The sweet ‘gum’ that’s used in Chinese medicine to relieve stress — it’s also anti-aging for your skin

Sometimes, the hottest self-care trends are rooted in the oldest remedies.

Take peach gum, for example. A staple in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, it’s now making waves in culinary, beauty, and wellness circles thanks to its unique texture and impressive health benefits.

The unique ingredient is a resin secreted by peach and Chinese wild peach trees to heal damage caused by external stressors. Once it hardens, it transforms into amber-colored crystals that resemble gemstones.

Packed with collagen, amino acids, galactose, and rhamnose, peach gum’s nutrient profile is as remarkable as its appearance. In traditional Chinese medicine, it has been used for centuries to treat a range of ailments, from stress and dehydration to urinary infections.

These days, peach gum has become a favorite among skincare enthusiasts and is a common ingredient in face masks, lotions, and serums. Its ability to boost collagen production has especially drawn attention, making it a popular choice for people trying to fight visible signs of aging.

Collagen, which is found in connective tissue, tendons, bones, muscles, and cartilage, gives skin its elasticity. It’s the most abundant protein in the body and has been called the glue that holds it together.

However, as we age, collagen production naturally drops by as much as 2% a year, and by 30% in the first five years of menopause, experts told The Sunday Times. This decline can lead to wrinkles, sagging skin, thinning hair, brittle nails, and weaker bones.

Peach gum helps boost collagen production in the body, which may reduce fine lines and wrinkles while giving the skin a plumper, more youthful appearance.

A recent study also found that the peach gum’s polysaccharide component may help protect against the harmful effects of UV exposure, which accelerates skin aging and oxidative damage.

Beyond its anti-aging benefits, research suggests peach gum may help anti-tumor properties, among other potential perks.

How to prepare peach gum

shared her method for preparing peach gum with her 10.8 thousand TikTok followers. The best part? It’s incredibly easy.

You can find dried peach gum online or in stores. Once you have it, soak the dried resin in water for up to 24 hours at room temperature. Make sure to choose a container large enough to accommodate the resin’s expansion—Tom said it can grow by 300-400% once hydrated.

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After soaking, drain the peach gum in a colander. It will take on a soft, jelly-like texture. Don’t be alarmed if you spot black sediment, Tom explained that this is just bark from the tree that stuck to the sap as it solidified. It can be easily removed with your fingers.

Once it’s prepped, you’re ready to enjoy. Tom said that in Chinese cuisine, peach gum is often poached in a sugar syrup with other medicinal ingredients to create a soothing and satisfying dessert soup. 

For a modern twist, she recommends adding it to a smoothie, just like you would with collagen powder.