The Medical Foundation of TCM Cosmetic Tuina

A. Skin Classification and Care

Human skin can be broadly categorized into five types: normal, dry, oily, combination, and sensitive skin. Each skin type requires different care and maintenance approaches. By observing the specific characteristics that appear, one can identify the skin type in order to better apply targeted treatments.

1. Normal Skin

This describes normal, healthy skin. The skin is rosy, smooth, soft, neither too coarse nor too fine, neither dry nor greasy, and possesses good elasticity. In the morning, a subtle natural oiliness and luster appear on the skin. After applying makeup, it is not easily washed off by sweat or tears. The skin type changes with the seasons—tending to become drier in cold weather and oilier in warm weather. Therefore, regular skincare is essential to maintain the skin in good condition.

1. Effects on normal skin care:

You can use care methods such as an ozone steamer, massage cream, scrub, and exfoliating cream for skincare. When using the ozone steamer directly on the face, the steam first warms the facial skin, promotes blood circulation in the face, increases the oxygen content in the blood, softens the stratum corneum on the skin’s surface, and opens the pores. This helps expel impurities from the pores and softens the skin, making it easier to remove dead cells.

2. Nursing Process

(1) Apply facial cleanser to the face and neck, and cleanse the face with manual techniques. Finally, rinse off the cleanser with a facial sponge.

(2) Apply a moisturizing lotion to nourish the skin.

(3) Analyze the skin.

(4) Steam: Use a steam device to steam the face for 7 minutes at a distance of 30 cm. Effects: disinfection, sterilization, reducing sebaceous gland secretion, providing (active) oxygen, and balancing.

**pH balance.** It increases blood circulation, accelerates metabolism, opens pores to expel waste, and softens the skin to facilitate the removal of dead cells.

(5) Skin Exfoliation: The use of exfoliating scrubs and dead skin removers can improve skin texture and even out skin tone, remove dead cells, and enhance the skin’s natural exfoliation function.

(6) Apply massage cream and massage the entire face for approximately 15 minutes.

(7) Apply a nourishing, moisturizing, or whitening facial mask for 15–20 minutes. This treatment helps remove impurities from the skin, stimulates it, accelerates metabolism, enhances skin hydration, nourishes the skin, and leaves a refreshing sensation.

(8) Apply moisturizing lotion: Pat with both hands to facilitate better absorption by the skin.

(9) Apply face cream: The purpose is to create a barrier between the skin and the external environment.

**(10) Concluding the procedure:** Grasp and knead (*Na-Rou*) bilateral GB21 (Jianjing) and the anterior chest region. Finally, press and tap (*Dian’an*) GV20 (Baihui), then bring both hands together in a prayer position and tap the top of the head to conclude.

3. Precautions:

When using a steam machine, avoid using tap water to prevent sediment that may affect heat conduction.

(2) When using the steamer, avoid operating it simultaneously with a fan to prevent the steam from being sprayed accurately onto the customer’s face.

(3) For sensitive skin, injured skin, and other skin diseases, the use of an ozone steam machine is not recommended.

(4) For skincare, avoid using soap and highly alkaline products, as they can cause dry, lackluster skin.

II. Dry Skin

Because the skin lacks natural oils and sebum secretion is low, its characteristics include a fair complexion with a hint of red, fine pores, insufficient oil and moisture secretion, and a clean, attractive appearance. However, it cannot withstand wind and sun exposure, lacks luster, and ages more easily than other skin types. Therefore, extra attention must be paid to skin moisturizing and care.

1. Nursing Effects:

Through the use of a steam device, nourishing cream, mask, and iontophoresis apparatus, water-soluble nutrients are effectively delivered deep into the skin, allowing direct absorption by the skin and balancing sebum secretion.

2. Nursing Procedure:

(1) Use a facial cleanser to clean the face and neck, then rinse thoroughly.

(2) Apply nourishing liquid.

(3) Analyze the skin.

(4) Steam the face using a steam device for 2–3 minutes, maintaining a distance of 30 cm. If the skin is severely dehydrated, simply use the steam alone.

(5) Skin exfoliation: Use a mild exfoliating scrub or an exfoliating cream for gentle desquamation.

**(6) Nutritive Cream: Use active nutrients or olive oil as a medium for massage manipulations.**

(7) Choose a nourishing face mask for facial therapy.

(8) Apply moisturizing liquid: patting with both hands will produce a more pronounced effect.

(9) Apply face cream: to block sunlight exposure.

(10) End.

3. Precautions

(1) Dry skin has poor defense against ultraviolet rays and is prone to develop pigmented spots or rashes after sun exposure. Therefore, it is advisable to minimize sun exposure.

(2) When using skincare products, be sure to hydrate and replenish oils to moisturize the skin, in order to prevent facial wrinkles.

(3) For dry skin, aging/mature skin, and oily skin, galvanic iontophoresis (positive/negative iontophoresis) may be selected to moisturize and soften the skin. However, for skin with severe acne, discontinue use.

(4) Not recommended for use on sensitive, injured, inflamed skin, or severe skin diseases.

