When it comes to enhancing your appearance and combating signs of aging, the beauty industry offers a multitude of options. Among the most popular are Botox, Micro-Needling and Cosmetic Acupuncture. While Botox has long been a go-to solution for many, an increasing number of individuals are opting for Cosmetic Acupuncture as a natural alternative. But why is this shift occurring? Let’s dive in…
How Does Cosmetic Acupuncture Work?
On a basic level of understanding; cosmetic acupuncture involves the insertion of ultra-fine, cosmetic-grade needles into specific acupoints or areas of concern on the face (such as fine-lines, wrinkles, pigmentation and facial muscles) to stimulate elicit micro-trauma to the skin, increase microcirculation, encourage collagen production, and activate the body’s natural healing processes. The targeted stimulation can lead to improved skin tone, reduced fine lines, and a more lifted, youthful appearance.
On a cellular level, cosmetic acupuncture and skin-microneedling are effective at stimulating two major collagen sources, namely, type I and type III collagen (which are found in the dermal layer of the skin). As we age, collagen production declines, and the change in ratio between these two collagen types leads to disorganised and unstable collagen proteins.
Cosmetic acupuncture not only increases fibroblast activity (which synthesises collagen and elastin fibres) but it also helps to reorganise old collagen fibres and stabilise the ratio of type I and type III collagen, leading to a more even, supple and elastic skin appearance.
A More Holistic Approach to Beauty
Cosmetic acupuncture is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine and focuses on treating the whole person. By inserting fine needles into specific points on the face and constitutional points on the body, this whole-system approach not only addresses external signs of aging but also supports internal well-being, leading to a more radiant and youthful appearance.
The #NoTox movement is gaining momentum as more individuals seek alternatives to everything from their household cleaning products, skincare and cosmetic injectables. This trend emphasises reducing the body’s toxic load and promoting natural beauty with a primary aim of aging gracefully, not trying to stop the clock of aging. Cosmetic acupuncture offers a simple, effective and toxin-free option for those looking to enhance their appearance without compromising their health.
Why Cosmetic Acupuncture > Skin Micro-Needling or Botox?
It fundamentally comes down to the benefit that acupuncture has on targeting major facial muscle groups, which increases muscle regeneration and facial bone-mass density as we age.
As we mature, not only do our bodies and facial muscles lose tone and volume, but facial aging is also reflective of bone density loss. Women usually begin to lose areas of bone volume in their face by their early 40s, and in men, by their early 50s. This volume loss occurs especially in the areas of the outer jaw, chin, cheeks, under the nose and the hollows of the eyes. As the jaw (mandible) loses more volume, and facial muscle mass decreases with natural aging, there is no longer a smooth structure for the fat tissue and the skin to lie upon, which leads to a sunken, more drooped appearance.
Unlike microneedling, which only targets the surface layer of the epididymis and unlike the effects of botox, which leads to temporary facial muscle paralysis (and muscle wastage with prolonged use), cosmetic acupuncture stimulates the deeper muscular tissues and the satellite-cells contained within them which are needed to initiate muscle regeneration and increase muscle tone. This muscle tone then initiates the osteoblasts within the facial muscles to continue maintaining skeletal bone regeneration, to maintain a more youthful appearance of the skin on both superficial and deep cellular levels.
How To Get the Most Out of Your Cosmetic Acupuncture Results?
1. Nutrition
Chinese Dietary Therapy is one of the key pillars of health, which involves the use of food as medicine to treat disease and maintain optimal health. Eating seasonally and a Mediterranean diet that is rich in essential fats, antioxidants, collagen, and protein will fuel your skin with the right components to optimise your cosmetic acupuncture results.
2. Hydration
Maintain your cellular hydration by increasing the consumption of water-dense foods in your diet, which include cucumber, aloe vera, watermelon, rockmelon and other water-dense fruits and vegetables; it also includes foods that are cooked within water or absorb water, such as rice, chia-seed pudding, and lentils.
