When it comes to erasing a few years from your face, a lot has been written about both Cosmetic Acupuncture and Dermapen. Many years ago, I was describing Cosmetic Acupuncture to my dermatologist, and she said it sounded like a new treatment that involved using tiny needles rolled over your entire face. At the time, it sounded brutal, even to my acupuncturist self, but Dermapen and Dermarolling have become popular facial rejuvenation treatments since then.
Both Cosmetic Acupuncture and Dermapen are similar in theory. They both use tiny needles to create microtraumas, or tiny injuries in your skin. In the healing process, your body makes more collagen, which is the net-like structure under your skin that keeps it supple. It also boosts elastin, which allows your skin to stretch but retain its shape.
What’s Involved
While the theory behind both treatments are similar, there are some differences. A Dermapen treatment involves the use of an electric hand-held device which covers most of the skin on your face or neck fairly quickly. This is not to be confused with a Dermaroller, which is a small wheel with tiny needles that can be used at home. A Dermaroller also creates small punctures, but don’t penetrate as deeply or as uniformly as a Dermapen.
Cosmetic Acupuncture is a treatment in which small needles are placed throughout your face at specific acupuncture points. More than one needle may be inserted at a point on the face, with up to 80 facial needles being used in a treatment. In addition to facial needling, your practitioner will have taken a complete health history and will place needles at other points in your body to address any health issues you may have.
The Differences
Both Dermapen and Cosmetic Acupuncture are effective in building collagen and elastin. There are some differences to be aware of, however, if you’re considering one treatment over the other.
-A Dermapen treatment creates tiny punctures over your entire face or neck. Because it’s puncturing over large areas, most patients will need a topical anesthetic during a Dermapen treatment.
-Cosmetic Acupuncture consists of inserting needles into specific acupuncture points that have known healing properties. The effects of a Cosmetic Acupuncture treatment is systemic. Your practitioner is not only treating your face, but placing other needles based on your health needs.
-Both Dermapen and Cosmetic Acupuncture increase collagen and elastin in your face. However, acupuncture treatments also have the effect of decreasing inflammation, increasing the circulation of stress-reducing neurotransmitters in your brain, strengthening your immunity, and helping to balance your hormones. As a result, many people report that their overall health has improved after a series of Cosmetic Acupuncture treatments.
-Cosmetic Acupuncture is a little kinder and gentler. Once the needles are inserted, you’re left to relax for 20-30 minutes. You can have a Cosmetic Acupuncture treatment twice a week, while a Dermapen treatment requires several weeks in between treatments.
The bottom line is that both Dermapen and Cosmetic Acupuncture increase the production of collagen and elastin below the surface of your skin. They’re both an effective way to treat fine lines and wrinkles, and to make your skin firmer. While the Dermapen covers more areas of your face and/or neck, Cosmetic Acupuncture is a good choice if you’re having other health problems or need some stress relief while you’re dialing back the clock.