Get Glowing Skin - The Complete Natural Guide (With TCM)

Get glowing skin! Find out how to get glowing skin with the help of Chinese medicine plus tips on other natural methods.

Woman showing glowing skin with help from chinese medicine

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the health of our skin is closely related to our overall health. Many of the principles and techniques used in TCM to improve skin health are also beneficial for our overall health. In this article, we will explore how to get glowing skin and reveal some of the best Chinese herbs to add to your diet to achieve glowing skin from the inside out. 

TCM principles related to skin health include maintaining balance in the Five Elements, promoting circulation, and treating skin disorders with herbs and acupuncture. By following these principles, you can help your skin stay healthy and glowing.

How to Get Glowing Skin with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

1. Maintaining Balance in the Five Elements:

One of the key principles of TCM is maintaining balance in the Five Elements. When our bodies are in balance, we are able to function optimally and have healthy skin. In order to maintain balance in the Five Elements, you need to pay attention to your diet and lifestyle. Eat foods that are rich in nutrients, like fruits and vegetables, and avoid processed foods and sugar. Exercise regularly and get plenty of rest.

2. Promoting Circulation:

Another principle of TCM related to skin health is promoting circulation. When the flow of energy is healthy and unimpeded, it can help to promote the growth of healthy skin cells. To promote circulation, you can exercise regularly and get plenty of rest. You can also use warm compresses to help increase blood flow to the skin.

3. Treating Skin Disorders:

If you have any skin disorders, such as eczema or psoriasis, you should see a dermatologist. Acupuncture may also be used to treat skin disorders. Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine that uses tiny needles to stimulate specific points on the body.

Chinese Herbs, How to Get Glowing Skin, and What Does Taste Have to Do With It?

close up of woman with glowing skin with the help of chinese medicine

According to the principles in TCM, herbs with a sweet taste are good for your skin and can help correct deficiencies that may cause drying or wrinkles.

Some herbs that are used to clear up blockages that cause skin rashes and dark spots are bitter-tasting. These herbs help clear heat and toxins from the body and skin, which can treat skin rashes and acne.

Herbs with a sour or astringent taste help to stop the excessive secretion of sweat and oil in the skin, while bland-tasting herbs help to stop water retention. Salty-tasting herbs help to dissipate nodules and are used in herbal formulas for acne conditions.

The integumentary system is the largest organ system in the body. It includes the skin, hair, nails, and oil glands. The integumentary system excretes waste, protects the body against sunburn, and stores fat, glucose, water, and vitamin D.

Herbs that work well to promote the integumentary system can help an unbalanced body return to a balanced state.

The Best Chinese Herbs and How to Get Glowing Skin With it

1. Schisandra 

Schisandra is a type of berry that is often used to help the skin look smooth and healthy. The adaptogen is thought to have other benefits, such as promoting long life.  Some research has shown it may also have protective benefits that promote younger-looking skin.

2. Goji Berries 

Goji Berries

Goji berries are often used in Chinese tonics and for good reason: they are a rich source of antioxidants, especially vitamin A and vitamin C, which are beneficial for the skin.  These antioxidants help to fight skin damage and signs of aging.  They also help to prevent the appearance of skin tumors and wrinkles.  Animal studies are promising, showing goji berry juice reduced skin inflammation after sun exposure, but there is limited research for goji berries' impact on skin health in humans. 

3. Pearl Powder

Pearl powder is a popular ingredient in TCM for supporting healthy skin. The powder is made from the same shiny pearls used in necklaces and other jewelry.  It contains a lot of minerals, including magnesium and potassium. These minerals may help improve the skin's vitality.  Amino acids are found in pearl powder and they help to produce collagen and promote hydration. They also provide a protective layer to the skin.

Pearl powder is a natural substance that is rich in calcium. It also contains antioxidants that help to protect the skin. The calcium in pearl powder helps to moisturize the skin and encourages skin regeneration. The hydrating and antioxidant properties of pearl powder make it a good ingredient for natural skincare routines. 

4. Longan

longan berries in a bowl on marble table

According to Chinese medicine, longan is an effective skin-care ingredient because it contains antioxidants and vitamins A and C. These nutrients are believed to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin tone, and fight skin inflammation. Additionally, longan is high in dietary minerals, including magnesium, potassium, and zinc. These minerals are important for maintaining skin health and preventing skin damage.

5. Horsetail

Horsetail is a popular ingredient in TCM for its skin-care benefits. The plant is high in antioxidants and vitamins A and C, which are believed to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin tone, and fight skin inflammation. Additionally, horsetail is high in dietary minerals, including magnesium, potassium, and zinc. These minerals are important for maintaining skin health and preventing skin damage.

