There seems to be a seeming dichotomy in skincare right now. On the one hand, there is an increasing prevalence of cosmetic procedures that seek to maintain a youthful appearance. While at the same time there is a trend towards more careful, “clean” beauty for those who are conscious of what is happening – and in their bodies. Of course, wrinkle-relaxing treatments like Botox, when performed by a certified and trusted professional, can effectively help smooth fine lines and wrinkles, but are there effective alternatives for those who prefer a more natural route to skin rejuvenation? Facial acupuncture can be one.
A gentler, more holistic approach, cosmetic acupuncture aligns with the growing desire for natural, sustainable skincare results – without the risks and side effects that can come with injectable treatments. Using the principles of ‘energy pathways’ to promote younger, healthier-looking skin, facial acupuncture is causing a seismic shift in the skincare world, with celebrities including Rita Ora, Ashley Graham and Jennifer Aniston waxing for the results. As more people seek less invasive procedures alongside the ‘notox’ movement gaining traction (the hashtag has over 10.3 million views on TikTok), is it time to reconsider a different type of needle in the quest for beautiful skin?
“My clients know that to get the best results for their skin, they can’t just rely on Botox and fillers,” she says. Sarah Bradenfounder of The Bradden Method and cosmetic acupuncturist at Netzati Clinic (from £365). It’s about “care for the energy in your body through acupuncture” as “a complete 360 health perspective will contribute to the appearance and behavior of your skin”.
What exactly is facial acupuncture?
“Also known as cosmetic acupuncture or facial rejuvenation acupuncture, it is a non-invasive treatment based on traditional Chinese medicine,” she says. Dr. Yiannis Tsagaris, Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner at The HVN (from £450). “The method’s holistic approach addresses facial concerns and identifies underlying aging factors using traditional acupuncture principles.”
It involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific “acupoints” on the face to treat underlying imbalances that can contribute to aging. Aesthetic acupuncture is often compared to neurotoxins like Botox as it helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, however, the main benefit of facial acupuncture is that it doesn’t shrink your facial muscles (as such injectable treatments can).
How does facial acupuncture work?
“In Chinese medicine, it is believed that acupuncture can balance the flow of energy or life force known as chi or qi (‘chee’) that flows through the body along specific pathways called meridians,” explains Bradden. When chi is balanced and flowing freely, you will have good skin health, while blockages or imbalances in the flow of chi can lead to disease or discomfort. “Aging is determined by our cellular health, and facial acupuncture addresses this by regulating and harmonizing chi,” she adds. “Acupuncture will optimize your entire system, encouraging good cell and mitochondrial health, which will help prevent premature loss of fat, bone and tissue.”
In aesthetic acupuncture, fine needles are inserted into specific areas of the face causing “microtrauma” to the targeted tissue. This triggers an inflammatory response. “Needling helps stimulate energy flow and blood circulation in the face, which can help improve muscle tone, skin elasticity and collagen production,” she says. Samira Kazemzadehacupuncturist at The WELL clinic (from £200). “It focuses on revitalizing, revitalizing and addressing skin concerns by stimulating, repairing and renewing the skin’s mechanisms through the dermis,” adds Bradden.
What is involved in a facial acupuncture treatment?
During a treatment, specialized needles are inserted into the skin of the face, neck, ears and body. The number of needles varies for each client and the treatment usually takes about an hour, including the initial consultation.
“Is facial acupuncture painful?” is a common concern, but while some needles may be more sensitive than others, it is generally a very relaxing treatment and many people fall asleep. No downtime other than a flushed face (and feeling super zen!).
What are the beauty benefits of facial acupuncture?
“Inserting acupuncture needles can increase the production of collagen, the protein that provides structure and elasticity to the skin,” explains Bradden. “Improving oxygenation of blood flow helps reduce wrinkles and enhance skin texture.” Indeed, increased blood circulation improves the overall health of essential nutrients that skin cells need to thrive – resulting in healthier, more radiant skin (according to some comparable to injectable “skin boosters” like the Profhilo). Facial acupuncture also helps reduce inflammation, creating an environment more conducive to collagen synthesis. Hello, firmer, juicier skin.
