Why Skin Health Starts Inside

Many people treat acne and skin problems only from the outside — creams, serums, and treatments.
But traditional medicine has always believed something deeper:

Healthy skin begins inside the body.

In Vietnamese and Eastern herbal medicine, Khúc Khắc has long been known as a “heat-clearing and toxin-removing” herb used for:

• Acne
• Eczema
• Skin inflammation
• Chronic rashes
• “Hot blood” skin conditions

Modern science now shows that this traditional wisdom has strong biological foundations.

Understanding Acne from a Whole-Body Perspective

Modern dermatology identifies four main causes of acne:

1. Inflammation

2. Excess oil production

3. Bacterial imbalance

4. Hormonal and metabolic stress

Interestingly, research on Smilax glabra shows activity in ALL four areas.

1. Anti-Inflammatory Compounds That Calm Skin From Within

Inflammation is the core driver of acne and many skin conditions.

Scientific reviews show Smilax glabra contains powerful anti-inflammatory compounds such as:

• Flavonoids
• Phenolic acids
• Stilbenes

Laboratory studies demonstrate these compounds can:

✔ Reduce inflammatory cytokines
✔ Decrease oxidative stress
✔ Protect skin cells from inflammatory damage

This explains why Khúc Khắc has historically been used for red, inflamed, irritated skin.

When inflammation decreases internally, breakouts often become less severe and less frequent.

2. Natural Antibacterial Activity Against Acne-Related Microbes

One of the key contributors to acne is bacterial imbalance on the skin, especially Cutibacterium acnes.

Preclinical studies have shown that Smilax glabra exhibits antimicrobial activity against various pathogens, including bacteria and fungi.

This suggests Khúc Khắc may help create a healthier internal environment that supports skin microbiome balance.

Traditional herbal medicine has long used Khúc Khắc to treat:

• Infected skin lesions
• Chronic rashes
• Skin eruptions

Modern microbiology helps explain why this herb earned that reputation.

3. Detox Support for “Skin From Within”

In traditional medicine, acne is often described as “toxin accumulation in the blood.”

Modern science describes a similar process as:

• Liver overload
• Gut imbalance
• Metabolic inflammation

The skin is actually a secondary detox organ.
When the liver and gut are overloaded, the body often eliminates waste through the skin.

This can appear as:

• Acne
• Eczema
• Rosacea
• Skin dullness

Research shows Smilax glabra supports:

✔ Liver protection
✔ Gut microbiome balance
✔ Reduction of oxidative stress

This is why Khúc Khắc is often used in skin-cleansing herbal teas.

4. Supports Eczema and Chronic Skin Conditions

Khúc Khắc has a long history in treating eczema and inflammatory skin disorders.

A small clinical pilot study reported improved eczema symptoms compared with placebo after using Smilax glabra extract.

Researchers believe the benefits are due to:

• Anti-inflammatory effects
• Immune-modulating activity
• Reduction of oxidative stress

This is particularly important for people with sensitive or reactive skin.

5. Antioxidants for Skin Aging and Glow

Skin aging is strongly linked to oxidative stress caused by:

• UV exposure
• Pollution
• Stress
• Poor diet

Smilax glabra is rich in antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals.

Antioxidants support:

🌿 Collagen protection
🌿 Skin elasticity
🌿 Healthy skin tone
🌿 Overall skin radiance

This is why many traditional detox teas are also known as beauty teas.

Why Drinking Khúc Khắc Tea Supports Clear Skin

Unlike topical skincare, herbal tea works systemically.

Daily Khúc Khắc tea may help:

• Reduce internal inflammation
• Support detox pathways
• Promote gut balance
• Support immune regulation
• Provide daily antioxidants

This inside-out approach is why herbal beauty rituals have been used for centuries.

How to Use Khúc Khắc Tea for Skin Wellness

Suggested daily ritual:

Morning → Supports detox and metabolism
Afternoon → Reduces inflammation and stress
Evening → Helps recovery and balance

Consistency is key for herbal skincare.

Final Thoughts

Clear skin is not only about what you put on your skin —
It’s also about what you put into your body.

Khúc Khắc offers a gentle, traditional, and science-supported way to nourish skin from within.

True beauty begins with internal balance.

Scientific References

1. Pharmacological review of Smilax glabra
   https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9579009/

2. Memorial Sloan Kettering herbal database
   https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/smilax-glabra

3. Traditional uses and antimicrobial activity
   https://plantuse.plantnet.org/en/Smilax_glabra_(PROSEA)

4. Clinical pilot study on eczema improvement
   https://ask-ayurveda.com/wiki/article/5857-smilax-glabra