Alternative Ways to Get Glowing Skin, Naturally

Get a Good Night's Sleep 

woman getting beauty rest on bed

Getting a good night's sleep is essential for overall skin health. Not getting enough sleep can cause dry skin, wrinkles, and age spots. Lack of sleep also reduces the production of natural oil, which can lead to dry and brittle skin. To maintain healthy and glowing skin, make sure to get about  7-8 hours of sleep a day.   If you're struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep, you can also try adding these 6 fruits to your diet.

Keep Your Pores Clean

If you're looking to improve your skin's appearance and feel, a steam bath may be the answer.  This gentle treatment uses hot water to open up the pores and relax the skin.  

Follow these simple steps to get started:

  1. Fill a small pot with water and bring it to a boil.
  2. Pour the water in a heat-safe bowl
  3. Add herbal ingredients, like rosebuds, lavender oil or some fresh basil leaves into the blowl.
  4. Put a towel over your head, shoulders, and bowl. Hold your face close to the steam.

5. Stay near the steam for 5 to 10 minutes, then put on a mask, serum, or moisturizer.  Treat yourself to facial steams once a week.

Drink plenty of water for radiant skin 

clear drinking glass with water to help with hydration

Drinking plenty of water is crucial for keeping skin looking healthy and glowing. Proper hydration helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and skin dryness. Additionally, staying hydrated helps flush out toxins and waste from the skin, which can improve its appearance and texture.

Eat a balanced diet for better skin 

Eating a balanced diet is important for keeping your skin healthy. Eating unhealthy foods can make your skin dry, wrinkled, and spotted. 

Exfoliate your skin regularly

One of the best ways to achieve healthy and glowing skin is to exfoliate it on a regular basis. This can be done with a variety of methods, including using a scrub, a mask, or a cream.

Use a Sunscreen That is SPF 30 or Higher

Using a sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher is important to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, regardless of the time of year.

Final Word on How to Get Glowing Skin Naturally:

Adding Chinese medicine herbs into your diet can have amazing benefits for your skin. 

Some key Chinese medicine herbs that can help improve skin health include Schisandra, longan, and pearl powder.  Eating a balanced diet, exfoliating your skin regularly, and using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher can all help to keep your skin looking healthy and glowing.

By following the principles and techniques outlined in this article, you can achieve healthy and radiant skin that will make you look and feel great!


We mentioned the importance of sleep for radiant skin.  If you're having trouble catching some restful Zzz's, check out this list of 18 things you can do to have better quality sleep without medication.


References:

Asgharikhatooni, Azam, et al. “The Effect of Equisetum Arvense (Horse Tail) Ointment on Wound Healing and Pain Intensity after Episiotomy: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial.” Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal, vol. 17, no. 3, Mar. 2015, p. e25637, doi:10.5812/ircmj.25637.

Chen, Xi, et al. “Nanoscaled Pearl Powder Accelerates Wound Repair and Regeneration in Vitro and in Vivo.” Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy, vol. 45, no. 6, Apr. 2019, pp. 1009–16, doi:10.1080/03639045.2019.1593436.

Cheng, Jiang, et al. “An Evidence-Based Update on the Pharmacological Activities and Possible Molecular Targets of Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharides.” Drug Design, Development and Therapy, vol. 9, Dec. 2014, pp. 33–78, doi:10.2147/DDDT.S72892.

Ko, Kam-Ming, and Po-Yee Chiu. “Biochemical Basis of the ‘Qi-Invigorating’ Action of Schisandra Berry (Wu-Wei-Zi) in Chinese Medicine - PubMed.” The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, vol. 34, no. 2, Jan. 2006, doi:10.1142/S0192415X06003734.

Loh, Xian Jun, et al. “Pearl Powder—An Emerging Material for Biomedical Applications: A Review.” Materials, vol. 14, no. 11, May 2021, doi:10.3390/ma14112797.

Padayatty, Sebastian J., et al. “Vitamin C as an Antioxidant: Evaluation of Its Role in Disease Prevention - PubMed.” Journal of the American College of Nutrition, vol. 22, no. 1, Feb. 2003, doi:10.1080/07315724.2003.10719272.

Reeve, Vivienne E., et al. “Mice Drinking Goji Berry Juice (Lycium Barbarum) Are Protected from UV Radiation-Induced Skin Damage via Antioxidant Pathways - PubMed.” Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences : Official Journal of the European Photochemistry Association and the European Society for Photobiology, vol. 9, no. 4, Apr. 2010, doi:10.1039/b9pp00177h.

Zhao, B. L., et al. “Scavenging Effect of Schizandrins on Active Oxygen Radicals - PubMed.” Cell Biology International Reports, vol. 14, no. 2, Feb. 1990, doi:10.1016/0309-1651(90)90027-v.


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