You have so many products for skin. How do I choose the best products for me?

We have formulated products to address the most common skin problems we see in our clinic. We have grouped our products by categories based on skin ailments as well as body regions. If your dermatologist has told you have a specific condition, begin looking at our products listed under the condition heading that matches what your dermatologist has told you. If you are not sure what you are dealing with, begin viewing products listed under the body region that is affected.

Each product description describes the type of skin that would benefit from use of that particular product. It also lists other suggested products if the description does not quite match your needs.

You make topical products as well as internal herbal supplements. Should I use both?

Some people find that topical products are all they need to get relief of their skin issue. If you have struggled for a long time with a skin problem, or you have tried many brands of products and nothing seems to make a difference, consider our internal herbal formulas. They are available through licensed practitioners of Chinese Medicine. HERE is a list of practitioners near you who carry our products.

Our internal herbal formulas are designed to restore balance internally when topical application of substances has not been helpful enough. Your practitioner will prescribe the most effective formula for your skin and will advise you on dosing.

How do I know the herbs in these products are not adulterated?

We source all our herbs from U.S. importers and U.S. growers who use third-party testing to ensure the herbs are free from pesticides, heavy metals and pathogenic microbes (bacteria, yeast, molds). The herbs are harvested using sustainable practices and are closely inspected for proper species identification. We purchase organic herbs whenever they are available.

Are CMD topical products safe to use during pregnancy?

Yes, most of our topical products are safe to use during pregnancy when used properly as instructed on the labels. However, we do not recommend using alcohol-based tinctures on the abdomen or low back / sacrum during pregnancy.

Are CMD acne products safe to use during pregnancy?

Yes. Unlike acne products that contain salicylic acid, all of our topical products are safe for external use on the face, chest and upper back during pregnancy.

Are CMD topical products safe for use on infants and children?

Yes, all of our topical products are safe for use on the delicate skin of babies and toddlers. Infants tend to put everything in their mouths, including their own hands and feet. If you apply any of our ointments or creams to a body part your baby (or your pet) licks or puts in their mouth, it is not harmful. However, we recommend you store any topical tinctures that are made with alcohol out of reach of children and pets because you do not want them ingesting an entire bottle.

Can I apply CMD ointments or facial serums near my eyes?

Our ointments are safe to apply on the face, near the eyes. Our facial serums were specifically formulated to be used on delicate skin and fine lines near the eyes. Of course, use common sense and apply only a small amount of product to eyelids or near eyes to avoid any excess getting into eyes. Never apply any products directly to eyeballs.

Why do you make so many different products?

In Chinese Medicine Dermatology, we do not treat diseases. Instead, we aim to restore correct function to the skin by addressing the underlying energetic imbalances of the individual. Theoretically, we would need to formulate 8 BILLION different products if we were to truly focus on the needs of every individual…impossible! But we have formulated internal supplements that target the most common energetic patterns of imbalance that we see in the clinic (about 85% of cases). And we offer various products for external application because not everyone’s skin responds the same to ingredients. Offering such targeted formulations and product options make CMD Skin Solutions the closest thing to customized skincare on the market.

Do I need to see a dermatologist before trying your products?

While you do not need to see a dermatologist or other specialist prior to using our products, we suggest you get proper professional assesment of your skin condition before trying to treat it yourself. Many skin rashes look alike, even to the trained eye! Achieving good results from natural/holistic products such as ours requires that you are choosing the right products to address your needs.

Some skin diseases are very serious and may require very specific treatment. If you have a new skin issue that has not been diagnosed by a qualified medical professional, you should seek an evaluation to be sure you understand what is going on with your skin.

What if I have an allergic reaction to one of your products?

If you have a negative reaction of any kind to one of our products, stop use immediately. If the reaction is serious (difficulty breathing or swelling of lips/mouth/tongue), seek emergency medical care. You can return the product for a full refund.

When can I expect to see results?

Every person is unique and the time to see results will vary. The time it takes to see results will depend on the individual person, skin type, skin condition, the severity/duration of the symptoms, and the type of product used. Some topical products provide immediate results. For example, our HoneyHerb Scrub gently exfoliates skin the very first time it is used. Some products require a full skin regeneration cycle (4 weeks) or longer to see results. If you see no improvement within 6 to 8 weeks, consult your Chinese Medicine practitioner. You may need a different product or your dosing of internal herbal supplement may need to be adjusted.

Some of your products have weird names such as “Hot Blood”. What does “Hot Blood” mean and should I be worried that I have it?

Chinese Medicine views disease as a dysfunction (or imbalance) of the energy systems within a body. In Chinese Medicine Dermatology, we describe the patterns of energetic imbalance using terms that tell us what type of imbalance we have and where (what level) in the body it is located. Once we know what type of imbalance we have and where it is located, we can chose herbs that address that problem. For instance, “Hot Blood” (or “Heat in the Blood Level”) tells the practitioner that pathogenic Heat has settled at the depth of the Blood Level. To clear this Heat, we choose herbs that have the ability to “Clear Heat” from the depth of the “Blood Level”.

These Chinese Medicine terms don’t always have a direct analogous component in the western biologic system of understanding the body. So for example, let’s say you have dry type eczema and you decide the description of SOLUTION EC: Hot Blood products match what you see in your skin. Having “Hot Blood” does not mean the temperature of your blood is abnormal. It does not mean there is inflammation in your blood. “Hot Blood” is a shortened term for “Heat in the Blood Level” and it is just describing a pattern of energetic imbalance that means something important to practitioners of Chinese Medicine.

We tried our best to use simple terms in the names of our products. But dermatology can be complex and some conditions have more complex patterns of imbalance involved. We wanted practitioners who use our products to be able to accurately chose the most appropriate formula based on pattern differentiation. So some products got stuck with weird names. It’s ok.

I have read the product descriptions and all the FAQs but I am still not sure which products are best for me. Where can I get more help choosing the best products for my skin?

If there are links to videos in the product description, be sure to watch those. We will add new video content on a regular basis. You can also ask our formulator specific questions about products or get guidance on product choices on our Facebook group Ask the Derm Herbalist. Join the group here.