Is the cold weather already starting to take a toll on your skin? Let’s fix that! From hydration hacks to facial massage techniques, discover how to nourish your skin the holistic way this season—with bonus Traditional Chinese Medicine insights!

  1. Hydration is Key

  • Tip: Drink warm water and herbal teas to stay hydrated. Aim for at least eight glasses a day, including herbal infusions like ginger, goji berry, jujubes (Chinese Dates). Add warming foods to your diet, such as soups, stews, garlic, and spices like cinnamon and turmeric, to promote internal warmth.
  • Chinese Medicine Insight: In winter, the cold can deplete the body’s internal warmth and moisture. Warm fluids are believed to nourish the kidneys and lungs, both important for skin health. Ginger tea, for instance, warms the body and boosts circulation, while goji berries are rich in antioxidants that help maintain skin elasticity and moisture. Soups made with bone broth, for example, provide nourishment and hydration, while spices enhance circulation and digestion, both key for skin health.

  1. Gentle & Hydrating Skincare

  • Tip: Pay attention to changes in weather and your skin’s response, and adjusting your products as needed. Just as nature changes with the seasons, so do our skin’s needs. Recognizing when to switch to more emollient products or incorporating additional hydrating treatments helps maintain skin balance. Listen to your body and trust your instincts about what feels best.
  • Tip: Select a gentle, hydrating cleanser that avoids sulfates and harsh chemicals, opting for cream-based or oil-based cleansers. Consider only doing a water wash (i.e. No cleanser) in the morning, and continue your cleansing routine at night. This could help reduce the risk of dehydrating your skin.
  • Tip: Choose thicker creams or oils that create a barrier against cold air, applying them immediately after washing or showering to lock in moisture. Look for creams that have peptide and ceramides for added hydration and barrier support.
  • Tip: Continue to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days, and apply protective lip balms to prevent chapped lips.
  • Chinese Medicine Insight: Harsh cleansers can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier, leading to dryness and irritation (worsening of eczema, acne, psoriasis). A gentle approach respects the skin’s “Wei Qi,” the protective energy of the body.

  1. Adequate Rest

  • Tip: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to allow your skin to repair itself.
  • Chinese Medicine Insight: In traditional Chinese medicine, the liver detoxifies the body during sleep, making it crucial for skin health. Insufficient rest can lead to the accumulation of toxins, manifesting as dullness or breakouts. Establish a calming bedtime routine to promote restful sleep.

  1. Facial Massage

  • Tip: Spend a little extra time to intentionally massage your serums and creams onto your face. Focus on areas where tension builds up. This could be the scalp, temples, jaw, neck and shoulder. Use gentle pressure and avoid excessive tugging, as this could irritate the skin more.
  • Chinese Medicine Insight: Facial massage stimulates circulation, promoting a healthy flow of Qi and blood. Techniques like facial gua sha and acupuncture can reduce puffiness and tension and support an even complexion

By implementing these expanded tips, you can nourish your skin holistically during the winter months, enhancing both its appearance and health through a Chinese medicine lens!

Got questions about the best way to treat your skin concerns? Book a consultation with Dr. Olivia Leung today!