Skin issues like acne and hyper-pigmentation are unsurprisingly common as they can be caused by various factors like pollution, hormonal imbalance, unhealthy diet, etc. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a versatile and holistic form of medicine, and it has been used to treat various issues for centuries. By using TCM treatments for bad skin, you might be able to restore balance and improve your overall complexion.
In this article, we’ll discuss how traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) perceives and uses topical remedies to treat these common skin conditions:
- Acne
- Aging skin
- Pigmentation problems
- Dark circles under the eyes
What is TCM, and how safe are its practices?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a centuries-old healing system that relies on using natural remedies and herbs. It has been practiced for over 2,000 years in China and remains to be one of the most widely known forms of medicine today.
TCM is widely based on the understanding that the human body is composed of five elements – metal, water, wood, fire, and earth. These elements are believed to be in balance within everyone, and when they are out of balance or injured, the resulting symptoms can be treated with traditional medicine.
TCM is used to treat many health problems, including cancer, heart disease, asthma, skin conditions like acne and pigmentation, and so on. It is also famous for its safety profile as it relies heavily on natural ingredients and techniques rather than drug therapy or surgery.
How traditional Chinese medicine can help different skin conditions
If you’re looking for a natural way to treat your skin condition, you may consider using traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Many people turn to TCM in an attempt to find relief, but few know the underlying concept of this treatment and what to look for when trying it out.
Here are some of the most common skin conditions that can be treated with traditional Chinese medicine, and we’ll explain how TCM intervenes to improve and heal them.
Traditional Chinese Medicine for Acne
While several Western treatment options focus on sebum, skin cycles, and hormones, TCM solutions have a significantly different focus.
According to Chinese medicine, acne occurs due to a heat or dampness imbalance within the body. Excess heat gathers in the lung and stomach meridians, which are energy lines that flow throughout the body and rise to the face. It unfolds as inflammation, such as redness and blemishes.
Dampness or damp heat, prompted by dairy and oily, cold, and processed foods, is another traditional Chinese cause of acne lesions. According to practitioners, this causes oily skin. Other factors contributing to severe acne include phlegm and qi deficiency (low energy).
The causes of acne breakouts are viewed as highly individualised in Chinese medicine. As a result, treatment is tailored to the individual: their energy, diet, and any stagnation or imbalances they are experiencing.
Although the TCM skincare for acne in Malaysia is highly personalized, these are the general skincare herbs TCM recommends for topical acne treatments:
- Liquorice root and honeysuckle flower remove heat and toxins from the body.
- Pearl cream flushes toxins from the blood and reduces acne bumps on the skin.
- Honey minimizes redness, inflammation, and infection effects.
Traditional Chinese Medicine for aging skin
TCM believes that internally, the spleen is the source of blood and qi (vital energy), and the lung oversees transporting blood and qi to the skin.
These two organs keep the skin constantly nourished; other organs contribute to the smooth circulation flow. A slow metabolic rate and an excess of waste products, combined with the aging process, will inevitably result in malnourished skin, causing dullness, wrinkles, age spots, dryness, hair loss, and brittle and deformed nails.
These are some common external beauty remedies TCM offers to improve skin texture and elasticity:
- Golden chamomile reduces wrinkles, fine lines and blemishes
- Japanese goldthread firms and tightens sagging skin
- Ku Shen promotes blood circulation
- Giant angelica nourishes the skin
Traditional Chinese Medicine for pigmentation problems and dark circles under the eyes
Dark circles are a sign of kidney network weakness in Chinese medicine. Kidney weakness results from exhaustion, overstrain, and a lack of rest. Because the kidney network governs the hormonal system in Chinese medicine, it influences the pigment melanin. It is said that unhealthy and depleted kidneys deposit pigment under the skin around the eyes and other parts of the face, which leads to hyperpigmentation on your skin.
Besides getting your kidney health checked, these are some advanced botanical ingredients in Malaysia implemented in TCM topical remedies to treat pigmentation and dark circles under the eyes:
- Red ginseng fights dark circles and de-puffs eye bags
- Ginkgo leaves eliminate dark spots and even out skin tone
- Honey tightens pores to promote a clear skin complexion
- Pine needles fight and neutralize free radicals
Are you looking for traditional, safe, and reliable solutions for your skin conditions? Contact Dr Goh today!
There are numerous TCM remedies for various skin conditions, be it skincare for sensitive skin, dry skin, or acne skin – there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
So, to find the one that may be appropriate for you, consulting a TCM-trained holistic dermatologist is the best solution. At Dr. Goh Cosmeceutical, there are professionally trained experts to help you find the best topical TCM remedies for your specific case, whether it’s to combat acne, aging, hyperpigmentation, or any other skin conditions.
Contact Dr. Goh today for traditional remedies infused with Western solutions for flawless skin.
