As we move deeper into the technological age, we are realizing that our ancestors may have known a thing or two when it comes to health and beauty.
Traditional Chinese Medicine, frequently shortened to TCM, is a holistic approach to healthcare which treats the body as a single entity. This is in contrast to modern medicine which has the propensity to treat symptoms reactively, focusing only on single health concerns at a time.
When it comes to skincare, TCM still has many secrets to share. Today, we will be discussing how TCM uses a holistic view of health, some potent herbs and oils used in TCM skincare, examples of traditional Chinese skincare regimens, and how you can use ancient Chinese herbal knowledge to come up with a skincare regimen for beautiful, healthy skin.
TCM Holistic Approach to Skin Health
Qi (pronounced chee) is loosely defined as the life force which exists in all living things. Both ancient and modern Chinese health practices take this concept very seriously — and for good reason.
Whether or not you believe in qi, there is significant evidence pointing to the benefits of a holistic approach to health. Skin can be improved by working on your overall health in any of the following ways:
Improved Diet: TCM recommends a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. Additionally, fermented foods and certain herbs such as ginseng can improve overall vitality. Avoid foods high in sugar, dairy, and sodium.
Better Sleep Practices: Who couldn’t use more sleep? Making sleep a priority has been proven to improve overall health and the appearance of skin.
Exercise: A healthy body is an active body. There simply is no substitute for regular exercise when it comes to overall health.
Stress Reduction: Stress kills. Consider yoga, meditation, therapy, exercise or any other stress reduction method that will allow you to relax and unwind.
Traditional Chinese Herbs and Oils for Skincare
A staple of TCM comes from the use of medicinal herbs and/or oils. This is a key component of TCM’s approach to skincare. The potent herbs that can be used in topical products include:
- Ginseng: A powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, ginseng promotes improved blood flow, and brighter, younger looking skin.
- Ginger: More well known for its dietary benefits, ginger can also be administered as a topical ingredient to even skin tone and make skin appear more youthful.
- Safflower Oil: Research has shown that safflower oil may aid provide pain relief, moisturization, and softer, smoother skin.
- Chamomile Tea: A potent antioxidant, chamomile tea is known for its antiseptic properties when used as a topical ingredient.
- Licorice: Evidence suggests that licorice may be effective in reducing rash, skin redness, and itching.
- Argan Oil: A natural and powerful moisturizer, argan oil is appropriate for all skin types.
It may also be possible to improve skin health by eating a diet rich in traditional Chinese herbs such as chaga, turmeric, and oregano.
Simple yet Effective TCM Skincare Regimens
Today’s beauty market is flooded with needlessly complex skincare regimens. Not only are these skin routines costly and time-consuming, they can actually be less effective or even harmful than simpler routines.
The key in choosing a TCM skincare routine which fits your needs is selecting one that you will reasonably adhere to. Consider the following:
Tackling your overall health as the number one priority. TCM practitioners understand that skin health is merely one part of your body’s overall health. Focusing merely on one body party will never yield the rewarding results of a holistic approach.
A simple facial oil and youth serum combo pack. Harness the power of Chinese herbs and oils by using a simple, two-step daily skincare routine. Our Facial Oil & Youth Serum Combo Pack is rich in potent ingredients including vitamin C, ginseng, licorice, argan oil, safflower oil, and much more.
A gentle exfoliating regimen. Clean skin is healthy skin. Consider using a gentle charcoal konjac sponge to wash away dead skin cells and allow healthy skin to shine through. This type of exfoliation can be performed several times per week, with or without the use of a cleanser.
Dr. Wang Herbal Skincare Traditional Chinese Skincare Solutions
Dr. Wang Herbal Skincare co-founder Steven Wang, MD has enjoyed a long and successful career as a board-certified dermatologist. He currently holds the title of Director of Dermatologic Surgery and Dermatology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. Dr. Wang and his father Gui Wang, a licensed acupuncturist with over 40 years of experience, have teamed up to create Dr. Wang Herbal Skincare using their knowledge of TCM.
We believe that our experience and knowledge of both modern Western medicine and time-honored Eastern medicine allows us to provide unique skincare solutions. But don’t take our word for it! Read what experts from such reputable organizations as Bloomberg and The New York Times have to say about our products.