Undoubtedly, we all want to grow with healthy skin throughout our lifetime. Aside from increasing our aesthetic appearance and protecting the inner parts of our body, our skin health mirrors our body's overall health. Regardless of what you do on the surface, the impact of most health issues will be revealed on your skin.

One key to healthy and youthful-looking skin is maintaining high collagen levels. Unfortunately, as you age, your body's collagen production will reduce, and this protein's reserve will diminish. Collagen is typically a naturally produced super-protein that helps our skin look radiant, taut, moisturized, and plump.

Without enough collagen in the body, the physical signs of aging, like wrinkles, sagginess, and uneven texture, begin to become more visible. Thankfully, the process that leads to the production of collagen is replicable. When you sustain any physical injury, your body triggers sufficient collagen production to help the connective tissues heal.

That is why holistic treatments like microneedling and facial acupuncture, which involve inserting tiny needles into the skin, can organically stimulate the body to produce more collagen for healthy-looking skin.

Microneedling and Facial Acupuncture History

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine treatment practiced by ancient Chinese medical practitioners. Chinese ancient medical practitioners were the first to use this procedure to treat and heal patients with lifelong illnesses like lupus, arthritis, rheumatism, and others. In addition to these benefits, acupuncture can help detoxify and improve blood circulation.

During acupuncture, your acupuncturist will insert several thin, hair-like steel needles on various specific points (acupoints) on your face to restore or rebalance your body's energy or “chi” and prompt your body to release chemicals and proteins, like collagen, which helps you heal naturally.

In most cases, acupuncture is primarily a supplemental treatment, meaning your acupuncturist could recommend other medications to help treat your underlying health problem and improve your skin texture and appearance.

Conversely, in contrast to facial acupuncture, microneedling or collagen induction therapy is a comparatively new holistic treatment procedure dating back to the 1980s. During this procedure, your esthetician will use an electronic device with several tiny sterilized needles attached to its tip to puncture your facial skin, creating minor injuries that can help your body produce more collagen.

Then, these injuries will heal with time, leaving you with softer, healthier, and smoother-looking skin. Unlike facial acupuncture, which aims to restore your chi and stimulate your body's inherent healing mechanism, microneedling stimulates your body's self-repairing processes.

Although these two alternative holistic procedures have differences, they can help you improve your facial skin texture, shape, and other aesthetics for a youthful appearance.

What Do Microneedling and Facial Acupuncture Treat?

Microneedling and facial acupuncture are safe and effective holistic treatments for various skin conditions. If you have any facial skin condition, you should consult an acupuncturist to determine whether acupuncture or microneedling would be an excellent remedy. Generally speaking, your acupuncturist could recommend facial acupuncture if you want to:

  • Boost acne healing speed
  • Strengthen your facial muscle tone
  • Relieve tension in your facial muscles
  • Relieve the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) pains
  • Reduce your stress levels and relax the mind

If you want to lessen the signs of aging, incorporating facial acupuncture into your healthcare routine could be a wise idea.

On the other hand, your acupuncturist will recommend microneedling if you have any skin concerns that affect your facial appearance, such as:

  • Age spots
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Ultraviolet (UV) rays damage
  • Dullness
  • Laxity
  • Deep expression lines
  • Wrinkles
  • Scars

Merits of Microneedling

Collagen induction therapy offers several benefits over cosmetic facial acupuncture therapy. For beginners, you can purchase a derma roller and use it in the comfort of your home. Unlike cosmetic acupuncture, which requires the skills of a trained expert, any person can perform collagen induction therapy using a derma roller.

Another merit of this procedure is that it will not leave you with any scarring when performed properly. Since the needles used are tiny, this procedure causes minimal or no damage to your skin, meaning you will have no marks or scarring on your face after the treatment.

The third merit of microneedling is that it is a painless procedure. Unlike cosmetic acupuncture, collagen induction therapy using a derma roller does not cause discomfort. Many people consider it relaxing and soothing because it feels like a massage.

Demerits of Microneedling

While it has several benefits, microneedling has some disadvantages that you should know about. One disadvantage is that after the procedure, it will take longer to see the desired results. Generally speaking, it could take between three (3) months and six (6) months to notice your desired results after performing this procedure.

Another drawback of this procedure is that one must repeat it several times to achieve the desired results.

Merits of Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture

Face acupuncture is more effective than microneedling using a derma roller. When looking for a facial acupuncturist, you should ensure the professional you choose is trained and well-versed in facial acupuncture services.

During facial acupuncture, your acupuncturist will stimulate specific points of your face, including the forehead, chin, jawline, cheeks, neck, temples, nose, and mouth. Your hands, arms, shoulders, toes, and feet are all connected to these points via energy pathways or channels, and they all play a crucial role in boosting your health.

Although cosmetic acupuncture has more advantages than microneedling, this procedure has one significant drawback. Facial acupuncture is designed to help manage more systematic and deeper health issues. That means the procedure does not directly fix skin-related conditions like acne and wrinkles.

The Cost of Microneedling and Facial Acupuncture

The total cost of cosmetic facial acupuncture will depend on how many treatments your acupuncturist recommends. The price of a typical acupuncture treatment that lasts up to thirty (30) minutes could range between $100 and $200.

On the other hand, if you opt for professional microneedling instead of a home-based one, you should be ready to spend between $200 and $500 on each appointment.

Safety Concerns of Microneedling and Facial Acupuncture

Facial acupuncture is generally safe for almost everyone, but some people may experience minor discomfort during the treatment. As mentioned above, the tiny needles used to perform acupuncture are stainless steel, meaning they are non-allergic.

