For centuries, consumers have sought solutions to improve beauty and fight aging. Modern high-tech efforts offer plastic surgery, injections, laser treatments, implants and other medical procedures. These are not only expensive, but cause some level of pain and some even have dangerous side effects.

Chinese women have a very unique philosophy when it comes to beauty. From olden times, pearl powder have been applied by some Chinese women topically or taken internally to slow the development of pigmentation, reduce skin discoloration and lightening uneven skin tone. Ginger has been used to stimulate hair growth.

TCM believes the different characters of herbs and plants are employed to treat diseases, and help the body restore its normal physiologic functions.

The holistic approach has never seemed more relevant than now in our stressed-out society, and offers an in-road into the mind-body connection.

Now, traditional Chinese medicine is a rich source for conceiving innovative cosmetic products. A slew of young practitioners and cosmetics companies are giving the image of TCM in Asia and abroad a facelift. Heading the pack is local brand Yue-Sai who has recently launched its new skin care product - Vital Essential.

Ganoderma has been studied in L'Oreal China's Yue-Sai Laboratory and applied in this new product. First recorded in Shen Nong's Herbal Classic, the famous plant in TCM has been regarded as the mushroom of immortality, known to strengthen body function. Modern pharmacology research also demonstrates the plant's properties to enhance immunity function and anti cancer.

In terms of skin care, R&D scientist Chen Ruijun said dermatology research has found Ganoderma has anti-oxidant and soothing activities, as well as the properties to stimulate the ATP production (ATP is the skin cell's source of energy, can be affected with aging, pollution). The active ingredient in the plants extract helps to enhance cell metabolism, providing a healthier looking skin.

L'Oreal China has continued to invest in cosmetics research to improve the quality and effectiveness of its products through scientific innovation.

Paolo Gasparrini, CEO of L'Oreal China, said the cosmetics group has a strong commitment to study the application of TCM in their products to better adapt to Chinese consumers' needs.

Scientist Chen added that the reasons they choose TCM in cosmetics are because of its long history in cosmetology, it is 100 percent natural, and has high credibility for Chinese consumers.

Another beauty giant Estee Lauder's new Nutritious skincare line is also inspired by TCM philosophy and the belief that the key to beautiful skin lies in healthy well balanced skin.

Developed specifically for Asian skin, the Nutritious line uses the core principles of TCM - neutralizing assaults, detoxifying toxins and infusing the nutritional "good" back into skin.

The seven products in the regiment utilize the very best technology and ingredients including the super-potent Pomegranate Oil Extract, which is loaded with energizing skin boosting nutrients and potent anti-oxidants which work to help protect the skin.

Frenchman Jean Zimmermann also believes it is time for Chinese concepts to emerge, authentic and faithful to the culture while appealing to consumers. His newly launched Ba Yan Ka La, the body, hair and skin care line, is based on the learning of millennia-old traditions of Chinese herbal practice.

Zimmermann said the products are unique in formulation and in fundamental principle. The well being lines come in four ranges and each line is based on one major ingredient from the Chinese wisdom of herbal science, each selected for its specific benefits to the skin and hair. The traditional Chinese elements include goji berry, lotus seed, mulberry, and licorice. These 100 percent natural products are good for everyone's daily use.

Although people have always known the powers of nature, many more are becoming more aware, and are actively seeking natural ingredients to help them achieve optimal health for both their body and skin.

With consumers now focusing on overall well-being and demanding natural products in foods and cosmetics, TCM will take on a new and modern face.