3. Oily Skin

The skin tends to be oily, rough, and large-pored. It can withstand various irritations, is not prone to wrinkles, but is susceptible to acne and papules. This is most commonly seen in adolescents and young adults during puberty.

1. Nursing Care Functions:

For the care of oily skin, in addition to using a facial steamer, exfoliating scrub, and nutrient massage, a vacuum suction device is also applied to the face, primarily to remove impurities from the pores. This helps decompose and balance the skin while providing a disinfecting and antibacterial effect.

2. Nursing Procedure:

(1) Cleanse the face and neck with facial cleanser, then rinse thoroughly.

(2) Apply moisturizing liquid to nourish and regulate the skin.

(3) Analyze the skin.

(4) Use a facial steamer to steam the face for 5–7 minutes, maintaining a distance of 25 cm.

(5) Apply an exfoliating scrub to remove dead skin cells.

(6) Use a vacuum suction tube to suction the face, removing impurities from the pores.

(7) Use the pinching-pressing method with camphor massage cream for facial massage.

Apply a face mask specifically designed for oily skin, leaving it on for 10–15 minutes.

(9) Apply day cream.

(10) End.

3. Precautions:

(1) Pay attention to facial cleanliness and hygiene, washing with warm water in the morning and evening.

(2) Avoid using oily cosmetics, and allow the skin to rest regularly.

(3) Eat more vegetables rich in vitamin C, B6, and B2.

(4) Avoid eating spicy, greasy, and stimulating foods.

IV. Combination Skin

It is a combination of dry and oily skin. The oily skin occupies a T-zone area, including the forehead, nose, and chin. The cheeks, area around the eyes, and the neck appear dry.

Care effects and care process: Refer to the methods for dry skin and oily skin.

Precautions:

(1) When using cosmetics, choose products with low alkalinity and low irritation.

(2) Avoid greasy or high-fat foods.

(3) For dry areas around the eyes and neck, replenish with a nourishing solution as needed.

V. Sensitive Skin

The epidermis is very thin, the skin appears transparent, and the blood vessels are faintly visible. The skin is prone to redness and allergic reactions.

1. Nursing Effects:

For sensitive skin care, in addition to facial steaming from a distance using a steam device, you can also apply essence via iontophoresis (galvanic current) and spray an anti-allergic toner cream to reduce irritation, achieve anti-inflammatory effects, and counteract allergic reactions.

2. Nursing Procedures:

(1) Cleanse the face with an anti-allergic facial cleanser or one containing vitamin E (Ve).

(2) Analyze the skin to determine the skin type.

(3) Apply an emollient cream to remove scaling.

(4) Steam the face from a distance using the steam device, keeping the duration short.

(5) Yin-Yang Iontophoresis Serum

(6) Facial Massage (Chinese Acupressure Point Massage)

(7) Applying a mask: Method 1: Apply a thick layer of anti-allergy primer, then apply a cold mask. Method 2: Soak gauze in ice water, cover the face with it, then apply a hardening mask on top. After 20 minutes, remove the gauze together with the mask.

(8) Apply anti-allergic toner and anti-allergic nourishing cream.

3. Precautions:

(1) Avoid contact with necklaces, bracelets, rings, and other metallic jewelry.

(2) The use of high-frequency electrotherapy in nursing care is prohibited.

(3) Pay attention to skin care, and avoid wind exposure, sun exposure, and dryness.

(4) Carefully select skincare products.

(5) Pay attention to diet, sleep, and maintain a smooth emotional state.

B. Care of Normal Skin

An increasing number of women with healthy skin are continually asking how to maintain their current complexion or inquiring about skincare beauty methods. First, we should pay attention to the following aspects:

1. **Thorough Makeup Removal**: Protecting the skin begins with proper cleansing. When using a facial cleanser, it is important to be mindful of its properties. While it can effectively remove dust, shed keratinized cells, emulsify the old hydrolipidic film, and eliminate residual fine impurities like makeup, the cleanser should not be left on the skin for too long. Accumulated impurities may trigger skin intolerance reactions, allergies, or acne.

2. Choosing the Right Skin Lotion: Among different brands of cosmetics, try to find a skincare product suitable for your normal skin type. Whether you use a lotion for dry skin or an oil for oily skin, the key point is how to keep the skin clean and protected—that is the ultimate goal.

**3. Use of Soap and Toilet Soap** Commonly used soaps are primarily composed of alkali salts and fatty acids synthesized from animal and vegetable oils. Toilet soaps are typically made from animal fats and palm oil. When these products are used to clean the skin, they not only cause dryness all over the body but also lead to skin itching, disrupting the skin’s natural smoothness. Therefore, we advise minimizing or avoiding the use of soap and toilet soap.

**4. How to Make the Skin More Beautiful** As living standards continue to rise, people are increasingly seeking therapeutic methods that not only promote longevity but also benefit beauty and skincare. In our daily lives, we must avoid many factors that damage the skin, such as exposure to sunlight, the destructive effects of rain and wind on the skin, an imbalanced diet (excessive consumption of fats and sugars), less than eight hours of sleep per night, and frequent smoking or alcohol consumption. All of these contribute to rough skin and a sallow complexion (萎黄).

Sallow complexion (萎黄) is a primary factor causing premature facial wrinkles.