Cosmetic Acupuncture
Cosmetic Acupuncture (also called facial rejuvenation acupuncture) is a skincare treatment that has been used for thousands of years as a natural alternative to treat the visible signs of aging.
This treatment was historically used to manage patients with facial nerve paralysis. When acupuncture practitioners started to noticed the cosmetic benefits of facial acupuncture, it became widely accepted as a safe & natural treatment for aging skin.
As we get older (and wiser!) the collagen production in our body starts to slow down and with the cumulative exposure of sun damage over time, our skin begins to show the visible signs of wrinkling, aging and hyperpigmentation.
How does cosmetic acupuncture work?
Fine acupuncture needles are inserted under the skin and adjunctive needles are inserted along acupuncture meridian points on other areas of the body.
The needle insertion process stimulates your body’s natural injury and repair mechanisms. The needles create small microtears in your skin, which encourages your body’s innate cellular repair mechanisms to kick-in and “repair” the microtear. These are called positive microtraumas that stimulate new collagen and elastin in the area of needling. In addition, cosmetic acupuncture stimulates circulation, lymphatic drainage and blood flow to your skin, which leaves you with a long lasting glow.
Studies that were performed on the effectiveness of cosmetic acupuncture used standardized metrics to evaluate the benefits. These metrics included the Moiré Topography Criteria, the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale, ultrasonography and the Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale.
Studies noted improvements in:
Skin texture
Skin elasticity
Skin tonicity (ex. improvements in eye lid drooping)
Wrinkle reduction
Minimized pore size
Reduced acne scars
Reduced swelling or puffiness
How many sessions does it take to notice benefits?
It is recommended to perform one treatment per week for a total of 6 to 12 treatments for best results. Results will vary depending on the health of your skin. Many patients will notice a difference in their complexion after only a couple of treatments.
How do I achieve the best results?
Skincare should always be managed with an inside-out approach. Cosmetic acupuncture combined with internal treatments addressing your nutrition, stress & lifestyle habits will help us put together a plan for you to achieve your best results.
Interested in learning more about cosmetic acupuncture? Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any specific questions you might have and enjoy that post-acupuncture glow for yourself!
