French Mushroom Supplement Transforms Skin Health This Winter

Many individuals experience changes in their skin with the changing seasons, but few expect a simple mushroom supplement to make a significant difference. A personal account reveals how a French product, Verdoie Le Complément Alimentaire, has transformed one individual’s dry skin during winter months, highlighting its potential benefits for others facing similar challenges.

The journey began with a realization during a winter stay in Mumbai, where the humidity noticeably improved skin condition. The dry, parched skin that had been a constant in New York transformed, leading to a commitment to hydration through various products. Despite efforts with humidifiers and an array of lightweight essences, serums, and ointments, the results were unsatisfactory. In early fall, the individual decided to try Verdoie Le Complément Alimentaire, a daily mushroom-based supplement specifically designed to address skin issues such as redness and impaired barrier function.

Within days of starting the supplement, there were noticeable improvements, including a reduction in a patch of psoriasis on the knee. After a month, however, the effects diminished as the supply ran out. As winter approached, the decision to resume the supplement proved effective once again, maintaining a hydrated appearance even in colder conditions. The user reported that this winter marked the first time they did not resort to using a humidifier.

Understanding Verdoie’s Approach to Skin Health

Founded by Sonia Gaillis-Delepine, Verdoie is a wellness brand focused on integrating mushrooms into skincare. Gaillis-Delepine, who comes from a family with a rich history in mushroom cultivation, aims to shift the narrative of skincare from solely topical solutions to a more holistic approach that includes internal support. “When we think of skincare today, topicals only go so far,” she explains. “Fifty percent of the equation is going to be the internal aspect of it.”

Verdoie’s products include the mushroom supplement, developed in collaboration with SYNADIET, France’s trade association for dietary supplements. The brand also offers a moisturizer, La Crème Hydratante, designed to work alongside the supplement for optimal results in individuals with sensitive skin. Gaillis-Delepine emphasizes that sensitive skin is often a fluctuating condition influenced by various factors, such as stress and seasonal changes.

The supplement is intended for short-term use, ideally during periods of heightened skin distress. “You’re not going to have that tap always on, but take it when you really need it in a structured approach to wellness,” she advises.

Mushrooms are known for their health benefits, serving as a source of dietary prebiotic fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. According to Blaire Edwards-Maschotta, a New York-based herbalist, the combination of mushrooms such as tremella and reishi provides essential nutrients that support skin health by aiding hydration and calming cellular responses.

Clinical Evidence and User Experiences

The efficacy of the supplement is underpinned by clinical research. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted in France demonstrated significant results after 60 days of use. Participants experienced a 41 percent increase in skin hydration, a 26 percent improvement in elasticity, and an 18 percent reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, consumer perception tests indicated that 80 to 85 percent of users reported smoother, softer skin.

The formulation aims to combat three major aspects of skin distress: moisture depletion, compromised lipid integrity, and cellular agitation. Tremella mushroom, which is rich in hyaluronic acid, plays a critical role in binding water to the skin, creating a plumper appearance. Moreover, beta-glucans derived from the mushrooms are believed to modulate skin stress and promote gut health, adding to the overall benefits of the supplement.

According to Dr. Morgan Rabach, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, the benefits of the supplement are further enhanced by plant-derived ceramides that reduce moisture loss and strengthen the skin barrier. The antioxidant properties from vitamin E and astaxanthin contribute to protecting the skin from oxidative damage.

What sets Verdoie apart is its commitment to using fully fruiting body mushrooms rather than mycelium grown on grains, which can dilute the active compounds. Edwards-Maschotta notes that fruiting bodies offer richer and more complex beta-glucans and secondary metabolites, enhancing the supplement’s effectiveness.

As the individual continues to enjoy the benefits of the supplement, they face the challenge of determining how to transition off it once the recommended usage of 120 days concludes. For now, the experience serves as a testament to the potential of mushroom-based supplements in addressing skin health concerns during the harsh winter months, offering hope for those seeking relief from dry skin.