Say Goodbye to Acne

How Chinese Medicine Could Change Your Skin Forever

We explored the latest research on time-tested Chinese Medicine and its potential role in managing acne — from soothing redness and easing irritation to reducing reliance on medication while promoting healthier skin…

Here’s what we found.

 

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Acne impacts 40 to 50 million people every year — from teens to adults well into their 40s. Surprisingly, over 25% of women and 12% of men still face the struggle in midlife.

Acne isn’t just about the skin—it runs deeper.

It can chip away at confidence, weigh on mental health, and strain social connections, even in its mildest forms.

The good news?

From blackheads and whiteheads to painful nodules and cysts, acne can be managed.

Medication and lifestyle tweaks are a strong start—but what if there’s a more natural, sustainable way to achieve clear, glowing skin—for good?

Your Skin: A Mirror of Your Inner Health

In Chinese Medicine, your skin isn’t just skin—it’s a window into your inner health.

Acne, or “Fei Feng Fen Ci,” is seen as a sign of imbalance, often tied to the lungs and stomach. With over 2,000 years of history, Chinese Medicine offers natural, time-tested solutions that address the root of the problem for real, lasting results.

Despite funding and design challenges, modern science is starting to catch up, showing just how powerful Chinese Medicine can be for managing acne.

So, what does the research show?

Let’s take a closer look!

Acupuncture: A Powerful Ally for Clearer Skin

Acupuncture takes the spotlight.

A 2018 systematic review in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine analysed 12 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving 1,026 participants.

Here’s what it found:

• 30-50% improvement in acne symptoms compared to conventional therapies.
• Fewer side effects like mild itching or slight discomfort, unlike the dryness and irritation which can be common with medications.
• Auricular acupressure even outperformed the antibiotic tetracycline by 15%, offering a great alternative for those seeking fewer medications.

Herbal Power: Nature’s Answer to Acne

Herbal medicine is another standout in Chinese Medicine’s acne-fighting arsenal.

A 2016 meta-analysis of 335 studies and 180 RCTs found that Chinese herbal medicine—whether oral or topical—improved acne symptoms by at least 30%, with fewer side effects than standard treatments.

Compound Huangbai Liquid (CHL) – a blend of five powerful herbs – reduced acne-related inflammation by over 50% by targeting key inflammatory markers like IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, which fuel redness, swelling, and irritation.

Yet, in true Chinese Medicine style, combining therapies can take things further and deliver even better results.

Blending Treatments for Better Skin

A 2013 systematic review in Medical Acupuncture examined 43 clinical trials with over 3,400 patients and found:

• 60% greater improvement when acupuncture was paired with herbal medicine, compared to herbal medicine alone.
• Adding cupping therapy doubled the number of patients who saw results.
• Pairing acupuncture with a herbal facial mask doubled the chances of improvement compared to conventional treatments.

The best part? No serious side effects—just mild, temporary reactions like redness or itching—far less severe than the typical side effects of pharmaceutical acne treatments.

These findings highlight the power of Chinese Medicine in acne management, whether used solo or alongside conventional therapies. While future research will strengthen these results, the evidence so far is hard to ignore.

Acne can be tough, but with the right approach—whether it’s Chinese Medicine, Western medicine, or a blend of both—clearer skin and greater confidence are within reach.

The key?

Finding what works best for you.

Talk to a healthcare professional to explore your options.

Brought to you by AcuMedic in London