Improving Skin with Cosmetic Acupuncture

By: Katie Schaefer, Cosmetics & Toiletries magazine

Posted: September 29, 2009, from the October 2009 issue of Cosmetics & Toiletries.

page 3 of 3

O’Shaughnessy also places needles in areas of the face to stimulate blood flow and increase circulation of oxygen, reportedly “resulting in a younger-looking complexion.” She finds that the eye area especially benefits from cosmetic acupuncture due to its lack of blood and oxygen.

Topicals and Acupuncture
A cosmetic acupuncture procedure is not complete without topical skin treatment, according to O’Shaughnessy. Most treatments begin first with a cleanser, followed by a peel. Once the acupuncture is complete, a facial mask is applied, the ingredients of which vary by skin condition but often involve Chinese herbs.

O’Shaughnessy uses paprika in the mask if the individual has bad circulation. “A cayenne pepper mask increases circulation to the face,” she said. If the patient is dehydrated, O’Shaughnessy often applies a collagen fleece mask. Dang gui, known commonly as angelica root, is applied to the skin of those with acne. According to O’Shaughnessy, a mix of dang gui and other herbs helps to stop the infection. “Dang gui invigorates circulation and pushes the garbage out of the skin.” Other common ingredients she uses in masks include goji berries, for their antioxidant content, and ginseng for its amino acid content.

When customers leave her clinic, O’Shaughnessy arms them with a dietary plan and advises them to follow a healthy skin care regimen, which O’Shaughnessy believes can be improved with cosmetic acupuncture. “The increased circulation and oxygen in the face will [also] increase the efficacy of skin care products.”

References
1. M O’Shaughnessy, Nourish Your Skin & Body with Traditional Chinese Medicine, Carol Stream, IL: Allured Business Media (2009)