Seasonal Skin Flares
BY JESS STRACHAN
From a Chinese medicine perspective, autumn and winter are a time for skin flares. The cold, dry and windy climate aggravate the surface of our body and flare internal conditions that can relate to dryness, circulatory issues and diet related skin conditions.
If you’re finding the current skin regime isn’t cutting it, it might be time to try something different.
YOUR SKIN REFLECTS SYSTEMIC CONSIDERATIONS
In Chinese medicine, your skin is a mirror of your internal health.
We’re here to help you uncover the patterns that may be contributing to your skin condition—many of which you may not have considered.
At MACHI we don’t treat “just the skin”—we treat the whole person.
Each condition is approached through your unique pattern of health using Chinese herbs, acupuncture, lifestyle advice, and sometimes shiatsu (especially if stress is playing a role).
Here are some simple winter tips to help care for your skin at home.
WEATHER
If your skin reacts to cold weather, keep it protected:
Wear a singlet under your clothes
Layer with thermals, gloves, scarves, beanies
Avoid exposing areas of skin to wind and chill
Cold constricts the blood and slows circulation—especially if you already feel the cold in your hands and feet the cold weather will impact an already tired circulatory system. See below for ways to support your blood.
HEATING & DRY AIR
Melbourne’s dry winter air and heaters can worsen dry skin.
Keep fluids up
Moisturise regularly
Try a humidifier or adjust heating to reduce dryness
ALCOHOL
A warm glass of red wine feels comforting, but alcohol heats the blood and can cause flare-ups, especially if your skin condition is blood-related.
FOOD
Winter calls for comfort food—but be mindful of “richness.”
If meals are causing bloating, constipation, loose bowels, or reflux, your skin might suffer too.
Tips:
Opt for slow-cooked, hearty meals
Choose white meats, lighter sauces, more veggies
Cut back on onion, wine, tomato, and beef
Think less boeuf bourguignon, more gentle nourishment
FLUIDS
Caffeine is hot and drying—too much can dehydrate the skin.
Swap out one coffee or tea each day for a warm herbal infusion
Keep hydration up throughout the day
MENSTRUAL CYCLE AWARENESS
Your cycle affects your skin more than you might think, it’s time to understand your cycle and the impacts it has on the skin.
Track your cycle with a BBT chart
Where possible, use fewer tampons and more breathable options like pads or cups
Increase movement in the luteal phase to avoid stagnation if appropriate
Avoid heavy rich meals during your luteal phase
Rest after bleeding if fatigued
Try not to skip sugar pills (unless advised by your doctor)
LOOK BEYOND THE SKIN
Your skin is telling you something. Time to explore what can be changed.
Where are you losing fluids and blood unnecessarily?
Excess or spontaneous sweating - which includes saunas and spas
Loose bowels
Frequent urination
Heavy menstrual cycle
What is stuck, stagnant, blocked?
Constipated
Lack an appetite, bloated, reflux, burping, nauseous
Light, clotted, painful, dark colour blood during your period
Sinus congestion or phlegm in the throat
Infrequent urination
These systems are all interconnected—and your skin is just the surface sign that something deeper needs care. It might be time to address the above to help your skin.
READY TO FEEL BETTER IN YOUR SKIN?
We’re here to support you. Give us a call or book your appointment today and let’s get ahead of winter before it gets ahead of you.