There is a great book that goes into detail about foods with hydrating qualities called “Quench” by Dana Cohen, Gina Bria.
3. Exfoliants:
Topical products that contain exfoliant qualities help to remove the surface layer of your skin cells to promote desquamation (cellular turnover). There are two types of exfoliators: physical and chemical.
Physical exfoliants manually slough off dead skin cells through abrasive particles or tools. Common examples include scrubs with sugar, salt, or microbeads, as well as brushes, sponges, or washcloths. Physical exfoliants with fine exfoliating particles (often used effectively in Korean skincare) are often most appropriate for those with thicker, more youthful skin, whereas those with a finer skin texture or those with more mature skin may be susceptible to micro-tears and inflammation with physical abrasive agents.
Chemical exfoliants dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells using active ingredients like Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs). They penetrate deeper into the skin, promoting cell turnover without physical abrasion. Be careful to select a chemical exfoliant with lower active ingredients to allow your skin time to adjust before titrating upwards in chemical exfoliants. It’s best to discuss this with your skin-care specialist, dermatologist or beautician.
4. Moisturise
Ensure you use the right products to maintain hydration and lipid profiles in your skin. Water is essential for enzymatic processes that repair and renew skin cells, and without proper hydration, these functions slow down, leading to dull, dry, and flaky skin. Adequate hydration helps the skin retain its moisture and regenerate its cells faster; it also plays a pivotal role in the wound-healing process, which is a fundamental function that cosmetic acupuncture activates.
It’s important to choose skincare products that not only hydrate but also reinforce the skin’s natural moisture barrier; look for ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid (HA), Glycerin, Ceramides, Squalane, Aloe Vera, Panthenol (Vitamin B5) and Honey.
Just as oil tends to float on top of water due to its density and viscosity, ensure to apply hydrating serums to slightly damp skin to enhance absorption first, then follow with a lipid-rich moisturiser to seal in hydration (think thinnest serums to thickest). Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect the skin barrier!
5. Collagen Type I & III
There is much debate whether we can actually absorb the effects of endogenous collagen sources and topical collagen products to enhance the appearance of the skin; however, consuming both Type I and Type III collagen sources provide the necessary proteins and amino acids which are essential for systemic collagen synthesis and can only be beneficial for your overall health and wellbeing.
- Beef, especially cuts like brisket, chuck, and oxtail, contains both Type I and Type III collagen.
- Chicken, particularly skin-on cuts, provides Type II collagen.
- Fish, such as salmon and sardines, offer Type I collagen, especially when consumed with skin and bones.
- Bone broth made from beef, chicken, or fish bones is an excellent source of Type I and Type III collagen.
- Egg whites are rich in proline, an amino acid crucial for collagen synthesis.
- Vitamin C is vital for collagen formation. Incorporating citrus fruits, berries, and leafy greens can also enhance collagen production.
Can I Use Cosmetic Acupuncture, Alongside My Botox Treatments & Micro-Needling Sessions?
The short answer is yes! We all have our own approach to maintaining our health and cosmetic goals, and the model of integrative care still applies to the areas of skin health and beauty maintenance.
If you have received Botox or dermal fillers, it is advised to wait 6-8 weeks following your injection before receiving Cosmetic Acupuncture to allow the products to settle. Then you will be advised by your acupuncturist on how to schedule your Cosmetic Acupuncture Appointments, based on your individual cosmetic goals and circumstances.
Cosmetic Acupuncture is actually more effective in those using Botox when it is scheduled in the several weeks leading up to the next injectable session; this optimises the effects on cellular turnover, blood-flow and microcirculation to the facial muscles, and stimulates fibroblast activity and collagen production.
Choosing between Botox, Micro-needling and Cosmetic Acupuncture ultimately depends on your personal preferences, but for those seeking a natural, sustainable, and science-backed approach to “aging-gracefully”, Cosmetic Acupuncture offers an effective path to more radiant and glowing skin.
