducing your overall toxin exposure is one of the most straightforward strategies to improve your liver function. You can begin immediately at home. Examine your cleaning goods and skincare for hazardous chemicals.
Eating plenty of vegetables and fiber is the key to having balanced hormones and beautiful skin. Also, limit or avoid alcohol, processed meals, and refined sweets. Load up on vegetables.
Building stress resilience takes time, but it can benefit your entire body. We recommend meditation, regular exercise, and sleep to be resilient to stress.
FAQs About Lion's Mane Acne
Is Lion's Mane Suitable For All Skin Types?
Lion’s mane mushroom can help fight acne, which is particularly useful for acne-prone and oily skin. Speaking with your healthcare provider before use is best for people with sensitive skin.
Are Any Known Side Effects Or Precautions Associated With Using Lion's Mane For Acne?
Lion’s mane is generally safe for use by most people. However, the mushroom may cause allergies in some people.
Can Lion's Mane Help With Acne Scarring Or Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation?
Lion’s mane mushroom helps with wound healing. This may potentially benefit acne scarring.
Key Takeaway
Lion’s mane acne benefits include speeding up the wound-healing process, anti-inflammatory properties, and stabilizing hormones. Incorporate the mushroom into your skincare routine to see some fantastic benefits!
References
- The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Lion's Mane Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) in a Coculture System of 3T3-L1 Adipocytes and RAW264 Macrophages, (1)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26559695/
- TLR4 promotes liver inflammation by activating the JNK pathway, (2)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31539158/
- The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Lion's Mane Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom,Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) in a Coculture System of 3T3-L1 Adipocytes and RAW264 Macrophages, (3)https://www.dl.begellhouse.com/journals/708ae68d64b17c52,05ab5a7e40e7ba9a,23e858671d0eab97.html
- Evaluation of Selected Culinary-Medicinal Mushrooms for Antioxidant and ACE Inhibitory Activities, (4)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21716693/
- Hericium erinaceus: an edible mushroom with medicinal values, (5)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23735479/
- Immunomodulatory effects of Hericium erinaceus derived polysaccharides are mediated by intestinal immunology, (6)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28266682/
- An approach on the potential use of probiotics in the treatment of skin conditions: acne and atopic dermatitis, (7)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29676446/
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