4 remedies to replenish blood and prevent dry skin in winter.

1. Why does skin become dry?

The skin consists of two main layers: the epidermis and the dermis.The epidermis is considered the outermost layer of the skin, but in reality, its surface also has a layer of fat, much like a thin layer of paint on a wall.

This lipid layer is formed by secretions from sweat glands and sebaceous glands. One of the important functions of the lipid layer is to reduce water evaporation, maintaining the necessary moisture for the skin. If the lipid layer is too thin, dry skin will occur, causing the stratum corneum to shrink, wrinkle like an orange peel, and create cracks and wrinkles on the skin.

2. Remedies for preventing dry skin in winter

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, dry skin is mainly caused by insufficient qi and blood combined with the invasion of cold wind and cold pathogens, leading to stagnation of blood vessels and inadequate nourishment of the skin, causing it to dry out.

Below are some remedies for preventing dry skin in winter, effective in treating dry, itchy, and cracked skin.

Lesson 1:Angelica sinensis 10g, Polygonum multiflorum 15g, Cinnamomum cassia 10g, Paeonia lactiflora 10g, Ziziphus jujuba 10 fruits, Glycyrrhiza glabra 4g, Rehmannia glutinosa 15g.

- Instructions: Boil the herbs in water and drink one dose daily for 15 consecutive days as one course of treatment. Take a 5-day break before starting another course. From autumn to winter, take 3-4 courses of treatment consecutively.

- Effects: Nourishes the blood and moisturizes the skin, dispels wind and cold, and provides relatively mild protection against dry skin.

Lesson 2:Ginseng 8g, Atractylodes macrocephala 10g, Poria cocos 10g, Glycyrrhiza glabra 4g, Angelica sinensis 12g, Rehmannia glutinosa 20g, Paeonia lactiflora 12g, Ligusticum chuanxiong 6g, Astragalus membranaceus 12g, Cinnamomum cassia 8g.

- Instructions: Brew one dose daily for 15 consecutive days (one course), then rest for 5 days before starting another course. Continue for 5-6 courses.

- Effects: Nourishes the blood, dispels wind, and prevents dry skin due to blood deficiency.

Lesson 3:Peach kernel 12g, safflower 9g, Angelica sinensis 9g, Rehmannia glutinosa 9g, Ligusticum chuanxiong 5g, Paeonia lactiflora 6g, Achyranthes bidentata 9g, Platycodon grandiflorus 5g, Bupleurum chinense 3g, Citrus aurantium 6g, Glycyrrhiza glabra 3g.

- Instructions: Brew and drink, one dose per day. Drink continuously for 15 days (one course), rest for 5 days, then continue with a new course. From autumn to winter, drink continuously for 6-7 courses.

- Effects: Promotes the flow of vital energy and blood circulation, prevents dry skin caused by blood stasis.

Lesson 4:Angelica sinensis 15g, Rehmannia glutinosa 30g, processed Polygonum multiflorum 15g, Paeonia lactiflora 10g, Asparagus cochinchinensis 10g, Ophiopogon japonicus 10g, Carthamus tinctorius 6g, Prunus persica seed 10g, Ligusticum chuanxiong 6g.

- Instructions: Brew one dose daily for 15 consecutive days (one course), then rest for 5 days before starting another course; continue for 7-8 courses.

- Effects: Nourishes yin and moistens dryness, nourishes blood and dispels wind; suitable for cases of excessively dry skin and relatively deep cracks.

3. Ways to prevent dry skin

- To protect your skin, eat plenty of foods rich in vitamin A such as carrots, avocados, fish oil, green vegetables, and pork liver; avoid eating too many spicy and stimulating foods.

- Dress warmly enough to avoid exposing your skin to cold wind.

- Avoid over-bathing; after bathing, you can use moisturizing oil to retain moisture. In particular, people with dry skin should avoid bathing in excessively hot water and using harsh soaps. Hot water and soap strip away the protective layer of oil on the skin's surface, causing dryness, tightness, reduced resistance, and increased itching. Use a non-alkaline soap or a body wash specifically designed for dry skin.