Oily Skinaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Skin Type Issues
What is Oily Skin?
Oily skin, characterized by an excess shine and a greasy feel, results from overactive sebaceous glands. This dermatological condition affects numerous individuals, impacting not just their appearance but also their self-esteem. Known by various names such as excessively oily skin, greasy skin, and sebaceous skin, it's a prevalent issue that many seek to manage for both comfort and cosmetic reasons. The quest for understanding and effectively treating oily skin goes beyond mere surface-level solutions, delving into the root causes of this condition.
How Does TCM View Oily Skin?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a holistic perspective on oily skin, attributing it to internal disharmonies rather than just external factors. According to TCM, the health of one's skin is a reflection of the balance within their internal organ systems. Oily skin, therefore, is seen as a manifestation of imbalance, particularly patterns of disharmony that need to be identified and corrected. TCM emphasizes the crucial step of diagnosing the specific pattern behind oily skin, underlining a comprehensive approach to treatment that aims for long-lasting results and overall well-being.
Root Causes of Oily Skin in TCM
In the realm of TCM, oily skin is often linked to the internal accumulation of Phlegm and Dampness. Two significant patterns related to these conditions are Damp-Phlegm and Dampness itself. Damp-Phlegm is characterized not only by oily skin but also by symptoms like profuse white sputum and a feeling of chest and abdominal distention, suggesting an internal excess of fluids manifesting outwardly.
To combat these symptoms, TCM turns to formulas like Er Chen Tang, which features Crow-Dipper Rhizomes, and Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang, enriched with Ginseng. These formulas are celebrated for their ability to dry Dampness and transform Phlegm, addressing the root causes of oily skin from within. By treating these internal imbalances, TCM aims to restore the body's harmony and, consequently, improve skin health.
Explore below more details about what might cause Oily skin according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- Phlegm
- Dampness
Phlegm
In TCM "Phlegm" as a pattern of disharmony is a complex concept that extends beyond the physical manifestation of mucus. It represents a pathological factor that can disrupt the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood, leading to various health issues. Phlegm in TCM is seen as a sticky, turbid substance arising from the body's inability to metabolize fluids properly, often due to a dysfunction of the spleen. It's not only associated with respiratory problems like cough and congestion but also with systemic issues. Symptoms can include a feeling of heaviness, mental cloudiness, dizziness, and in some cases, the formation of lumps or masses. Phlegm can even be "invisible," contributing to emotional disturbances like depression or stress. ... see more
Phlegm Patterns That Can Lead to Oily Skin
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Damp-Phlegm | Oily skin, Profuse white sputum, Focal distention of the chest, Upper abdominal focal distention, Nausea, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst, Obesity, Swollen limbs, Abdominal fat... see more | Er Chen Tang | Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang | Shen Qi Wan |
Dampness
"Dampness" in TCM is a concept that describes a pattern of disharmony where the body accumulates excess moisture. Imagine the heavy, sticky feeling you get on a very humid day; that's similar to what dampness feels like internally. It can manifest as a sense of heaviness, bloating, sluggishness, or even a foggy mind. This condition is often thought to arise from environmental factors like living in a damp place, dietary habits that promote moisture in the body, or internal imbalances that hinder the body's ability to process fluids properly. In TCM, dampness can obstruct the normal flow of energy and fluids in the body, leading to various symptoms.... see more
Dampness Patterns That Can Lead to Oily Skin
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Damp-Phlegm | Oily skin, Profuse white sputum, Focal distention of the chest, Upper abdominal focal distention, Nausea, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst, Obesity, Swollen limbs, Abdominal fat... see more | Er Chen Tang | Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang | Shen Qi Wan |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Oily Skin
TCM prescribes a variety of herbal formulas to treat oily skin, each tailored to the individual's specific disharmony pattern. For instance, Er Chen Tang is recommended for its effectiveness in drying Dampness and transforming Phlegm, directly targeting the internal conditions that lead to oily skin. Its key ingredient, Crow-Dipper Rhizomes, plays a crucial role in this process.
Similarly, Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang, which includes Ginseng as a primary herb, is utilized for its ability to dispel Phlegm and tonify Qi, further aiding in the balance of internal systems. These examples illustrate TCM's nuanced approach to treating oily skin, emphasizing personalized solutions that seek not only to alleviate symptoms but also to promote long-term health and balance.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address oily skin, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Phlegm
- Dampness
- Formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm
- Formulas that dispel phlegm
- Formulas that warm yang and tonify
Top Formula for Phlegm:
Er Chen Tang
Suitable for Phlegm patterns that may cause oily skin, such as Damp-Phlegm
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Oily Skin Caused by Phlegm
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Er Chen Tang | Damp-Phlegm |
| Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang | Damp-Phlegm |
| Shen Qi Wan | Damp-Phlegm |
Top Formula for Dampness:
Er Chen Tang
Suitable for Dampness patterns that may cause oily skin, such as Damp-Phlegm
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Oily Skin Caused by Dampness
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Er Chen Tang | Damp-Phlegm |
| Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang | Damp-Phlegm |
| Shen Qi Wan | Damp-Phlegm |
Formulas that dry Dampness and transform Phlegm
These formulas are suitable for some oily skin-causing patterns like Damp-Phlegm.
One such formula is Er Chen Tang, with crow-dipper rhizome as a key herb.
Formulas that dispel Phlegm
These formulas are suitable for some oily skin-causing patterns like Damp-Phlegm.
One such formula is Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
Formulas that warm Yang and tonify
These formulas are suitable for some oily skin-causing patterns like Damp-Phlegm.
One such formula is Shen Qi Wan, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Oily Skin
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address oily skin, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Herbs that regulate qi
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Oily skin can be treated by these herbs when it results from phlegm due to cold deficiency, aiming to warm the lungs and dissolve phlegm accumulation.
One such herb is Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia), a key herb in some formulas recommended for oily skin, like Er Chen Tang.
Herbs that regulate Qi
Oily skin can be treated by these herbs when resulting from Qi stagnation or imbalance, helping to promote the smooth flow of Qi in the body.
One such herb is Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for oily skin, like Er Chen Tang.
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Oily skin can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Ginseng (Ren Shen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for oily skin, like Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang.
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Oily skin can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for oily skin, like Shen Qi Wan.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Oily skin can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for oily skin, like Shen Qi Wan.