Glowing Summer Skin
Summer is all about sunshine, fun, and fiery energy — and according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it’s the season ruled by the Fire element and the Heart organ system. That means everything is turned up a notch: warmth, movement, emotions… and yes, sometimes skin issues like breakouts, dryness, and flareups. As the heat rises outside, it can rise internally as well. This is a kind of inflammtion which can show up on our skin. The key? Stay cool and nourished from the inside out.
In TCM, your skin’s health is closely tied to all your organ systems, but this is the season to focus on your Heart and it’s relationship to the skin. The Heart keeps your blood flowing (hello, healthy glow), and cool. It is said that when we clear heat from the heart we clear heat from the whole body. Our shen, the “spirit” of the heart is reflected in the complexion. To keep our hearts and skin happy this summer, load up on juicy, cooling foods like watermelon, cucumber, and mint. Incorporate the flavor that clears heat and balances the Heart and Fire element - bitter - my favorites are radicchio, arugula and fresh herbs like parsley. It is also important to go easy on the fried, spicy stuff as those can add to heat and inflammation. Think of it as summer skincare you can eat.
The real secret to glowing skin is often simpler than we think. Slow down a little. Get good sleep, stay hydrated, manage stress (Heart fire loves to flare up when you’re anxious!), and move your body in gentle ways like walking or qi gong. We love working with a gua sha, getting into the routine of luxurious abayanga oil massages, and enjoying an herbal face mask or sugar scrub when we have a free moment. With a little TCM wisdom, you can glow all summer naturally, without needing a 10-step skincare routine.
Visit our shop online or come visit us in the clinic for some of our very favorite skin care products like our housemade Rituale di Toscana Hydrosol Spray featuring Lavender and Hummingbird Sage, which will clear heat, nourish the heart, and deeply hydrate the skin. It’s my favorite post sun skin tonic, also really good for sunburns. We are also freshly restocked with all our incredible Yina products, and Koa Sunscreen and cleansers.
