Mushroom is the latest buzz word for skin care. Skin care companies are making big business selling creams made using mushroom extract. It is the presence of kojic acid, derived from shiitake mushrooms, in most of these creams that makes these products market leaders. Kojic acid is best known for its skin lightening and melanin inhibiting properties. Read on for some tips on how to use mushrooms at home for healthy skin...

Eat Mushroom for Great Skin

While there are many varieties of mushroom, each one is packed with a unique nutritional composition. Regular consumption of this super skin food will provide your body with high amounts of B Vitamins. These Vitamins are essential for keeping skin revitalized and healthy. Moreover, mushroom is an excellent source of minerals like iron, magnesium, copper and potassium. These minerals play a crucial role in keeping skin cells healthy.

Apart from these, mushroom supplies the body with ample anti-oxidant in the form of selenium and ergothioneine. These antioxidant components aid in fighting free radical damage which is the main cause behind aging. They also help in keeping skin smooth, supple and healthy.

Hence, make sure that you consume enough of this wonder vegetable. And why keep it boring! Go ahead, and experiment with various healthy and delicious mushroom dishes!

Apply Mushroom for Gorgeous Skin

Mushroom Toner

Take 5-6 mushrooms and boil in 2 cups of water until liquid reduces to half the original quantity. Strain and allow the liquid to cool completely. Add a few drops of lavender and wheat germ essential oils to the liquid. Place liquid in an airtight bottle and store in the refrigerator.

Dip cotton ball in it and rub all over face and neck. For best results, use this toner in place of your regular toner.

Mushroom Face Pack

To make this pack take 3 tablespoons dried mushroom powder (you can get it at a departmental store or make your own by drying mushrooms in the sun and pulverizing them), 2 teaspoons gram flour powder and a pinch of nutmeg powder. Mix all the ingredients in a small bowl. Stir in enough yogurt or milk to form a smooth and thick paste.

Apply the pack evenly to face and neck. Keep for about 25-30 minutes and then wash off with warm water. Use this pack thrice a week for radiant skin.

Follow all these tips and in no time you will be glowing from within and without!

Iamge courtesy: wikicommons.org