With Winter upon us, it can be hard to keep your skin looking its best… but I have some ancient Chinese Medicine tips to make it easy.
These tips focus on the Chinese philosophy of cultivating beauty – inside and out. By making the most of them throughout winter, your insides will rejoice and your skin will shine!
5 Chinese Medicine Tips for Radiant Skin in Winter
Drink your tea!
Tea is not only great for warming you up on cold winter days, it has incredible health benefits, too. Many different types of tea contain antioxidants – in particular the Chinese favorites; white, green and oolong tea. Antioxidants are important because they hold back the signs of aging, speed up your metabolism and aid in weight loss. Specialty tea shops will stock these options and more, so stock up on some new favorites.
Grind up some Mung Beans
Chinese Empress Wu, known for her timeless beauty, was a regular user of mung beans. She was said to look ageless, even at the age of 80. Why? Mung beans contain copper, which has an anti-aging property and reduces the appearance of wrinkles, age spots and age lines from the skin.
You too can enjoy the benefits of this super bean by regularly using a mung bean mask.
To make this mask… grind up dry mung beans to a powder, and add water until you get a paste. Apply the paste to your face, avoiding your eyes and leave the mask on for 30 minutes before washing off with lukewarm water and a face cloth. Your face should immediately appear less puffy and acne should reduce over the coming days.
Snack on Goji Berries
Goji berries are a true superfood that the Chinese have been using for centuries. Not only are they delicious and a great substitute for candy, they are very high in antioxidants, beta-carotene and vitamin C. That means, they are good for treating the signs of early aging caused by pollutants. They are also said to be good at releasing toxins from your skin and strengthening your immune system.
Rice is for Radiance!
Chinese women have been using rice water to tone their skin for centuries. Using rice water leaves the skin soft, tight and more radiant after use. This is because rice water, like rice, contains B vitamins, vitamin E, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants – all good things for the skin! To make a facial toner, rinse half a cup of unpolished rice in water. Place the rinsed rice in a bowl, with enough fresh water to cover and soak for 30 minutes. The water will turn a milky color. To use, dip a cotton ball into the water and apply as you would a store-bought toner.
Take Turmeric
While turmeric has become popular in drinks due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it is also great for creating a hydrating and exfoliating face mask. Turmeric contains curcumin, a phytonutrient which has anti-inflammatory properties. Using turmeric has shown to benefit the skin troubled by acne, dryness, wrinkles, eczema and dark circles under the eyes. Combine half a teaspoon of turmeric powder, half a teaspoon of milk and one tablespoon of raw honey, then apply the paste to your face, and leave it for 20-30 minutes. Afterwards, you will feel hydrated and refreshed! Use twice a week for consistent results.