To reishi is to believe

The premise of the modern skincare regimen in the age of primers, toners, treatment lotions, prepping facial massages and masks is this: your skin, however ginormous your pores seem to you, is not as absorbent as it appears. Some ingredients need help penetrating the uppermost layer of the skin. This is where lotions come in — this is not the cream-type formula that you rub on your elbows and knees. The treatment lotion, also known as skin essence, is a transparent liquid, more viscous than water but more fluid than a gel, formulated to infuse skin with oil-free moisture and nutrients. Meant to be applied, ideally directly on the skin using the palms, right after toning and before your serum or moisturizer, lotions are readily absorbed by the skin.

Origins Dr. Weil Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Soothing Treatment Lotion is one of the first treatment lotions in the market and one of Origins’ best-selling products. What could a clear liquid in unassuming olive green packaging possibly do for the skin? Why do you need a treatment lotion for moisture when you could use a moisturizer or a serum?

I discovered Dr. Weil Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Soothing Treatment Lotion during a time when I was breaking out excessively thanks to some new completely foreign lifestyle changes: growing my hair out, working out, and colder weather. My skin was between dry and oily, and I had cystic breakouts. It was also sensitive and reddish from treatments. Dr. Weil Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Soothing Treatment Lotion promised to soothe, comfort and hydrate my skin with reishi, also called the “mushroom of immortality” by the Chinese, who have been using it for its medicinal properties for 1,000 years.

Over time, it was supposed to make my skin look healthier, and make me look less haggard. After using half the bottle, I think it has done this (either that or I just finally got around to not being so conscious of pores and whatnot). My proof was being able to use just a mattifying sunscreen and translucent pore minimizer (I don’t enjoy wearing foundation as it tends to slide all over my face and settle into pores over time). My skin is now also less reactive, and it feels oddly thicker (than usual, ha!).

I interviewed Dr. Andrew Weil, creator of the Mega-Mushroom line, and Lizz Star, executive director for global product development for Origins to learn more about the product and why it’s at the top of every skincare savvy woman’s list.

YSTYLE: How did you discover the wonders of reishi? Why harness this particular plant in particular, out of all ingredients?

DR. ANDREW WEIL: As you may know, I’m a vocal enthusiast about mushrooms. Collectively, they are actually the largest organism in the world and have a vibrant underground network where they communicate with each other.

This vast structure has been called the “giant internet of nature” and appears fundamental to the environment we all share, as mushrooms condition the soil and generate nutrients — without mushrooms we would not have plants, food and life as we know it.

I first learned about medicinal mushrooms while traveling in Japan as a teenager. Reishi is historically known as the “mushroom of immortality” and in Traditional Chinese Medicine is believed to have life-extending properties. Reishi has been used in Asia for over 4,000 years to help boost sluggish immunity, quell reactions to irritants, and to treat anxiety.

In Western investigations Reishi has proven to be an effective anti-inflammatory agent that immediately helps to calm and quiet skin. 

Dr. Andrew Weil, creator of Origins’ mega-mushroom line

What are your personal practices for good skin, in terms of regimen, diet, etc.?

Maintaining overall good health and wellness is critical for achieving healthy skin, and this occurs naturally when we live life in balance. I take care of how I eat, drink, sleep, manage stress and relate to others. I also maintain a strong social network of family and friends. For skin in particular I’m careful with my time outdoors in the sun, and limit exposure to environmental toxins to the best of my ability. To me that is the formula for optimum wellbeing, and to healthy skin. 

The foundation of my practices is following an anti-inflammatory diet, which helps maintain health on the inside, which is reflected on the outside. The program is based largely on the Mediterranean diet and emphasizes eating a variety of vibrantly colored vegetables and fruits (preferably organic), whole grains, healthy sources of protein and Omega-3 fats, seeds and nuts. Eating healthfully does not require that you sacrifice taste and pleasure when you sit down for a meal — I take great pleasure from cooking, preparing dishes for others, and the taste and texture of food.

What’s the secret of the mega-mushroom line?          

LIZZ STAR: What makes the Mega-Mushroom collection so effective is the modern, integrated approach used to protect our skin from harmful internal and external stressors. The powerful trio of reishi, chaga and cordyceps mushrooms as well as the natural antioxidant sea buckthorn berry, have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 1,000 years. The formula not only helps reduce redness, but with continued use, helps boost skin’s resilience, help calm sensitivity and reduces visible redness.  

Raishi, the “mushroom of immortality”

Why is it particularly effective for acne and blemishes?

Acne is characterized by chronic inflammation of the hair follicles and oil glands. Inflammation happens when skin is irritated or stressed. Dr. Weil Mega-Mushroom Treatment Lotion is proven to quell stressed skin and comforts skin to reduce irritation. Over time with continued use, Mega-Mushroom increases skin’s resilience.

Why is it an important step in skincare?

A treatment lotion is typically the first step in your skincare routine and is designed to add hydration and benefits from powerful ingredients directly to skin’s surface before the full skincare regimen. The Dr. Weil Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Treatment Lotion is designed for sensitive and reactive skin and is clinically proven to instantly hydrate, soothe and boost skin’s radiance. The lightweight treatment rapidly penetrates to quiet redness and reduce irritation so after use, skin feels healthy, supple and refreshed.

How is the Mega-Mushroom Treatment Lotion best used?

Dr. Weil Mega-Mushroom Treatment Lotion is best used right after cleansing in the morning and evening. A tip I always like to give is that it’s also great after shaving or even eyebrow threading. The natural soothing properties will help subdue redness caused by the aggression skin has experienced. Other ways to use the Mega-Mushroom Treatment Lotion is by adding a nice pearl powder to it and apply all over face for a nice luminescent sheer, moisturized finish.

What is the philosophy of Origins and how is it reflected in this classic product?

Discovery is at the core of Origins. We’re endlessly inspired by trends, traditions and technology from around the world. And we’re always traveling to the ends of the earth in search of the highest quality plant, earth and sea ingredients. We do this so you can have the best experience with our products and see the best results on your skin. Within this one product, Dr. Weil Mega-Mushroom Treatment Lotion, we have been able to utilize a combination of powerful mushrooms and Sea Buckthorn Berry to deliver efficacious results. 

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Dr. Weil Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Soothing Treatment Lotion (now in limited-edition packaging) is available at Origins, located in SM Makati and SM Megamall.