Conversely, microneedling could be risky since it involves the use of sharper, tiny needles with different depths. Examples of risks associated with microneedling include injured blood vessels, infections, or death.

How Facial Acupuncture Varies from Microneedling Procedure

The primary difference between microneedling and cosmetic facial acupuncture is the specific size of the needles used. The specific needles the acupuncturist will use in cosmetic facial acupuncture are tiny enough to pierce your epidermis. However, the needles your esthetician will use in microneedling are big enough to penetrate the epidermis.

In cosmetic facial acupuncture, the acupuncturist targets more than thirty acupoints on your face to help you achieve the desired results. The insertion of needles into specific points on your face by an acupuncturist triggers your body to release cytokines, which are small proteins that promote the growth and formation of new, healthy tissues and cells.

Conversely, collagen induction therapy works by forming microscopic perforations in the epidermis to allow nutrients and oxygen to enter the skin. This allows the skin to fix itself and release collagen necessary for the repair and regeneration process.

Since it is painless, your acupuncturist does not have to use anesthesia to numb your skin during microneedling.

Generally speaking, if you are unsure whether to receive cosmetic acupuncture or microneedling services to enhance the aesthetics of your facial skin, you should speak with a seasoned acupuncturist for advice. Your acupuncturist will evaluate your skin type and associated symptoms to determine the best treatment to help you achieve the desired goals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cosmetic Microneedling and Facial Acupuncture

The following are frequently asked questions concerning microneedling and facial acupuncture that many people who want to look younger or improve their face aesthetics ask:

  1. Is Microneedling or Facial Acupuncture a Good Idea for Someone With Acne Issues?

Yes, facial acupuncture and microneedling can be effective acne treatments when performed by a professional. Facial acupuncture works by balancing hormones, increasing blood flow, and decreasing internal and external inflammation to treat active acne outbreaks and prevent future ones.

Conversely, microneedling helps break down tissues that form acne scars and promotes the production of collagen, which aids in the growth of smoother skin.

  1. How Many Microneedling or Facial Acupuncture Sessions Will I Need to Notice the Desired Results on My Skin?

Since every patient's skin condition differs, the exact number of facial acupuncture or microneedling appointments or sessions you require could vary. During the first few sessions, you could notice changes and improvements in the texture of your skin. These changes become more noticeable with each subsequent visit or session with their acupuncturist.

In contrast, one microneedling session is scheduled every four to five weeks to give the skin enough time to regenerate and benefit from each treatment to the fullest extent possible. After the third session, the effects of microneedling will become more apparent because they are typically cumulative. Most estheticians will recommend three to six microneedling sessions for long-lasting and optimal results.

  1. Is it Advisable to Combine Microneedling and Facial Acupuncture With Other Alternative Cosmetic Procedures for Improved Results?

Yes, you can combine facial acupuncture and microneedling with other cosmetic skin improvement remedies such as:

  • Topical skincare products
  • Facial massage
  • LED light therapy

Combining facial acupuncture and microneedling with these procedures can help fix multiple skin issues simultaneously. Consulting with a qualified acupuncturist or esthetician is key if you want to know the best remedy for your unique skin condition and cosmetic goals.

  1. Will My Health Insurer Pay for My Face Acupuncture and Microneedling Services?

No, because facial acupuncture and microneedling are regarded as elective or cosmetic procedures, most health insurance does not pay for them. If the cost is a concern to you, you should take your time to look for an acupuncturist or esthetician who offers package discounts or affordable services that fit within your budget.

  1. How Do I Prepare for Microneedling and Facial Acupuncture Treatments

Generally speaking, little preparation is needed for microneedling and facial acupuncture services. However, during a microneedling and facial acupuncture appointment, your acupuncturist could require you to do the following:

  • Wear light clothes
  • Come with clean, dry skin
  • Avoid wearing make-up
  • Discontinue or pause using intensive topicals at least forty-eight hours before the procedure
  1. Who is not an Excellent Candidate for Microneedling and Facial Acupuncture?

Unfortunately, not every person is an excellent candidate for microneedling and facial acupuncture treatments. Generally, acupuncture and microneedling are not ideal treatments for pregnant people and any patient with a history of the following health conditions:

  • Hemorrhagic disorders
  • Cardiac abnormalities
  • Scleroderma
  • Keloid scars
  1. What Factors Should I Consider When Looking for a Reliable Microneedling or Facial Acupuncture Practitioner?

When finding a reliable microneedling or facial acupuncture specialist, you would not want to take a chance with any expert. Ensure the practitioner you choose for microneedling and acupuncture services is:

  • Qualified and experienced
  • Legally licensed and accredited
  • Credible and reputable
  • Respectful and courteous
  • Cost-friendly

A competent acupuncturist or esthetician can ensure optimal results and reduce the risks of any complications during and after your acupuncture or microneedling treatment. If you believe your prospective acupuncturit or esthetician is unreliable, you should trust your instincts and find another competent practitioner for the best services you deserve.

Find a Reliable Acupuncturist Near Me

Although they have similarities, as you have learned from what we have discussed above, microneedling and facial acupuncture are different treatments. If necessary for your unique skin condition and cosmetic goals, your acupuncturist can sometimes combine microneedling with facial acupuncture for better optimal results.

We invite you to call our reliable and courteous acupuncturists at Trinity Acupuncture at 310-371-1777 if you need professional facial acupuncture or microneedling services in Torrance. We take an individual and holistic approach to healing and will customize an acupuncture treatment plan that suits your unique skin condition and needs.