06/11/2024
Traditional Chinese medicine views health holistically and believes that health problems occur due to blockages in the flow of qi.
Acupuncture involves placing needles through pathways called meridians across the body to remove these blockages to improve blood and energy flow throughout the body.
Acupuncture in the face, also called cosmetic acupuncture, facial rejuvenation, or an acupuncture facelift, is a popular form of acupuncture that focuses on the face, neck, and hairline.
Facial acupuncture or micro-needling involves puncturing the skin with thin needles to create tiny wounds.
These signal the body’s healing response, increasing blood and lymph flow, which boosts the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the injured site.
Microtrauma also stimulates the release of chemicals that reduce swelling and fibroblast cells, producing collagen and elastin.
As a person ages, there is a reduction in these elastic components, causing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Collagen strengthens and firms the skin and boosts its elasticity and hydration. Repairing the skin’s elastin restoresTrusted Source the skin’s texture, appearance, elasticity, and wound-healing capabilities.
Benefits of using acupuncture for wrinkles
A 2020 review found that both facial exercises and facial acupuncture have the potential to improve:
age-related wrinkle length
skin laxity
muscle thickness
pigmentary changes
It can also significantly lighten melasma, based on a 2016 study.
Another review in 2018 found that facial acupuncture was effective in improving the following:
wrinkles
facial blood circulation
facial size-reduction
improvement of the condition of the skin
skin elasticity
Other benefits
Aside from wrinkles, a 2021 review showed that acupuncture could improve other skin-related conditions, including atopic dermatitis, itch, and hives.
Other anecdotal benefits of using facial acupuncture on the skin include:
lifts droopy eyelids
reduces fine lines
brightens complexion
minimizes pores
reduces puffiness and swelling
reduces jaw tension
improves skin texture
lessens skin sagging