Exactly What Happened When We Tried Cosmetic Acupuncture for the First Time
Amy Clark is Adore Beauty's former Senior Editor and co-host of Skincare School the podcast (and self-appointed beauty road-tester!). Amy's worked as a journalist, beauty editor and podcaster for several years, previously writing and talking about all things beauty at Mamamia and You Beauty. When she's not writing honest, no BS product reviews and taking selfies 'for work', you'll find Amy eating halloumi in a hair towel turban and... taking more selfies.
WARNING: You won't find anything gory in this article, but if you're not into needles, this cosmetic acupuncture story isn't for you!
For most people, having dozens of tiny needles poked into their face wouldn't sound like an overly pleasant experience.
But we're not most people. We are beauty people, and we're dedicated to putting our faces on the line to inform the masses. OK, maybe, like, 12 people asked us about cosmetic acupuncture on Instagram. So naturally, we went and had a treatment done so we could tell you all about it.
Here's exactly what happened when we tried cosmetic acupuncture. Spoiler: One of us ended up with two hickeys...
What Is Cosmetic Acupuncture?
Cosmetic acupuncture, or face acupuncture, is exactly what it sounds like – acupuncture, for your face.
"It is the practice of inserting tiny filament, single-use sterile stainless steel needles into different specific acupoints to elicit a response from your nervous system to re-regulate your body's homeostasis," Dr Abbie from Zhong Centre says.
Beyond the physical act of popping needles into your face, cosmetic acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine "over 4,000 years old" that works to resolve any blockages of ‘qi’ (the Chinese word for ‘energy) in the body.
Dr Abbie adds, "Chinese medicine is in comprehension with [many factors like] the topography of where you live, what grows in the ground around you, the weather and astronomy, and how all of that impacts your internal environment. We cannot differentiate between mental health, physical health, emotional health, organ health, muscle pain, and expression of self."
You can listen to the full cosmetic acupuncture chat with Dr Abbie on this episode of the Beauty IQ Uncensored podcast below.
What Are the Cosmetic Acupuncture Benefits?
Cosmetic acupuncture isn't just about the face - it's also a holistic approach to health encompassing diet, gut health, sleep and hormones, among other things.
That said, the main benefits of cosmetic acupuncture may include:
- Flushing of the lymphatic system in the face.
- Blood circulation = glowing skin with a bright, even skin tone.
- Tiny microtraumas in the skin (similar to the idea behind skin needling) stimulate collagen and elastin production.
- A softened appearance of lines and increased muscle tone.
- Me time! Literally, an hour to snooze while having a facial treatment.
What About Risks and Down Time?
The main risk of cosmetic acupuncture is the potential of bruising. Even so, the bruising would usually be quite minimal and only last for a few days. (But probably don't get cosmetic acupuncture before a wedding, yeah?)
You shouldn’t expect any red or raw skin, or peeling and bleeding because face acupuncture needles are so fine and sharp. It is important to let your practitioner know if you've had Botox and how long ago, because this may affect where they place the needles.
Our Cosmetic Acupuncture Review.
OK, but what's it like to have cosmetic acupuncture?
Both myself, Adore Beauty's Senior Editor Amy Clark, and Beauty IQ Uncensored co-host Joanna Fleming have tried cosmetic acupuncture before. Me, back in late 2019. And Joanna, just last week.
During my session with Dr Vivian Tam, a Doctor of Chinese Medicine, acupuncturist, educator and founder of Cosmetic Acupuncture Melbourne, I had 21 needles placed over various points - mostly around my jaw and cheeks where I hold facial tension.
The whole treatment took around 40 minutes and also involved a gentle cleanse beforehand and skin care afterwards. And honestly, it didn't hurt at all. Once the needles go past the skin surface level where there are nerve endings, you shouldn’t feel any pain.
If you’re sensitive, you may feel something like a very quick bite - I could definitely feel something happening under the skin where the needles were, but I'd describe it as a tingly, buzzing sensation. Of course, I was on my phone the whole time, but I also could've fallen asleep.
Immediately after the treatment, my face was a bit splotchy in certain places, but I was noticeably plumper and glowier. I didn't have any bleeding, irritation or soreness, but I did come up with one tiny, perfectly round bruise on the right hand side of my jaw that went away in a day or two.
Joanna also described her experience of getting cosmetic acupuncture with Dr Abbie from Zhong Centre as being really enjoyable, relaxing and "zen"... but she did experience some bruising post-treatment, which is normal.
"I bruise like a peach, so I had a little bit of bruising," Joanna said on the Beauty IQ Uncensored podcast.
"But the best bit was I had these big hickeys on either side of my neck from the 'glow sha' treatment using a gua sha tool quite vigorously on the neck." (You can watch a recap of Joanna's experience in the video below!)
So, what's the verdict on cosmetic acupuncture?
I can't speak to the long term benefits of this skin treatment because I only went for the one session. And as any professional would tell you, you'll get the best results from skin treatments through regular, consistent visits.
Cosmetic acupuncture is no different, but it's also important to make sure you go to an accredited Chinese medicine practitioner.
That said, Joanna reckons she would probably go again for another treatment, and I would, too. Even if just for the nap.
*This article should not be substituted for professional, personalised medical advice. Please talk to your medical practitioner.
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