Every autumn and winter, many people notice their skin becoming dry and flaky. This is especially true after a hot shower, when the skin feels even tighter and itchier, sometimes with fine white flakes appearing. Why does skin become drier after bathing? What is going wrong in the body? How does Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) view and address this phenomenon of "getting drier after a shower"? Let us explore this question from a TCM perspective.
What Exactly Causes Dry, Flaky Skin?
From the perspective of basic TCM theory, dry and flaky skin is mostly related to "insufficient body fluids" and "disordered movement of qi and blood." TCM holds that the skin needs the nourishment of body fluids to remain moist, and the production, distribution, and excretion of these fluids depend on the coordinated function of the lungs, spleen, kidneys, and other organs. When lung qi is insufficient, when the spleen and stomach fail to transform and transport properly, or when kidney essence is depleted, body fluids cannot be properly distributed to the skin surface, making dryness and flaking more likely. So why does skin become even drier after a shower? Is there a deeper reason behind this?
Why Does Skin Get Drier After a Shower? How Does TCM Explain It?
Many people believe that showering can hydrate the skin, but in reality, hot water strips away the skin's natural protective layer of oils. In TCM, hot water is considered a form of "heat pathogen" that depletes the body's yin fluids. When yin fluids are insufficient, the skin loses its moisture, and after a shower, water evaporates more quickly, actually worsening the symptoms of dryness and flaking. Moreover, if the water temperature is too high or the shower lasts too long, it can further damage lung qi, because "the lungs govern the skin and body hair." When lung qi is impaired, the skin loses its functions of diffusion and descending, and the dryness problem becomes even more pronounced.
In TCM theory, the acupoints of the Lung Meridian are closely linked to skin condition. For example, Chize (also known as Guishou), located at the elbow crease, in the depression on the radial side of the biceps tendon, belongs to the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian and is the He-Sea point of the Lung Meridian. The Lingshu: Benshu records: "The lung emerges at Shaoshang... and enters at Chize." Since the lungs govern the skin and body hair, and the qi and blood of the Lung Meridian converge here, understanding Chize helps to appreciate how lung qi diffusion and body fluid distribution affect skin moisture.
For dry, flaky skin that gets drier after a shower, TCM typically approaches treatment from the angles of "nourishing yin and moistening dryness" and "tonifying qi and nourishing blood." However, it is important to note that each person's constitution is different, and treatment methods should be tailored accordingly. For instance, someone with a yin-deficient constitution may need to focus on nourishing yin, while someone with a qi-deficient constitution should also address qi supplementation.
In Daily Care, What Methods May Help With Dry Skin?
In terms of daily care, TCM emphasizes "treating both internally and externally." Dietarily, one can appropriately increase intake of yin-nourishing, dryness-moistening foods such as white fungus, lily bulb, pear, and Chinese yam, which help replenish body fluids. When showering, it is recommended to keep the water temperature between 37-40 degrees Celsius and limit the duration to no more than 15 minutes. Immediately after showering, apply a moisturizing product to form a protective film. Additionally, using a humidifier indoors can help maintain skin moisture.
However, these methods are only general daily recommendations. Whether they can truly improve dry, flaky skin still depends on individual circumstances. For example, some people may have insufficient fluid production due to weak spleen and stomach function, in which case topical moisturizers alone may have limited effect, and internal regulation is needed.
When discussing spleen and stomach transformation and transportation, one must mention Zusanli. Zusanli, also known as Xialing or Sanli, is located on the anterior-lateral aspect of the lower leg, 3 cun below Dubi, one finger-breadth from the anterior crest of the tibia. It belongs to the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian and is the He-Sea point of the Stomach Meridian and the lower He-Sea point of the stomach. The Lingshu states: "When pathogens are in the spleen and stomach, the muscles become painful... all are regulated at Zusanli." The spleen and stomach are the foundation of acquired constitution and the source of qi and blood production. The state of Stomach Meridian qi and blood reflected at Zusanli is closely related to the production and distribution of body fluids.
What Approaches Can Be Referenced for TCM Regulation of Dry Skin?
In TCM regulation, common approaches include "nourishing yin and moistening the lungs," "strengthening the spleen and tonifying qi," and "tonifying the kidneys and replenishing essence." Specifically, if dry skin is accompanied by symptoms such as dry mouth, dry throat, and dry cough, it may belong to "lung yin deficiency," and herbs such as coastal glehnia root and dwarf lilyturf tuber that nourish yin and moisten the lungs may be considered. If accompanied by fatigue, weakness, and poor appetite, it may belong to "spleen and stomach qi deficiency," requiring herbs such as astragalus and white atractylodes rhizome to strengthen the spleen and tonify qi. However, it must be emphasized that the use of these herbs must be determined by a licensed TCM practitioner based on pattern differentiation of the individual's constitution, and must not be used indiscriminately on one's own.
When licensed TCM practitioners see such issues, they typically first determine the person's constitutional type through the four diagnostic methods—observation, listening and smelling, inquiry, and palpation—and then develop a personalized regulation plan. For example, for dry, flaky skin that gets drier after a shower due to a yin-deficient constitution, they may recommend dietary therapy formulas that nourish yin and moisten dryness, while also adjusting bathing habits. But regardless of the method used, the core is "treatment based on pattern differentiation," not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Kidney essence depletion is one of the important internal causes of dry skin, and the related acupoint to reference is Taixi. Taixi, also known as Luxi, is located in the ankle region, in the depression between the tip of the medial malleolus and the Achilles tendon. It belongs to the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian and is the Shu-Stream point and Yuan-Source point of the Kidney Meridian. The kidneys govern water and store essence; kidney essence is the foundation of the body's yin fluids. As the Yuan-Source point of the Kidney Meridian, Taixi is commonly used in TCM theory to understand how the sufficiency of kidney essence affects the moisture provided by body fluids.
Which Daily Details Are Easily Overlooked?
Many people think dry skin is just a minor problem, not realizing it may be a signal from the body. For example, staying up late long-term, excessive fatigue, and emotional fluctuations all deplete yin fluids and worsen dry, flaky skin. Additionally, in autumn and winter when the air is dry, if indoor heating is set too high, it can accelerate skin moisture loss. Have you ever considered that these seemingly unrelated lifestyle habits may be the hidden drivers behind "getting drier after a shower"?
Summary: Dry, Flaky Skin That Gets Drier After a Shower—How Should We View It?
In conclusion, the phenomenon of dry, flaky skin that gets drier after a shower is, from a TCM perspective, a manifestation of "insufficient body fluids" or "qi and blood imbalance" in the body. By adjusting lifestyle habits, eating sensibly, showering appropriately, and incorporating TCM pattern-based regulation, it may be possible to help improve this condition. But remember, any regulation method should be carried out under the guidance of a professional TCM practitioner, and one should not blindly follow trends.
If you also have similar concerns, you might start by adjusting your showering habits and diet, observe for a period of time, and then consult a professional. After all, everyone's constitution is different, and the most suitable approach will vary from person to person.