TCM x Antioxidants: The Skincare Dream Team

Incorporating Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles and ingredients rich in antioxidants is our skincare mission here at Karuna Skin. Rooted in centuries-old wisdom, TCM offers a holistic approach to skincare that emphasizes balance, harmony, and natural healing - proving to be a highly effective way to promote optimal skin health and combat the visible signs of aging and skin inflammation.

In this blog, we’ll explore how antioxidants commonly used in TCM can dramatically improve your skin and share a few of our must-have ingredients you should be on the lookout for.

Understanding TCM Principles

TCM views the body as a complex system where balance between opposing forces—yin and yang—is essential for health. When this balance is disrupted, it can manifest as various health issues, including common, visible skin concerns and problems. TCM practitioners identify the patterns of imbalance and leverage herbal remedies, acupuncture, diet, and lifestyle adjustments to help restore harmony and promote overall well-being - internally and externally.

The Role of Antioxidants in TCM Skincare

Antioxidants play a pivotal role in TCM skincare practices, primarily through the use of botanical extracts and herbs. The antioxidant content of these ingredients helps reduce inflammation and combat oxidative stress, a major contributor to premature skin aging and damage caused by environmental factors such as UV radiation, free radicals, and pollution.

Here are a few of our favorites and where you can find them in our products:

Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis)

Internal TCM Use: Traditionally used to clear heat, detoxify the body, and promote digestion.

TCM Skin Use: Applied topically for its cooling and soothing properties, as well as for treating skin conditions like acne and eczema.

Antioxidant Benefits: Rich in catechins, especially EGCG, which are potent antioxidants that protect skin from free radical damage, reduce inflammation, and slow down premature aging.

Find It In

Multi-Vitamin Serum

$23.00

Collagen Hydrogel Face Mask

From $10.00

Collagen Hydrogel Neck Mask

From $10.00

Anti-Oxidant+ Face Mask

From $8.00

Centella Asiatica

Internal TCM Use: Traditionally used to clear heat, detoxify the body, and promote wound healing. It is also used to improve memory and cognitive function.

TCM Skin Use: Applied topically for its wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and skin-soothing properties. It can help reduce redness, irritation, and promote collagen production for firmer skin.

Antioxidant Benefits: Contains asiatic acid, madecassic acid, and other antioxidants that help protect the skin from free radical damage, reduce inflammation, and improve skin barrier function.

Find It In

Drench Sheet Mask

$6.00

Collagen Hydrogel Face Mask

From $10.00

NEW

Simply Sheer Daily Sunscreen SPF 40 - Glow Booster

$26.00

NEW

Simply Sheer Daily Sunscreen SPF 40 - Redness Corrector

$26.00

NEW

Simply Sheer Daily Sunscreen SPF 40 - Untinted

Collagen Hydrogel Neck Mask

From $10.00

Exfoliating+ Foot Mask

From $8.00

Panax Ginseng

Internal TCM Use: Considered a tonic herb to boost energy, enhance vitality, and improve cognitive function.

TCM Skin Use: Used topically to promote skin regeneration, reduce wrinkles, and improve skin elasticity.

Antioxidant Benefits: Contains ginsenosides, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help protect skin from environmental stressors and promote a more youthful complexion.

Find It In

Radiance Toner

$18.00

33% off

Tinted Lip Oil - Float

$12.00 $18.00 Sale

33% off

Tinted Lip Oil - Grow

$12.00 $18.00 Sale

33% off

Tinted Lip Oil - Pause

$12.00 $18.00 Sale

Peony Root (Paeonia lactiflora)

Internal TCM Use: Traditionally used to nourish blood, regulate menstruation, and relieve pain.

TCM Skin Use: Applied topically for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, helping to calm irritated skin and reduce redness.

Antioxidant Benefits: Contains paeoniflorin and other antioxidants that help protect skin from free radical damage and promote a more even skin tone.

Find It In

Mulberry (Morus alba)

Internal TCM Use: Nourishes the yin, clears heat, and moistens the lungs.

TCM Skin Use: Used topically to brighten skin, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve skin texture.

Antioxidant Benefits: Rich in resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant known for its anti-aging properties, protecting skin from free radical damage and promoting collagen production

Find It In

Tone Sheet Mask

$6.00

Chinese Licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis)

Internal TCM Use: Traditionally used to tonify Qi, nourish the spleen, clear heat, and detoxify the body. It is also used to relieve cough and sore throat.

TCM Skin Use: Applied topically for its anti-inflammatory, soothing, and brightening properties. It can help reduce redness, irritation, and hyperpigmentation.

Antioxidant Benefits: Rich in glabridin, a potent antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage, reduce inflammation, and inhibit melanin production, leading to a brighter complexion.

Find It In

TCM ingredients not only protect the skin from oxidative stress thanks to their potent antioxidant properties, but also help promote healing, rejuvenation, and an overall youthful, visibly less inflamed complexion. By integrating these ancient principles into your skincare routine, you can easily achieve radiant, healthy skin that glows from within.

Interested in learning more? Head over to our BLOG page today and let us know something new you’ve learned below or on Instagram @karunaskin - we love hearing from you!

Written by Ryan Nelson