How many cosmetic acupuncture treatments do I need?
You can see below in this amazing photo, results after just ONE session! WOW! (Admittedly, we both laugh-cried afterwards). But the question is, does it last? The answer is, yes and no. Ha! What do I mean then?
Cosmetic Acupuncture Before & After Photo
In this photo, for example, these are the results just after treatment (stay tuned here for more before & after photos!). So yes, immediately after a treatment, you feel better, your skin will be glowing! But after a session, you go back to your life and doing the things that you naturally do (along with aging, getting sun, fighting environmental stressors) and so the skin will relax back into its “natural” state. And if you have acne or scarring, deeper lines – these things will take longer to rebalance. BUT we can do something to help it!
Cosmetic acupuncture sessions, just like regular acupuncture sessions, are cumulative. This means that with each session, we build on the treatment before. Collagen takes about 30 days to build & repair (and more time the older we get), so that in itself is only 4 sessions (seeing each other once per week). With cosmetic treatments, we are doing multiple things: asking the skin to build more collagen, asking lymph to drain properly and bringing more circulation to the face (and with body points, maybe addressing hormones, digestion or energy as well). So with that, we need some time!
How many sessions do I need?
I typically recommend 10-12 treatments, one week apart, to start and then reassess. Just remember though, every BODY is different and will respond differently, but I say 10-12 is pretty standard. People always feel great even after just one session, but for specific results it usually takes longer (like if you want to soften the worry line between your eyes, or I might recommend regular acupuncture first if you are experiencing digestive & hormonal imbalances). After your 10-12 treatments are up, we reassess and then maybe go down to once a month for maintenance – the results usually last about 1-2 years and then we can do another round. In my ideal world, 20 treatments or so is the best!
Another thing I will mention, is there is sometimes a plateau period. Maybe visits 5-8 we don’t see a lot happening which is normal, but then after visit 9, WOW something has really changed (just an example, it varies)! Also sometimes folks will notice that once we stop treatment, they notice a change, and I think this is normal because your skin can stop trying to adjust to the treatments.
Message me for a consult! This is the best way to see if cosmetic acupuncture is right for you.
Here are some other ways you can support your skin either during or after the sessions are finished:
· Getting good rest is key as well as reducing stress & anxiety!
· Keeping up with a good daily skincare routine (adequately washing the face at night, hydrosol/toner, moisturizer and exfoliating about once a week)
· Daily/weekly facial massage/stimulation with a gua sha tool or jade roller is helpful!
· Intake of Vitamin C and protein will help with cellular turnover, skin elasticity & repair
· Hydration! Water and herbal tea (maybe specific herbs for your body)
· Wearing sunscreen daily, or at least when you know you’ll have sun exposure!
If you’re ready to start your cosmetic acupuncture treatments, send me a message and we can schedule a consultation! Or you can use the online scheduler to schedule yourself online!