Why Your Winter Skin Needs More Than Moisturizer
By Mimi Wang
Winter has arrived in full force, and many of us are already feeling the shift—cue the dry hands, tight cheeks, and flaky shins. While dry skin might seem like a simple seasonal annoyance, it can signal deeper imbalances beneath the surface. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), dryness isn’t just a skin issue. It’s a window into how your body is adapting to the seasonal change. Let’s explore how TCM understands winter dryness and what you can do to support healthier, more comfortable skin.
Two Views on Dry Skin
In a Western approach, dry skin is usually explained by a weakened or disrupted skin barrier. Cold weather, low humidity, and indoor heating pull moisture away, so the treatment focuses on repairing the barrier with moisturizers, reducing irritation, and protecting the skin from environmental stressors.
Traditional Chinese Medicine views the body like a garden. When you have dry skin, your garden is experiencing an internal drought. You can spray water on the leaves (moisturizer), but without examining the soil and roots, the problem will keep returning.
Dry skin is simply a branch—a visible sign of something happening deeper within the body. While the environment matters, TCM looks at why your skin becomes dry in the first place. In other words, two people can have the same dryness but very different internal reasons behind it.
For example:
One person may have plenty of nourishment in the body, but it isn’t circulating well to the skin.
Another may simply not have enough internal nourishment overall, so the skin lacks the resources it needs to stay soft and hydrated.
By understanding what’s behind the dryness—not just the dryness itself—we can pair topical methods with tailored treatments, nourishing foods, and supportive lifestyle choices that help hydrate from the inside out, creating more sustainable results.
Identifying Your Imbalance
1. Lung Yin Deficiency
What this means: Not enough internal moisture
What this looks like: Rough, tight, or flaky skin, sometimes paired with a dry throat, nose, or a mild dry cough.
It’s the body’s way of saying, “I need more internal hydration to feel comfortable.”
2. Blood Deficiency
What this means: Low internal nourishment
What this looks like: Dull, pale, or thin skin that dries out easily. You may also feel more tired, get lightheaded, or notice brittle nails
The body is signalling it doesn’t have quite enough nourishment to share with the skin.
3. Yin Deficiency with Empty Heat
What this means: Running warm while also feeling dry
What this looks like: Itchy, irritated, tight skin that feels both warm and dry, often intensified in the afternoons or evenings.
The body lacks sufficient internal cooling resources, allowing warmth to rise and dry out the skin, which is exacerbated by indoor heating.
4. Spleen Qi Deficiency
What this means: Weak fluid distribution
What this looks like: Even if you drink plenty of water, the skin may still feel dry because hydration isn’t reaching it well. This pattern can be accompanied by bloating, a low appetite, or puffiness.
This signals the body’s fluid distribution system needs a boost.
Hydrate from the Inside
In addition to limiting harsh exposure and getting plenty of rest, here are some powerhouse foods to help quench your internal drought:
1. Stewed Pears: Pears are highly moistening and help relieve flakiness and tightness linked to the Lungs. Cook them with honey for easier absorption.
2. White Fungus (Tremella mushroom): This edible fungus is a powerful source of internal moisture, often called the "beauty mushroom". Its gelatinous texture holds hydration beautifully in soups or desserts.
3. Black Sesame Seeds: These oily seeds replenish your deep fluid reserves (Yin). Sprinkle them on your breakfast to fight deep, persistent dryness and fatigue.
4. Bone Broth or Rich Vegetable Stock: Broths & stocks provide easily absorbed nourishment (Blood) to keep skin plump and prevent it from becoming thin or dull.
5. Goji Berries: This famous herb boosts both your internal nourishment (Blood) and deep fluid reserves (Yin). Simply add a handful to hot tea or soak them in your morning oatmeal.
6. Licorice Root Tea: This simple tea lubricates and harmonizes the body's systems, gently soothing general irritation and dryness while improving circulation. Enjoy a cup in the afternoon for a moistening boost.
Ready to Heal the Root?
Winter comfort for your skin begins with internal harmony. If you are seeking additional support or a personalized approach, consider booking an acupuncture session. We can identify your unique pattern and support your system from the inside out, helping your skin stay resilient all season long.
Meet Mimi Wang, R.Ac, R.TCM.P
Mimi specializes in skincare, sleep imbalances, digestive issues, anxiety, and immunity support, tailoring acupuncture treatments to individual lifestyles. Her sessions often include cupping, acupressure, and aromatherapy, with expertise in cosmetic acupuncture for skin health. With deep roots in Chinese medicine, she blends Eastern tradition with modern care in both English and Mandarin.
