Our world feels increasingly driven by instant results. A desire for speed and convenience over patience and sustained effort… especially with skincare.
The Traditional Chinese Medicine underpinning our skincare follows a different path. Instead of shortcuts that suppress concerns, our formulas take time to work with skin and body cycles, address underlying disharmony and guide skin back into lasting, healthy balance.
We understand; when you suffer the constant discomfort of sensitive skin, healing can’t come quick enough. But true healing takes time. With 40+ years of clinical practice, our Founder, Dr Mazin, is the very best person to explain why.
1. Cover-ups never work
Topical steroids, synthetic ointments or mineral oil based creams often bring temporary relief by suppressing inflammation, silencing skin’s distress signals or occluding skin to curb trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). None address underlying causes, meaning these short-term results usually come at a cost: skin thins, rebound flares and a cycle of dependency starts up.
By contrast, our skincare harnesses Chinese herbs specially chosen for their renowned use with precise problems. They work with skin and body, seek to address root causes of what we refer to in TCM as heat, dampness or dryness, then give skin the best support to regulate and repair.
Overnight success is unlikely, but know you aren’t stifling symptoms; stable, comfortable skin condition will come.
“I've suffered scalp psoriasis for 30 years. Few products ever made a difference. With Softening Scalp Shampoo, I saw a significant reduction in flakes after only a couple of washes & regular use keeps itchy, flaky symptoms at bay.” Marie
2. Recovery is never instant
Our body can’t digest food or heal wounds instantly. The same goes for skin. Skin cycles last 4–6 weeks, meaning our creams and ointments must keep being applied to work right through this.
Of course, our formulas do provide an element of instant occlusion that soothes and protects from TEWL. In the meantime, with consistent application their key ingredients penetrate deeper skin layers, help improve microcirculation, stimulate ceramide production, clear heat, resolve stagnation and nourish dryness. For severe skin conditions, you’ll need to continue use through multiple cycles - after all, stopping treatment too soon is the #1 cause of recurring skin issues.
“Lovely texture, sinks into skin really quickly. Removes the itch from first application. We’ve been using Soothing Cream around a month now - it has made a real difference to my son’s eczema.” Kirsty
Sometimes, topicals alone aren’t enough. Where’s there’s a real, long-standing internal imbalance - e.g. cases like widespread eczema, psoriasis or nodular cystic acne - at our Avicenna Skin Clinic, we also prescribe internal herbal tinctures alongside supportive creams or ointments to resolve disharmony, secure lasting change and minimise the likelihood of recurrence. If you’d like to chat more about these, please reach out to us at our Avicenna Skin Clinic.
3. Staying the course reaps the biggest rewards
40 years and thousands of customers - both through our clinic doors and online store - have proven that being transparent is key - which is why we always tell you to think weeks, not days. Remind yourself you’re building resilience not hiding symptoms.
“Softening Indigo Cream almost immediately calmed psoriasis itching after the first dose. I’ve been using it for almost 2 weeks now & areas are fading & healing.” Louise
After patch testing, use the products we recommend at least twice a day, every day. Protect skin integrity and support healthy barrier function with our soap-free face and body cleansers. Plus - remember to avoid any dietary or external triggers to your condition.
“I’ve had redness for as long as I can remember. Using Honeysuckle Cleanser, Redness Reducing Tincture & Redness Reducing Cream for 3 weeks, redness has decreased, pimples have gone. I recommend these in conjunction with minimising triggers - spicy food, red wine & sun exposure for me.” Emily
Take regular photos to see how subtle skin improvements grow. You’ll notice too that itching lessens, flare-ups don’t last as long and daily comfort improves - along with sleep, mood, confidence and more. TCM views the skin as a reflection of inner harmony. So, trust your body's cycle and allow our exceptional herbal actives to do their gentle, reparative work.
A final tip…
Problematic skin is very fickle. Once symptoms go, maintenance is key to avoid recurrence. Keep skin calm and conditioned by regularly using either your targeted topical or Nourishing Cream.
If you’re unsure about the right routine for your skin, take our Skin Quiz. Or, to discuss a more detailed recommendation, our customer service team is always happy to help.