The Science Behind Chaga Mushroom's Skincare Superpowers

What Are Chaga Mushrooms?

Chaga Mushrooms, scientifically known as Inonotus obliquus, are a unique type of fungus with a charcoal-like exterior. They grow on birch trees in some of the coldest regions on Earth, with Canada serving as one of the largest sources of this potent and highly valued mushroom. Packed with nutrients, Chaga has been cherished for centuries in traditional medicine across Russia, Siberia, Northern Europe, and by First Nations in Canada. But what makes Chaga so special for your skin? With their unique properties and rich nutrient profile, these fungi might just be what your skincare routine has been missing. Let’s take a closer look at how Chaga can transform your skin in ways you might never have imagined.

Natural Anti-Aging Properties

Chaga Mushrooms are a treasure trove of skin benefits waiting to be discovered. One of the standout features of Chaga Mushrooms is their high triterpene content. Triterpenes are bioactive compounds that have been scientifically shown to have anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. Two of the most abundant triterpenes found in Chaga mushrooms are Inotodiol and Betulinic acid.

The deterioration of the skin’s underlying structural elements plays a crucial role in the formation of wrinkles. These elements, known as the extracellular matrix (ECM), are in the dermis layer and serve as the framework for the skin. The ECM is composed of hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastin—proteins responsible for maintaining moisture, strength, and elasticity in the skin.

Skin elasticity naturally begins to decline in your 30s and 40s, but the aging process starts much earlier. As early as age 25, collagen production slows by about 1-2% each year, gradually impacting the skin’s firmness and texture. Hyaluronic acid (HA), another key component for maintaining hydration and suppleness, also starts to diminish in your 20s, with levels dropping by nearly half by the time you reach 50.

Research studies have shown that Inotodiol and Betulinic acid, when absorbed into the skin, can modify gene expression and increase the production of elastin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid. Additionally, these compounds inhibit the enzymes elastase, collagenase, and hyaluronidase, which are responsible for the breakdown of elastin, collagen, and HA, respectively. By boosting production and preventing degradation, Inotodiol and Betulinic acid help restore the skin’s structural framework. This process helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and other visible signs of aging, resulting in a plumper, firmer, and more youthful complexion.

Natural Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Inflammation can really take a toll on your skin, leading to common issues like acne, eczema, or rosacea. Our skin cells, called keratinocytes, have pro-inflammatory genes that, when activated, release pro-inflammatory cytokines—signaling proteins that can trigger or heighten inflammation. These pro-inflammatory genes often become activated after exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, one of the biggest skin stressors we face daily.

The good news? Research studies have shown that the Inotodiol and Betulinic acid found in Chaga Mushrooms can also help reduce inflammation and soothe irritated skin by decreasing the secretion of these inflammatory proteins. It’s like giving your skin some well-deserved relief!

How to Use Chaga for Your Skin

Integrating Chaga into your skincare routine is easier than you might think, with options like Chaga-infused lotions, creams, and serums readily available. Chaga is most effective when applied topically through a serum, as its thinner texture and lower molecular weight allow it to absorb quickly and penetrate deeper into the skin.

Lucky for you, we have the perfect product to introduce into your routine: Intensive Mineral Serum.

Our Intensive Mineral Serum is expertly crafted with Chaga Mushroom to harness its benefits, along with other potent active ingredients such as Red Maple Bark, Lichen, Fern, and Moss Extracts. Our unique formulation works to replenish your skin's structural framework, minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and rebuild its protective barrier, all helping to preserve its youthful appearance.

While replenishing the skin’s structural framework, our Chaga-infused Intensive Mineral Serum also works to provide long-lasting hydration and reduce inflammation, leaving you with a softer, more hydrated, and radiant complexion. Don't just take our word for it, click here to see why ELLE Magazine recommends our Intensive Mineral Serum for leveling up your skin’s hydration

The bottom line, Chaga Mushrooms are more than just a health trend; they offer remarkable skin benefits that shouldn’t be overlooked. With their potent anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties, Chaga can be a game-changer in your skincare routine. So why not give our Intensive Mineral Serum a try?

References: Fradj, N., Gonçalves Dos Santos, K. C., de Montigny, N., Awwad, F., Boumghar, Y., Germain, H., & Desgagné-Penix, I. (2019). RNA-Seq de Novo Assembly and Differential Transcriptome Analysis of Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) Cultured with Different Betulin Sources and the Regulation of Genes Involved in Terpenoid Biosynthesis. International journal of molecular sciences, 20(18), 4334. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20184334 Galvez-Martin, P., Soto-Fernandez, C., Romero-Rueda, J., Cabañas, J., Torrent, A., Castells, G., & Martinez-Puig, D. (2023). A Novel Hyaluronic Acid Matrix Ingredient with Regenerative, Anti-Aging and Antioxidant Capacity. International journal of molecular sciences, 24(5), 4774. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24054774 Park, J., Nguyen, T. M. N., Park, H. A., Nguyen, M. T. T., Lee, N. Y., Ban, S. Y., Park, K. B., Lee, C. K., Kim, J., & Park, J. T. (2023). Protective Effects of Lanostane Triterpenoids from Chaga Mushroom in Human Keratinocytes, HaCaT Cells, against Inflammatory and Oxidative Stresses. International journal of molecular sciences, 24(16), 12803. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241612803 Sułkowska-Ziaja, K., Robak, J., Szczepkowski, A., Gunia-Krzyżak, A., Popiół, J., Piotrowska, J., Rospond, B., Szewczyk, A., Kała, K., & Muszyńska, B. (2023). Comparison of Bioactive Secondary Metabolites and Cytotoxicity of Extracts from Inonotus obliquus Isolates from Different Host Species. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 28(13), 4907. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28134907 Szlasa, W., Ślusarczyk, S., Nawrot-Hadzik, I., Abel, R., Zalesińska, A., Szewczyk, A., Sauer, N., Preissner, R., Saczko, J., Drąg, M., Poręba, M., Daczewska, M., Kulbacka, J., & Drąg-Zalesińska, M. (2023). Betulin and Its Derivatives Reduce Inflammation and COX-2 Activity in Macrophages. Inflammation, 46(2), 573–583. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10753-022-01756-4