Traditional Chinese Medicine Nutrition Tips for Radiant Skin in the Summer Months

Summer in Santa Monica is full of sunshine, surf—and, for many, skin challenges like oiliness, acne, redness, and inflammation. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this is the season of Yang, associated with heat, movement, and the Heart and Small Intestine meridians. When internal heat accumulates, it can manifest on the skin, disrupting your glow.

At Acupunctury, we offer a holistic approach to skin care through Facial Rejuvenation and Microneedling, and personalized nutritional and lifestyle guidance rooted in TCM. If you’re looking for a natural, non-invasive treatment, summer is the perfect time to support your skin from the inside out.

Here are 7 nutrient-rich, cooling foods that are in-season and TCM-approved for clearing internal heat, reducing inflammation, and promoting radiant, detoxified skin.

1. Cucumber – Hydrating & Anti-Inflammatory

TCM Function: Clears heat, generates fluids, promotes urination.

Key Nutrients & Compounds:

• Silica – strengthens connective tissue, improves skin elasticity

• Vitamin C – boosts collagen synthesis

• Water content (95%) – deeply hydrating and de-puffing

• Caffeic acid & antioxidants – reduce swelling and soothe irritation

  
  

Skin Benefit: Reduces puffiness, tightens pores, hydrates from within.

How to Use: Add to lemon water, salads, or blend into a green juice.

2. Watermelon – Detoxifying & Cooling

TCM Function: Clears summer heat, promotes urination, relieves thirst.

Key Nutrients & Compounds:

• Lycopene – protects skin from UV damage

• Citrulline – improves blood circulation, supports skin cell turnover

• Vitamin A + C – essential for skin repair and glow

• Electrolytes – help maintain hydration and reduce inflammation

  
  

Skin Benefit: Calms inflammation, reduces redness, supports moisture balance.

How to Use: Enjoy chilled slices or blend into a hydrating skin tonic with mint.

3. Mung Beans and Mung Bean Sprouts – Acne-Reducing & Detoxifying

TCM Function: Clears toxic heat, detoxifies, cools blood.

Key Nutrients & Compounds:

• Flavonoids – powerful anti-inflammatories for breakout-prone skin

• Folate & Magnesium – reduce stress-related skin flares

• Protein & Fiber – support gut health, which reflects on the skin

• Zinc – crucial for skin healing and reducing acne bacteria

  
  

Skin Benefit: Clears acne, soothes irritation, detoxes the skin-gut connection.

How to Use: Boil into soup or congee; chill and enjoy as a summer detox bowl.

4. Mint – Calming & Heat-Dispersing

TCM Function: Releases wind-heat, clears head, cools the body.

Key Nutrients & Compounds:

• Menthol – anti-inflammatory, relieves skin heat and irritation

• Rosmarinic acid – antioxidant that protects skin cells

• Vitamin A – supports skin regeneration

• Chlorophyll – detoxifying and purifying

  
  

Skin Benefit: Cools down heat-induced breakouts, brightens complexion, reduces sensitivity.

How to Use: Steep into iced tea, blend into smoothies, or sprinkle on fresh dishes.

5. Bitter Melon – Oil-Control & Liver Detox

TCM Function: Clears heat, dries dampness, benefits liver and stomach.

Key Nutrients & Compounds:

• Charantin & Polypeptide-p – regulate blood sugar, reduce glycation

• Vitamin C & A – protect collagen and reduce oxidative stress

• Alkaloids – detoxify the liver and blood

• Saponins – anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial for acne-prone skin

  
  

Skin Benefit: Regulates oil production, reduces inflammation, clears acne.

How to Use: Lightly steam or stir-fry with ginger and lemon for a skin-friendly side dish.

6. Chrysanthemum Tea – Redness & Rosacea Relief

TCM Function: Clears liver heat, soothes the eyes and skin, calms wind-heat.

Key Nutrients & Compounds:

• Chlorogenic acid & Luteolin – antioxidants that reduce UV-related skin damage

• Beta-carotene – promotes skin cell renewal

• Volatile oils – anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial

• Flavonoids – protect against oxidative stress and redness

  
  

Skin Benefit: Calms rosacea, reduces flushing, and soothes irritated or sun-sensitive skin.

How to Use: Brew as a daily cool tea when it's too hot outside for warm tea, or combine with goji berries for added skin support.

7. Asian Pear – Soothing & Hydrating

TCM Function: Moistens lungs, clears heat, generates fluids.

Key Nutrients & Compounds:

• Vitamin C & Copper – promote collagen production and skin elasticity

• Fiber – supports digestion and elimination of toxins

• Quercetin – anti-inflammatory antioxidant

• Pectin – helps regulate gut-skin connection

  
  

Skin Benefit: Soothes dry or sensitive skin, calms inflammation, hydrates from within.

How to Use: Eat fresh, poach with cinnamon, or slice into cooling herbal teas.

Our glowing client about to float out of her Facial Rejuvenation treatment.

Restore Your Glow, Naturally

At Acupunctury in Santa Monica, we believe radiant skin is a reflection of internal balance. Whether you're visiting us for Facial Rejuvenation or Holistic Microneedling, each treatment is designed to support your skin, mind, and body as one. We incorporate body acupuncture to address the root causes of imbalance—like stress, digestion, or hormones—while using cosmetic techniques to tone, brighten, and revitalize the skin. Grounded in the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine and supported by modern aesthetics, our approach helps you achieve luminous, sustainable beauty from the inside out.

If you have any questions, a complimentary consultation is always welcomed. 

Contact to book or book an appointment today!

📞 Call/Text: (424) 252-1210

📧 Email: hello@acupuncturyla.com 

🌐 Website: www.acupuncturyla.com

📱 Instagram: @acupunctury

📍 Address: 1150 Yale St, Suite 10, Santa Monica, CA 90403