7 Herbs for Summer

Hello Summer
Now that the days are longer, most of us are probably eager to catch some sun.  If you love spending time outdoors, whether it’s your backyard or the park, proper sun protection is key.  Learn about the 5 TCM herbs that will help your skin stay clear, dewy, and radiant all summer long.

5 TCM Herbs For Summer Skin

1.  Green/White Tea
All our formulations contain tea extracts.  For a good reason.  Green and white tea contains Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a powerful antioxidant that fights free radical damage from UV exposure.  Tea extracts also help stimulate collagen and elastin production.

2. Tremella
Nature's hyaluronic acid. Another Chinese Medicinal ingredient we love is Tremella, aka snow mushroom. Polysaccharide extracts from tremella help keep the skin plump + hydrated, reduce skin pigmentation, and protect against wrinkles induced by UVB rays.

3. Ginseng
The original superfood.  Known as Ren Shen - “human root”, ginseng is an adaptogen that has been used in Chinese Medicine for thousands of years.  Modern studies show that it helps maintain homeostasis of the immune system.  When used topically, ginseng extracts prevent photo-aging, enhance wound healing, improve skin elasticity, promote circulation, and reinforce the skin barrier.  

4. Licorice
Another commonly prescribed TCM root, Licorice - Gan Cao, protects the skin from  sun damage. Glabridin, one of the most active ingredients in licorice root extract aids to diminish pigmentation from scarring and sun damage.  It also prevents uneven pigmentation from UVB rays by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme that causes sun induced sun spots.

5. Schisandra Berries
Also known as Wu Wei Zi - “five flavor seed”, this ancient berry calms and restores the skin.  It’s rich in polysaccharides, phytosterols, and flavonoids to eradicate free radical damage and protect the skin from environmental stressors.