Tremella, botanical name Tremella fuciformis, is an edible mushroom that grows in tropical and subtropical regions. A natural hyaluronic acid of low molecular weight is extracted from this mushroom with a jelly-like appearance, capable of reaching deep into the skin. It has excellent moisturizing properties, as described below.
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What Are the Effects of Tremella fuciformis on the Skin?
Summary
- What Is Tremella fuciformis?
- Tremella fuciformis To Moisturize the Skin
- Tremella fuciformis To Fight Against Oxidative Stress and Prevent Skin Aging
Published March 11, 2024,
by
Maylis, Chemical Engineer
—
5 min read
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What Is Tremella fuciformis?
Tremella fuciformis, also known by the name silver ear and snow fungus, is a white gelatinous fungus found in tropical regions. It grows on the trunk of dead trees. In China, it is one of the most popular mushrooms in cooking even though it does not have much taste (it is mostly appreciated for its gelatinous texture when boiled). It has also been known for years in traditional Chinese medicine for its allegedly liver-protective properties and its ability to stimulate hematopoiesis and blood circulation. Tremella fuciformis is mentioned in the Shen Nong Ben Cao, the oldest work of Chinese medicine dating back to 2800 BC.
In skin care, this fungus is present in the form of an extract referenced under the I.N.C. name of "Tremella Fuciformis (Mushroom) Extract". It provides several benefits for the skin as described below.
Tremella fuciformis To Moisturize the Skin
Rich in polysaccharides and fatty acids, Tremella extract forms a microscopic film on the skin's surface and improves the impermeability of the skin barrier.
In addition, a natural hyaluronic acid of low molecular weight is extracted from this mushroom with a jelly-like appearance, capable of penetrating deeper into the skin. As a reminder, hyaluronic acid is a compound naturally present in the skin, mainly in the dermis, which acts like a molecular sponge: it is capable of binding up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Its function is to ensure the skin's hydration. In addition, it helps to form the connective tissue of the dermis and serves as a support for collagen and elastin fibers. It thus plays a fundamental role in the density and tone of the skin. Nevertheless, over the years, the body's production of hyaluronic acid tends to decrease (about 6 % per decade), which leads to the appearance of the first wrinkles and fine lines on the surface of the epidermis. It is therefore important to supply the epidermis with hyaluronic acid via dermocosmetic treatments containing active ingredients rich in hyaluronic acid, such as Tremella fuciformis extract.
Tremella fuciformis To Fight Against Oxidative Stress and Prevent Skin Aging.
Tremella fuciformis extract not only has a moisturizing action but also antioxidant properties.
Indeed, this active ingredient protects the skin from repeated attacks of free radicals. As a reminder, the latter are reactive oxygen species produced naturally by the body. Nevertheless, when cells are confronted with stress, they generate them in an excessive way. This phenomenon has a name: oxidative stress. There are many factors involved, the main ones being exposure to UV rays, pollution, smoking, and a diet too rich in fats and/or sugars. Free radicals are particularly unstable molecules because of their single electron. They tend to react with other molecules to form an electron pair, and then causing damage by attacking healthy molecules of the body such as lipids constituting cell membranes (lipid peroxidation) or proteins such as collagen and elastin. Skin aging accelerates and wrinkles appear on the surface of the skin.
The phenolic acids present in Tremella fuciformisextract specifically neutralize the superoxide anion, noted O₂.-, preventing it from harming and degrading healthy compounds present in the skin. Thus, this plant active delays skin aging and protects skin cells from external aggressions.
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