Traditional Oriental Medicine and Skin Health: A Q&A with Dr. Kim
Korean and Japanese skincare may have taken over our bathroom shelves in recent years, but how much do you know about Traditional Oriental Medicine (TOM), from which many of its healing, natural ingredients are taken?
We spoke to botanical authority and Doctor of Chinese Medicine Dr. Jenelle Kim DACM, who explains more about the plant and herb extracts used for thousands of years in this ancient practice.
Dr. Kim uses the term TOM to describe the East Asian herbal medical tradition she was trained in and continues to practice.
Where does Traditional Oriental Medicine come from?
“The roots of East Asian herbal medicine go back over 5,000 years – it’s one of the longest recorded practices of using plants and herbs to treat illness and boost good health. TOM is more holistic than Western medicine and uses the principal of a life force or energy known as qi, that runs through the body along meridians. Ill health can come from an unbalanced or blocked qi.”
How Traditional Oriental Medicine Benefits Skin
“Traditional Oriental Medicine is an incredible botanical resource. It holds deep knowledge on how each individual part of the plant, from leaves, roots and seeds to the stems and flowers, interacts with the body. One plant alone can contain hundreds of active compounds.
"People in the East have been perfecting and using these tried-and-tested natural formulas to give them healthier, more beautiful skin for thousands of years. They understood how to harness full-plant power well before it was mainstream."
Clinical Validation for Modern Skincare
"Many of TOM's potent plant extracts and natural compounds have been proven in clinical studies, and are now being used in Western skincare.”
Why TOM focuses on blends, not single ingredients
“Traditional Oriental Medicine rarely uses single ingredients. The secret of its success is the centuries-old knowledge of how to combine multiple natural extracts to maximize their potential and results. That’s why Six Gldn is so special. The formulas are really potent synergistic blends.”
How Dr. Kim came to carry on this tradition
“I was born to do it. I come from a very long lineage of doctors and herbologists going back over 400 years. They all dedicated their lives to helping people be as healthy as possible. I’m the first female in our line to hold the formulas that have been passed down in my family for centuries. It is my wish to share these formulas with the world so that people can enjoy their benefits, and have skin that’s glowing with health, no matter how young or old you are.”
The wellness practices she swears by
"With a Korean father and American mom, I was always taught to understand the link between mind and body. I believe so strongly in the wisdom of East Asian practices and philosophy. Simple things like meditation and acupuncture help deal with the stresses of day-to-day life, and keep us healthy. Even as a very young child I saw the power of these centuries-old remedies and principles passed down by my mentors. It’s driven me to live a life of meaning, purpose, gratitude and giving.”
Dr. Kim’s everyday skincare routine
Her approach is straightforward, grounded in efficacy, and easy to maintain, even while traveling.
A Simple Morning and Night Routine
"I have a simple routine I follow every day, even when I’m travelling. At night, I always wash away the day’s makeup and dirt with Botanical Cleansing Gel, but in the mornings I sometimes skip cleanser and simply wipe my face with purifying Botanical Toner. Then I use the nutrient-packed Daily Vitamin C Radiance Serum to help increase collagen production and leave my skin looking brighter, smoother and firmer. I follow with Essential Moisturizer, and sometimes a few drops of Nourishing Face Oil to combat the dry air we can get here in Southern California.”