Cosmetic Acupuncture vs. Microneedling: Which One is Right for You?
If you're considering treatments to rejuvenate your skin and achieve a more youthful appearance, you might have heard of both Cosmetic Acupuncture and Microneedling. Both are holistic, non-surgical options designed to improve skin health, but they cater to different needs and deliver unique benefits. So how do you decide which one is right for you? Let’s break it down.
Cosmetic Acupuncture
This ancient technique uses fine, sterile acupuncture needles inserted at specific acupuncture points on the face. These points are carefully chosen to stimulate blood flow, support balanced energy pathways, and improve your skin’s natural glow. It’s an incredibly relaxing experience, often leaving you with immediate radiance.
Best for: Fine lines, lifting, sculpting, reducing redness, and puffiness.
Process: Typically requires 10–12 treatments, scheduled 1–2 times per week over 10–12 weeks.
Experience: Completely relaxing, no discomfort, and no downtime. You can return to your day-to-day life glowing!
Ideal for: People seeking a natural, gradual improvement in their skin tone and elasticity while enjoying the added benefits of calming the mind and body.
Microneedling
Microneedling, on the other hand, uses a different approach. 12 tiny needles in an oscillating pen create controlled micro-wounds in the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin production, which are key to repairing and rejuvenating the skin. While still holistic, it’s a bit more intensive than acupuncture and focuses on addressing deeper skin concerns.
Best for: Deep wrinkles, age spots, sun damage, acne scars, and other areas needing significant repair.
Process: Usually involves 4–6 sessions, spaced monthly, with results building over time.
Experience: You may feel mild discomfort, but numbing cream is applied to minimize sensation. Afterward, there’s mild redness, and you’ll need to plan for 48 hours of downtime to allow your skin to recover.
Ideal for: Those who want to address deeper skin issues like scars and discoloration while stimulating long-term collagen renewal.
The Service Experience: What to Expect During Each Treatment
Cosmetic Acupuncture Experience
This session is designed for deep relaxation, facial tension release, and glowing skin. In addition to the acupuncture, you’ll enjoy:
A soothing neck, shoulder, and face massage to relieve tension.
Facial gua sha sculpting and/or cupping, which helps sculpt and tone the face.
Facial and body acupuncture to promote balanced energy and circulation.
Celluma LED facial light therapy session to boost collagen and elastin production.
Cosmetic acupuncture is as much about the relaxing experience as it is about achieving visible results. You'll leave feeling radiant, refreshed, and rejuvenated.
Microneedling Experience
This session focuses on deeper skin repair and rejuvenation, with additional steps to ensure comfort and effectiveness:
Thorough skin assessment to tailor the treatment to your specific needs.
Application of numbing lidocaine cream for comfort.
Relaxation under the Celluma LED red and blue light therapy, which boosts collagen production.
A mini grounding acupuncture session while the numbing cream takes effect.
The microneedling treatment, focusing on your face, neck, and décolletage, based on your preferences.
A soothing collagen face mask to ease any mild sunburn-like sensations after the treatment.
Microneedling also increases the absorption of herbal serums by up to 3,000%, so you'll receive a customized serum to apply within 24 hours for optimal results.
What They Have in Common
Both cosmetic acupuncture and microneedling offer a holistic alternative to harsher treatments. They work by boosting collagen and elastin, enhancing blood circulation, and stimulating your body’s natural healing processes. Unlike invasive procedures, these treatments improve your skin’s health from the inside out.
How to Choose?
Ask yourself what your main skin concerns are.
If you’re looking to improve fine lines, tone, and puffiness with no downtime, cosmetic acupuncture might be the perfect fit.
If you’re targeting deep wrinkles, scars, or sun damage and are okay with a short recovery period, microneedling may be better.
Remember, the journey to healthy, radiant skin doesn’t have to be complicated. Whichever path you choose, both treatments provide effective and natural results.
Need More Guidance?
Still unsure? Book a 15-minute discovery call or ask about these treatments in our next session. I’d be happy to discuss your goals and help you find the right treatment for your needs.