Cosmetic acupuncture, or facial rejuvenation acupuncture, is an extension of traditional acupuncture that’s great for people who are looking for a more natural way to reduce the signs of aging and restore a relaxed and healthy appearance to their face. This cosmetic treatment can help the skin look smoother, healthier, and younger. And facial acupuncture addresses aging along with the skin’s overall health.
How facial acupuncture works
Fine needles puncture the skin and create tiny wounds, known as positive microtraumas. When the body senses these wounds, it starts up repair mode, which the body then begins to heal. With cosmetic acupuncture, needles are placed around the face at pressure points that help stimulate your lymphatic and circulatory system.
The lymphatic and circulatory systems work together to deliver oxygen and nutrients to skin cells. This nourishes them from the inside out, helping to even out the complexion and promote your skin’s inner glow. Additionally, because positive microtraumas stimulate the body’s collagen production. Collagen production improves skin elasticity and helps minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
In other words, facial acupuncture creates minor damage in the dermis which is believed to boost the skin’s repair mechanisms. In turn, cell regrowth is stimulated which subsequently increases production of elastin and collagen. Improving collagen levels and elasticity in the face means smooth, toned skin with fewer wrinkles.
This process is similar to the way exercise creates micro-tears in muscle fibers. The body’s reaction to the small trauma of strength training is to repair and rebuild the muscles. As muscles recuperate from micro-tears, they get larger and stronger.
Cosmetic acupuncture and other injectables
There are a variety of injectables available for minimizing signs of aging. Botox is probably the most well-known. In addition to cosmetic use, Botox is also used to treat a wide range of other conditions including migraines, excessive sweating, and muscle spasms. With those treatments, a substance is injected into the facial muscles to paralyze them, which causes wrinkles to relax and soften. Injectables can take a few days to see results, and they usually wear off within a few months.
Cosmetic acupuncture doesn’t inject anything; instead, it is believed to stimulate the body to repair signs of aging. It is a more gradual and natural way to improve the skin’s appearance when compared to more invasive options. Further, facial acupuncture helps relax all the facial muscles that are chronically stressed—including tightened jaws and brow tension.
Pearl Acupuncture now offers Celluma Light Therapy ($40 per treatment). Low level light therapy is based on LED technology and has been shown to enhance cellular metabolism, accelerate the repair and replenishment of damaged skin cells, as well as stimulate the production of collagen. Light therapy is great for acne, smoothing fine wrinkles, and pain management.
Is facial acupuncture right for me?
The results most people experience is a brighter complexion. Acupuncture floods the face with blood and oxygen which brings the appearance back to life—like waking from a long and deep sleep. Cosmetic acupuncture can be done in combination with Botox or fillers; the needles will be placed on other areas of the face. For those who use Botox or fillers, we recommend facial acupuncture 2 – 3 weeks after the injections.
The majority of people who get cosmetic acupuncture see marked improvements after 5 sessions; however, 10 twice-weekly sessions are recommended to achieve optimal results. After the 10 initial sessions, we recommend a “maintenance” stage where treatment is performed every four to eight weeks. The results? Take 3 – 7 years off of your face!
Want to see if cosmetic acupuncture is right for you? Book online or call 972-813-9414 to schedule your free initial consult.