I have no doubt that you know that feeling when you try to choose the right face cream, cleanser or tonic at the huge cosmetics shelf. When you think to read the ingredient label and all you see there are vague, complicated chemical names... But who said beauty has to be complicated? Recently, a new trend appeared in the world of cosmetics - natural cosmetics with lion's mane extract. And no, it really has nothing to do with lions. So what is that lion's mane and what benefits does it bring to our skin and the whole body?

 Lion's mane (eng. lion's mane, lat. hericium erinaceus) is a white edible mushroom that resembles a lion's mane, which is why it was named that way. This mushroom has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine (maybe we've finally figured out the secret to wonderfully smooth and clear skin?), and today it's one of the most researched mushrooms, with increasing use in the US and Europe.

It is believed that lion's mane can help:

• Improve the functioning of the immune system by reducing inflammation and preventing oxidation;
• Combat anxiety and depression symptoms;
• Reduce cognitive function impairment;
• Reduce the likelihood of heart disease;
• Prevent cancer by promoting apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells;
• Fight the symptoms of diabetes by controlling blood sugar levels;
• Improve the functioning of the digestive system by fighting inflammation and promoting the growth of good bacteria in the intestines;
• Treat skin wounds.

Lion's mane can be used as a food supplement, a food product, and this mushroom extract is already found in natural cosmetics. By incorporating lion's mane into your daily routine, you can take care of not only the overall health of the body, but also the beauty of the skin!

You don't have to be very interested in skin care to have heard of the trending king of skin care products, retinol. Retinol, another form of vitamin A, is used in most cosmetics. Retinol can help stimulate the division of basal skin cells, resulting in more new epidermal cells that travel to the skin's surface. Due to this process, excess skin is removed, otherwise known as exfoliation. This material is often used as an effective tool in the fight against wrinkles.

Although the principle of action of cosmetics with lion's mane extract is not the same as that of retinol, the extract of this mushroom can also help improve elasticity and the condition of facial skin that has lost its purity. Lion's mane extract is believed to be a much milder ingredient compared to retinol, so products with this mushroom extract may cause fewer side effects and may be suitable even for sensitive skin. Products with lion's mane extract can act as a natural antioxidant to help protect the skin from free radical damage. Also, unlike retinol, which often causes skin sensitivity and dryness, products with lion's mane extract can have soothing properties that can help reduce skin inflammation.

Although the extract of this mushroom works differently than retinol, it can also be effective in the care of mature skin that has lost its purity. So, if you are looking for an effective, gentle and, most importantly, natural alternative, products with lion's mane extract can be a great choice.

For centuries, lion's mane has been believed to help prevent skin aging. This is because lion's mane can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in skin cells. Oxidative stress is a skin condition where skin cells are damaged and the skin loses its elasticity and wrinkles. Also, it is believed that products with lion's mane extract can help in the fight against the imperfections of the facial skin, which are caused by various diseases of the internal body that are more and more frequent in the mature age. Lion's mane extract can help reduce blood sugar levels, combat chronic inflammation, the aforementioned oxidative stress, and reduce symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.

Thus, taking lion's mane as a food product or supplement can be beneficial not only for mentally intensive work, students, and those with digestive disorders, but also for those struggling with anxiety and depression symptoms. And natural cosmetics rich in lion's mane extract can be the key to healthy-looking and clear skin!