There seems to be a clear dichotomy in skin care right now. On the one hand, cosmetic procedures are becoming increasingly popular to maintain a youthful appearance. On the other hand, there is also a trend towards more mindful, “clean” beauty for people who want to pay more attention to their bodies and what’s going on inside them. Of course, wrinkle-reducing treatments such as Botox can effectively soften fine lines and wrinkles when performed by a certified, trusted practitioner, but for people looking to rejuvenate their skin in a more natural way, are there effective alternatives? Facial acupuncture could be one.
A gentler, more holistic approach, cosmetic acupuncture meets the growing desire for natural, sustainable skincare results without the risks and side effects associated with injectable treatments. Using the principles of “energy highways” to promote younger, healthier skin, facial acupuncture is revolutionizing the world of skincare, with celebrities like Rita Ora, Ashley Graham and Jennifer Aniston raving about its effects. With the “notox” movement gaining momentum (the hashtag has over 10.3 million views on TikTok) and more people seeking less invasive treatments, is it time to reconsider a different kind of needle in your quest for beautiful skin?
“My clients know that to get the best results for their skin, they can’t just rely on Botox or fillers,” says Sarah Braden, founder of The Braden Method and cosmetic acupuncturist at Nejati Clinic (from £365), as the aim is to “treat the energy within the body through acupuncture”, and that “a complete 360-degree view of health all influences how your skin looks and behaves”.
What exactly is facial acupuncture?
“Also known as cosmetic acupuncture or facial rejuvenation acupuncture, this treatment is a non-invasive treatment rooted in traditional Chinese medicine,” says Dr John Tsagaris, traditional Chinese medicine practitioner at HVN (from £450). “The treatment’s holistic approach addresses facial concerns and identifies underlying ageing factors using traditional acupuncture principles.”
Thin, sterile needles are inserted into specific “acupressure points” on the face to treat the underlying imbalances that cause aging. Cosmetic acupuncture is often compared to neurotoxins such as Botox for its effectiveness in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but the main benefit of facial acupuncture is that it does not weaken the facial muscles (as injectable treatments do).
How does facial acupuncture work?
“In Chinese medicine, it is believed that acupuncture can balance the flow of energy or life force called chi or qi that flows through the body along specific pathways called meridians,” Braden explains. When chi is balanced and flows freely, it leads to better skin health, but when the flow of chi is blocked or imbalanced, it can lead to illness and discomfort. “Aging is determined by cellular health, and facial acupuncture addresses this by regulating and harmonizing chi,” she adds. “Acupuncture optimizes the entire body, promoting cellular and mitochondrial health and helping to prevent premature loss of fat, bone and tissue.”
Cosmetic acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific areas of the face, causing ‘micro-trauma’ to the local tissue, which triggers an inflammatory response. ‘The needles stimulate the flow of energy and blood circulation in the face, which helps to improve muscle tone, skin elasticity and collagen production,’ says acupuncturist Samira Kazemzadeh of The Well Clinic (from £200). ‘The focus is on rejuvenating, revitalising and resolving skin concerns by stimulating, repairing and regenerating the skin’s mechanisms from within the dermis,’ adds Braden.
What does facial acupuncture involve?
The treatment involves inserting specialist needles into the skin of the face, neck, ears and body. The number of needles varies depending on the client, but the treatment usually takes around an hour, including the initial consultation.
People often ask, “Does facial acupuncture hurt?” Some needles are more sensitive than others, but in general it’s such a relaxing treatment that many people fall asleep. Aside from some facial redness (and feeling very calm), there is no downtime.
What are the cosmetic benefits of facial acupuncture?
“The insertion of acupuncture needles stimulates collagen production, a protein that gives skin structure and elasticity,” explains Braden. “Improved oxygenation of blood flow reduces wrinkles and improves skin texture.” In fact, increased blood circulation improves the overall health of essential nutrients skin cells need to grow, resulting in healthier, more radiant skin (some say it’s comparable to an injectable “skin booster” like Profilo). Facial acupuncture also helps reduce inflammation and creates an environment that encourages collagen synthesis. The result: plumper, fresher skin.
