As we journey through life, our skin—like a well-worn tapestry—begins to show the passage of time. Fine lines, dryness, dullness, and loss of elasticity are natural, but in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), these are not just signs of aging—they’re messages.
According to TCM, aging skin is the result of internal imbalances, often involving excess internal heat, dryness, and a decline in vital substances such as Qi, Blood, and Yin.
Rather than simply covering these signs, Oriental medicine seeks to nourish the skin from the root—balancing the internal environment while soothing and restoring the skin externally.
One time-honored method? Herbal facial masks are made from TCM powders blended with simple, nourishing ingredients like yogurt,
honey, or milk. Let’s explore this age-old beauty ritual.
🌸 Understanding Aging
Skin in TCM
In TCM, healthy skin depends on the smooth flow of Qi and Blood,
the nourishment from Yin, and the cooling, moisturizing properties of
Body Fluids. As we age, these naturally decline. The result?
- Dryness: Often due to Yin
Deficiency or Lung Dryness, leading to rough texture,
flakiness, and dullness.
- Heat: With aging or
stress, deficiency heat can rise, contributing to inflammation,
redness, or uneven skin tone.
- Loss of
elasticity and firmness: Often tied to declining Kidney
Jing (Essence), which governs aging and regeneration.
This internal imbalance can be harmonized using both internal herbal
therapy and topical applications.
🌿 TCM Herbs for
Radiant, Youthful Skin
Below are some TCM herbs often used as powders for external skin care—especially in facial mask packs.
These powders can be combined with
hydrating bases like milk, yogurt, aloe vera gel, honey, or even rose water.
1. Bai Shao (白芍, White Peony Root)
- TCM Function: Nourishes
blood, preserves yin, and calms liver yang.
- Skin Benefits: Hydrating,
calming, and brightening; great for dry or sensitive skin.
- How to Use: Mix 1 tsp of
Bai Shao powder with yogurt and a dash of honey for a soothing mask.
2. Zhen Zhu Fen (珍珠粉, Pearl Powder)
- TCM Function: Calms the
spirit, clears heat, detoxifies.
- Skin Benefits: Anti-aging,
brightening, and anti-inflammatory. Used for centuries by Chinese royalty.
- How to Use: Blend with
milk or aloe gel for a glow-enhancing treatment.
3. He Shou Wu (何首乌, Fo-Ti)
- TCM Function: Tonifies
liver and kidney, nourishes blood, and strengthens essence.
- Skin Benefits: Rejuvenating
and firming; supports collagen production and elasticity.
- How to Use: Mix ½ tsp of
powder with honey and a little warm water for a deeply nourishing mask.
4. Mai Men Dong (麦门冬, Ophiopogon Root)
- TCM Function: Nourishes Yin of the Lungs and Stomach, generates fluids.
- Skin Benefits: Moisturizing
and cooling; ideal for dry, irritated, or sensitive skin.
- How to Use: Combine with
rose water and yogurt for a hydrating treat.
5. Ju Hua (菊花, Chrysanthemum
Flower)
- TCM Function: Disperses
wind-heat, clears liver heat, and calms the eyes.
- Skin Benefits: Soothes
heat-related redness or inflammation; also helps brighten dull skin.
- How to Use: Mix
chrysanthemum powder with cooled green tea and a splash of rice water.
✨ Suggested Herbal Mask Recipe: “Yin-Nourishing
Radiance Mask”
- 1 tsp Bai Shao
powder
- ½ tsp Zhen Zhu
Fen
- 1 tbsp plain
Greek yogurt
- ½ tsp honey
- A few drops of
rose water (optional)
Mix all ingredients into a smooth paste and apply to a clean face. Leave it on for 15–20 minutes. Rinse gently with warm water and pat dry.
Follow with
your favorite toner and moisturizer. Use 1–2 times per week.
Final Thoughts
True beauty in the TCM view is not just skin-deep. It arises from
balance—inside and out. Aging is a natural and beautiful part of life, but it
doesn’t mean we can’t support our skin with ancient wisdom passed down through
generations.
Try incorporating TCM herbal powders into your skincare rituals along with routine management of your wellness. Your skin will
thank you—with radiance, resilience, and grace.
💮 Curious to Learn
More?
If you’re interested in customized herbal masks or holistic treatments to
support aging skin and skincare, come visit us at Naum
Acupuncture in Paramus, NJ. Let's rediscover beauty the traditional
way—through harmony, nourishment, and care.
Read More ✨ Glow Naturally https://aculovernaum.blogspot.com/2025/04/glow-naturally-nano-micro-needling-with.html
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