What specific skin concerns can facial acupuncture address?
“The beauty of working with facial acupuncture is that there’s not much it can’t treat,” reveals Bradden, “any kind of skin health problem is treated from the outside-in, inside-out.” Wrinkle reduction is one of the main expectations for choosing acupuncture, however, unlike injectable treatments such as Botox, it also helps to treat many other skin problems.
For sculpted features: “It increases muscle tone by targeting specific facial muscles,” explains Bradden. “So, for example, if we were working on the calves and jawline, we would focus on certain points that would lift those relaxed muscles. Think of it as helping to scaffold your face.”
For acne: “What appears on your skin is a reflection of the health and wellness imbalances happening inside,” she continues. For hormonal flare-ups, acupuncture helps regulate hormonal imbalances that can cause acne flare-ups. As acupuncture improves circulation, the skin’s natural healing process is stimulated, so you’ll see a reduction in inflammation and calm redness.
For hyperpigmentation: “Facial acupuncture on the corresponding damaged areas of the skin can promote cell regeneration and lighten pigmented spots,” explains Dr. Tsagaris. “It also allows the skin to absorb excess melanin, fading and minimizing localized signs of discoloration.”
For puffiness and bags under the eyes: “Aesthetic acupuncture can help promote lymphatic drainage, helping to reduce inflammation,” says Kazemzadeh. “Strategically placing needles at specific acupuncture points can help reduce swelling and fluid retention.”
Aesthetic Acupuncture vs Botox – Which is Better?
There is no solid answer to this question. it depends on the preferred method of skin renewal. “Aesthetic acupuncture and Botox target wrinkles and signs of aging, but they work in very different ways,” explains Dr. Tsagaris. “Botox is a brand of muscle relaxant that, when injected, works by temporarily blocking signals from nerves to muscles, causing relaxation and reducing the appearance of wrinkles caused by muscle movement.” Botox offers dramatic and quick results, but the results usually wear off within a few months and must be repeated. While acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural healing processes and the results are generally more subtle and take longer to see – they also last longer. “A key advantage for many people is that facial acupuncture is non-invasive and does not involve injecting foreign substances into your face,” adds Kazemzadeh.
There is no right or wrong in the acupuncture versus Botox debate, however, it is important to discuss your options with a qualified professional to see which treatment best suits your needs and expectations.
Are there other alternative facial treatments that offer age-defying skin benefits?
Other ancient energy practices are finding their way into modern skin care regimens and delivering impressive results. Here are some others:
Reiki, for glowing skin
Reiki treatment can help release stress, emotional imbalances and energy blockages that can all manifest as skin problems. Reiki is believed to adaptively release these blockages and realign internal imbalances, allowing your inner glow to blossom and leaving your skin with a rejuvenated and radiant aura.
Try it The Wellness Foundrywhich offers video appointments and personal appointments with a Reiki practitioner (from £115) and Georgina Hemsleya Reiki teacher offering remote Reiki healing (from £27).
Ayurveda, for stimulation
In Ayurveda, antiaging is described as ‘rasayana’ which translates to ‘the path of rejuvenation’. Rasayana treatments encourage lymphatic drainage massage using a copper sculpting tool that eliminates toxins and alkalizes the skin to lift and sculpt the skin and introducing Ayurvedic ingredients such as ashwagandha and turmeric into your skincare routine.
Try using it Amani Kansa Dimple Wand (£85).
Crystals, for happy skin
Many may scoff at the effectiveness of crystal healing, but for some, it can have a positive effect on self-esteem and the way they approach skin problems. Crystals allow you to interact with your face differently – using oils, applying gentle pressure and using a positive narrative such as “How do you want to sculpt your face?”, “How would you like your face to feel when you wake up? ‘. Setting intentions can be powerful.
We recommend it Emma Lucy Rocks Crystals (from £45), rose quartz (to boost radiance), jade (to balance and invigorate) and amethyst (to help soothe and calm).
