Botox is all the rage right now, but cosmetic acupuncture is also getting more and more recognition for its natural, yet rejuvenating and plumping affect on the skin.  Both treatments are known to mitigate signs of aging and have amazing specific benefits, but also their own cons…

So is cosmetic acupuncture better than Botox?  Dive in with us below to find the similarities and differences between the two, and which treatment might be right for you!

BOTOX:

An extremely popular treatment, primarily used for dynamic wrinkles such as forehead / brow / jowl areas in order to keep the skin smooth by paralyzing underlying musculature.  Botox freezes the muscles around the injection site with a particular chemical substance called botulinum toxin, this then relaxes the skin around it, resulting in fewer wrinkles and creasing.  From a Chinese medicine perspective, Botox also limits the flow of lymph, blood, and Qi to that area. 

PROS:

• it works!  Botox gives a temporarily smooth finish to the forehead and other areas like it

• quick results - most people see results within 2-7 days of injection

• it is not permanent - if you don’t end up liking the results, you can go back to your more “natural” look after a few weeks

• can help manage migraines and excessive sweating

CONS:

• can cause an allergic reaction in some

• not a permanent solution - need to get injections done at least 2x a year to maintain results

• it doesn’t improve quality of skin - once it wears off, the skin will return to the state it was in before

• you can lose certain facial expressions

• may have side effects like nausea, headaches, loss of speech, or respiratory tract infections

COSMETIC ACUPUNCTURE:

Cosmetic acupuncture is a gentle treatment that uses tiny acupuncture needles to improve the look and feel of the skin.  It can help relax the muscles below the skin in order to achieve that smooth look.  It encourages collagen production, reduces inflammation, and improves the health of the skin from the inside-out.  Patient’s also report that they notice other benefits such as more restful sleep, improved digestion and energy levels, a sense of overall improved health and wellness, and a more relaxed demeanor. 

Unlike Botox, facial acupuncture works by restoring the flow of Qi to the tissues of the body.  It also creates many microscopic wounds on the surface of the skin, which then leads to a healing response.  The healing response influences the long-term health of the skin, working on more than just the superficial signs of aging (which is what Botox focuses on).  The results are a brighter and more plump complexion.

PROS:

• it is 100 percent natural

• the treatments build upon each other - each treatment gradually restores the skin for a healthy, younger look

• it is very safe, with very few side effects - at the most you might bruise slightly or have some redness, but it goes away quickly

• it can be combined with facials, micro needling, and even Botox

• improves overall wellness, although the focus is on reducing wrinkles and improving skin quality, it offers support for the entire body

CONS:

• results can take time - the best results are after 6-12 treatments, though the results last longer

• treatments are longer - compared to a quick 20 minute Botox appointment, facial acupuncture takes around an hour

We are a judgment free zone over here at OC Well Studio, though we are a huge proponent of the natural results and healthy skin that comes from facial acupuncture.  It can target excess fluid and puffiness, breakouts, dull skin, boost collagen production and cell turnover, minimize fine lines, sculpt and boost facial definition, increase circulation and elastin, and promotes detoxification.  If you are eager to get these benefits and make a long lasting difference on your skin and general well being, book an appointment today!