Rejuvenate Naturally: Facial Acupuncture & Microneedling

Facial Rejuvenation, also known as cosmetic or facial acupuncture, is an ancient method used to slow and reverse the signs of aging. Traditionally used on emperors and empresses to support longevity and maintain a youthful appearance, today it’s a growing natural alternative to achieving healthier-looking skin. A series of facial rejuvenation treatments can smooth away years of aging leaving your skin not only looking younger but healthier. That said, results require a commitment to a course of treatments — it’s not a quick fix.

What is facial rejuvenation and how does it work? 

In facial rejuvenation or cosmetic acupuncture treatments, needles are applied to specific points on the face and body to heal your skin by balancing your body’s systems. It works by increasing the circulation of blood and lymphatic fluid to the face, thereby tightening pores and moisturizing and nourishing the skin from the inside out. Stimulating the face with acupuncture needles increases muscle tone and facial elasticity, helping reduce wrinkles. By improving muscle tone, the skin pores tighten, eyes brighten, jowls firm, double chins are minimized, the smile and frown lines are softened and the lines between the nose, mouth and upper lip soften. 

What is microneedling and how does it work?

Microneedling combines Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with modern technology to rejuvenate the skin. The treatment uses an electronic device with a multi-needle tip to increase keratinocytes and stem cells which produce elastin in the skin. It is used for aging, hyperpigmentation, treating acne and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. The device is able to penetrate the deeper layers of dermis and is often used in combination with serums, such as hyaluronic acid, to help the skin absorb the serums more deeply for maximum effect. 

How do we care for facial skin?

At Total Acupuncture and Physical Therapy, we begin with an evaluation of your skin's condition and discuss how facial acupuncture treatments can improve its vitality, boost overall health, and address your specific concerns. Typically, facial rejuvenation results are seen after a series of 10 sessions and are recommended 1-2 times per week. After a series, we encourage maintenance treatments a few times a year.     

Our patients benefit from the use of the AcuLift™ microneedling pen which uses fine, sterile needles to penetrate the skin just enough to stimulate collagen and elastin production improving skin texture, color, and enhancing the effectiveness of skincare products. Microneedling is administered 5-6 times per year with at least four weeks between treatments.  

Each treatment also includes Celluma Light Therapy, or photobiomodulation, which uses red, near-infrared, and blue light to target wrinkles, acne, or hair loss. An FDA-cleared device, the Celluma Light Therapy’s red and infrared light (IR) is absorbed into the mitochondria within our cells, stimulating cell activity and triggering a cascade of positive effects including increased circulation, improved skin texture, and reducing inflammation and bacteria levels. 

To learn more about our facial rejuvenation and microneedling services, please call 973-910-1441.

About the Author

Christine Marcarian, LAc, is a licensed acupuncturist, massage therapist, and herbalist at Total Acupuncture and Physical Therapy in Cedar Grove, New Jersey. She earned a Master of Science in Acupuncture in 2008 and a Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2010 from the Tristate College of Acupuncture in New York, NY. Early in her career Christine worked in hospital settings and private orthopedic practices. She is certified in Sports Medical Acupuncture, giving her the tools to properly assess, diagnose, and treat various orthopedic injuries and chronic pain. As a certified MELT practitioner, Christine incorporates myofascial release into her acupuncture and massage treatments. She is also certified in oncology acupuncture.