What skin concerns specifically can facial acupuncture address?
“The great thing about facial acupuncture is that there’s very little it can’t cure,” Braddon reveals. “Any kind of skin health issue can be treated from the outside in and from the inside out.” Wrinkle reduction This is one of the main reasons people choose acupuncture, but unlike injectable treatments such as Botox, acupuncture can also help with a variety of other skin concerns.
For engraved features: “By targeting specific facial muscles, it increases muscle tone,” Braden explains. “For example, if you’re targeting sagging cheeks or jawline, it focuses on specific points to lift loose muscles. Think of it as helping to create scaffolding for your face.”
For acne: “Whatever shows up on your skin is a reflection of health and wellness imbalances going on inside your body,” she continues. For hormonal breakouts, acupuncture can help regulate hormonal imbalances that may be causing acne to flare up. Because acupuncture improves circulation and stimulates the skin’s natural healing process, you’ll see inflammation decrease and redness subside.
For pigmentation: “Facial acupuncture applied to areas of damaged skin stimulates cell regeneration, which helps reduce hyperpigmentation,” Dr. Tsagaris explains. “It also encourages the skin to absorb excess melanin, fading and minimizing localized patches of discoloration.”
For swollen or saggy eyes: “Cosmetic acupuncture helps increase lymphatic drainage and reduce inflammation,” says Kazemzadeh. “By strategically placing needles on certain acupressure points, it can reduce swelling and fluid retention.”
Cosmetic acupuncture or Botox, which is better?
There is no definitive answer to this question. It depends on which method of skin regeneration you prefer. “Cosmetic acupuncture and Botox both target wrinkles and signs of aging, but they work quite differently,” Dr. Tsagaris explains. “Botox is a muscle relaxant that, when injected, temporarily blocks signals from the nerves to the muscles, relaxing the muscles and reducing the wrinkles caused by muscle movement.” Botox produces dramatic and fast results, but the effects usually fade within a few months, so you’ll need to repeat the treatment. Cosmetic acupuncture, on the other hand, stimulates the body’s natural healing process, and the results are generally more subtle and take longer to become visible, but they also last longer. “A key advantage for many is that facial acupuncture is non-invasive and doesn’t require the injection of any foreign substance into the face,” Kazemzadeh adds.
While there is no debate whether cosmetic acupuncture or Botox treatment is right or wrong, it is important to discuss your options with a qualified professional to determine which treatment best suits your needs and expectations.
Are there any other facial treatments that help prevent skin aging?
Other ancient energy therapies have been incorporated into modern skin care with amazing results. Here are a few of them:
Reiki for glowing skin
Reiki healing helps to release stress, emotional imbalances and energy blockages that can manifest as skin problems. Reiki adaptively releases these blockages and balances internal imbalances, which is believed to increase your inner radiance and give your skin a rejuvenated, radiant aura.
Try The Wellness Foundry, which offers video and face-to-face appointments with Reiki practitioners (from £115), or Reiki Master Georgina Hemsley, who offers distance Reiki healing (from £27).
Ayurveda, improve your health
In Ayurveda, anti-aging is called “Rasayana,” which translates to “the path of youth.” Rasayana therapy recommends lymphatic drainage massage with copper sculpting tools that remove toxins and alkalize the skin, firm and sculpt the skin, and incorporating Ayurvedic ingredients such as ashwagandha and turmeric into your skincare routine.
Try the Dimple Amani Kansa Wand (£85).
Crystals for happy skin
While many may scoff at the efficacy of crystal healing, for some, crystals can have a positive impact on self-worth and approach to skin concerns. Using crystals allows you to touch your face differently, using oils, light pressure, and positive voiceovers such as, “How do I want my face to be shaped?” and, “How do I want my face to feel when I wake up?” Setting intentions is powerful.
We recommend Emma Lucy Rocks Crystal (from £45), Rose Quartz (to enhance radiance), Jade (to balance and strengthen) and Amethyst (to calm and soothe the mind).
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