In recent years, cosmetics and personal care brands worldwide have shown a significant interest in natural and clean-label formulations. As a result, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has gained attention from manufacturers, and a broad range of skincare solutions rooted in this practice has gained popularity among consumers.
Though some brands are looking to use the latest trend to boost sales, some more reputable brands built on authentic TCM practices are influencing the market and providing innovative ways to improve skincare. The practices below have been utilized within TCM for centuries, but with the recent embrace of more natural treatments, they are paired with various beauty techniques to blend and achieve the best look.
Skincare
Skincare has grown into an impressive industry, with serums, scrubs, and cleansers for almost any issue. While many of these products boast a more clinical-looking list of ingredients, that is slowly changing. It has also begun incorporating herbal formulas utilized in TCM more frequently. Serums, face masks, and cleansers infused with custom-extracted versions of herbs to promote skin health are becoming more common products.
Several herbal ingredients have gained popularity in traditional Chinese skincare remedies, including ginseng, pearl powder, saffron, green tea powder, and goji berries. Ginseng is a common ingredient in preventive healthcare solutions due to its ability to reduce UV damage’s effects, slow aging, boost collagen, and brighten the skin, thanks to its antioxidant properties.
Gua Sha
Gua sha involves using a smooth-edged tool, such as a small wooden spoon, buffalo horn, or a gemstone gua sha tool, to gently scrape specific areas of the body, causing tiny round spots to appear on the skin. These spots, known as petechiae, indicate bleeding beneath the skin.
In traditional Chinese medicine, many illnesses and health concerns are linked to stagnant qi, or life force energy and blood in the body. Gua sha promotes a healthy flow of energy and blood by stimulating petechiae at specific points. In fact, “gua” means scrape, while “sha” refers to the sand-like appearance of petechiae.
This practice is often advertised as being used specifically on and around the face, but traditional gua sha is used on the face and the body.
Herbal Formulas
Many skincare products focus more on face creams and serums, but herbal formulas can benefit the skin and help promote overall health from within. As skincare becomes more widespread and popular, the use of herbal formulas will likely increase as well, specifically those related to hormone regulation.
Many individuals deal with hormonal imbalances that can be improved with the right herbal supplements. This can help acne clear up and promote brighter and healthier skin. Herbal formulas like Xiao Yao San and Liu Wei Di Huang Wan can benefit women experiencing hormone issues that may affect the skin.
Acupuncture and Accupressure
Acupuncture involves a skilled practitioner inserting tiny, sterilized needles to target physiological imbalances in the body. The process can enhance endorphin and immunity levels by stimulating the body’s natural healing response, making it a valuable addition to rejuvenating skincare treatments.
In contrast, acupressure is a technique within traditional Chinese medicine that focuses on unblocking energy pathways and improving lymphatic drainage and blood circulation. This results in increased nutrient and oxygen supply to the body and detoxification benefits. Acupressure is more convenient for home use, and tools like jade rollers are popular for this purpose, making it a more widely practiced technique by those looking for a less extensive skincare routine.
Appropriation
With the growing popularity of TCM skincare treatments, it’s important to understand proper procedures and who is distributing or performing them. As TCM practices have become more mainstream, popular beauty personalities or gurus have established trends and used them to further social clout. When seeking treatment or skincare products, receiving the care of an expert is the best way to ensure proper results. Choose brands created by experts in TCM who have connections to traditional practices instead of someone picking up a trend.
Beauty And Health
Although traditional Chinese medicine offers several successful skincare remedies, advancements in modern production and processing technologies for cosmetics and personal care products, as well as increased investments in product research, are likely to create new and untapped opportunities in the field in the coming years.
The beauty industry is increasingly embracing products derived from natural sources. However, long before the trend gained popularity, TCM utilized plants and herbs to enhance beauty from within. At KPC Herbs, we provide our clients with top-quality TCM formulas that work to restore balance, eliminate toxins, and improve overall well-being, resulting in a healthy body inside and out. Learn more about the types of formulas and practices you can utilize to achieve a brighter, healthier look.
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*Please note: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This article is not intended to suggest specific treatments for patients or that any supplements mentioned prevent or cure diseases or problems. Before taking any herbs, all patients should discuss their options with a licensed practitioner, including any other medications the patient is currently taking, as there may be contraindications between pharmaceuticals and herbs.
