Can Your Skincare Ingredients Affect Your Mental Health? TCM Physician From Singapore Weighs In

Whether we like to admit it or not, our mental health often gets compromised in today’s fast-paced society.

While we often associate mental well-being with psychological factors, a growing body of evidence suggests that physical health, including skin health, has a significant connection to our mental well-being.

Daily Vanity spoke to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) physician, Peh Tian Chi, to understand more about the relationship between our skincare and mental health.

In this article, we explore the connection between skincare ingredients and our overall well-being, as well as Physician Peh’s recommended skincare product, concocted with herbal ingredients!

How Qi, Blood, and Water in Eastern Herbal Medicine Is Related to Our Skin

“Many ancient Chinese medical texts highlight the importance of energy force (Qi), blood, and body fluids, in supporting skin health,” says Physician Peh.

According to her, Qi and blood are responsible for circulating nutrients and fluids throughout the body. It also brings moisture and nutrients to the skin tissues, promoting a glowing complexion and smooth texture.

“With a Qi-Xue (blood) deficiency, the skin may become undernourished and lose its natural moisture. This can result in dull and pale skin, slow healing, premature ageing, and a weakened skin barrier, making the skin more prone to dryness and irritation,” she explains.

Physician Peh also adds that when the flow of blood is obstructed or stagnant, it leads to poor circulation, which can cause puffiness, dark spots, acne, dark circles under the eyes, and a dull complexion.

In TCM, “water” refers to body fluids such as sweat, saliva, and lymph. These fluids are essential for nourishing, moistening, and regulating bodily functions, including skin health.

“Keeping body fluids balanced helps avoid dryness, overheating, puffiness, and other skin problems, which keeps your skin looking hydrated and youthful,” Physician Peh shares.

Does Our Mental Well-Being Affect the State of Our Skin?

Now that we know the state of our physical health is reflected on our skin, you might be curious about the relationship between our mental well-being and our skin health.

Does our mental health affect how our skin looks? Physician Peh cites her own personal experiences, “Yes, I tend to get acne more easily when I lack sleep and feel more stressed.”

Like most people, she also notices her complexion looking duller, with darkened eye circles, whenever her mental well-being is compromised.

The Relationship Between Our Skincare Ingredients and Our Mental Well-Being

If our mental well-being is connected to skin health, can the products we put on our skin improve our mental health?

Physician Peh reveals that certain skincare ingredients, on top of its skincare benefits, can also have positive effects on our mental health.

“In TCM, Ginseng is considered one of the most potent Qi tonics; it helps strengthen both Qi and Blood, which work together to nourish the skin more effectively,” she shares.

“Japanese Goldthread (Huang Lian, 黄连) is used to clear heat and toxins from the body, which reflects positively on the skin by preventing outbreaks, rashes, and acne, caused by internal heat and dampness,” she adds.

However, she highlighted that these have to be aligned with an individual’s specific body constitution and may not be suitable for everyone.

“In traditional practice, a physician will need to consider the appropriate dosage and frequency of use to make sure they are used safely and effectively,” she explains, “it is, therefore, advisable to consult a physician beforehand to ensure appropriate use and safety.”

Physician Peh Tian Chi’s Skincare Recommendation: SEKKISEI BLUE Grape Clarifying Toner

If you’re on a lookout for a skincare product concocted with herbal ingredients, Physician Peh recommends the SEKKISEI BLUE Grape Clarifying Toner.

“The SEKKISEI BLUE Grape Clarifying Toner has really improved my skin by keeping it hydrated and by brightening my complexion,” she shares.

“I find it soothing and refreshing, which helps me relax and boosts my mood. Overall, it’s a great addition to my skincare routine that benefits both my skin and my mental well-being!”

She also shares that her skin feels instantly refreshed and plump after application.

“This leaves me feeling comfortable and pleased,” she says.

One ingredient in the SEKKISEI BLUE Grape Clarifying Toner that stands out to the TCM physician is Job’s Tears, also known as adlay or adlay millet.

“Not only does it provide skincare benefits such as whitening, moisturising, and anti-inflammation, it is also used in TCM for removing dampness, detoxifying, strengthening the spleen, and clearing heat,” she said.

Physician Peh also said that Job’s Tears helps regulate Qi and drain excess dampness from the body, reducing sluggishness, fatigue, and mental fog, resulting in better focus and vitality.

She added that by strengthening the spleen, it supports mental clarity and emotional balance, aiding in digestion and reducing stress.

Its ability to clear heat and detoxify helps calm irritability and anxiety, promoting a more balanced emotional state and improved sleep.

It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties that soothe stress-induced skin conditions, which can boost self-esteem and contribute to emotional relief.

“In other words, better skin health can also contribute to an improvement in our mental health. This means that our overall well-being is dependent on the harmonious balance of our physical health, mental health, and skin health,” she explained.

A holistic approach to health and well-being involves tending to our physical, mental, and skin wellness. When curating your skincare regimen, be mindful of ingredients that not only nourish your skin but also benefits your overall health.

The SEKKISEI BLUE Grape Clarifying Toner retails for S$55 at all KOSE Departmental store counters islandwide, as well as Shopee. Follow KOSE on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook for more information.

About Physician Peh Tian Chi

Physician Peh is a skilled medical professional with a background in both Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine. She is currently practising at Yi TCM.

She earned a double degree in Biomedical Sciences from Nanyang Technological University and Chinese Medicine from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine in 2012.

Physician Peh works closely with patients with concerns in a range of women’s health issues, including fertility, amenorrhea, and uterine fibroids.

Her vast experience in general, women’s, and elderly’s health stems from many years of practice in a hospital with high patient volume. She carries a strong belief in a holistic approach to health and well-being.

Featured image credits: timolina/Freepik, Freepik

This article is brought to you by KOSE SEKKISEI.