Why Does Acne Appear?
Acne affects millions of people across all age groups, and while it is particularly common during adolescence, we often see it tied to hormonal shifts and digestive issues. Acne develops when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and, in severe cases, painful nodules and cysts.
Several factors contribute to acne development:
- Hormonal fluctuations, especially during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and stress
- Inflammation
- Digestive issues
- Excess oil production (sebum)
- Bacteria buildup on the skin
- Diet and lifestyle choices
- Genetic predisposition
Many of our patients come to us after trying countless over-the-counter products and prescription medications without success. Others seek our help because they are concerned about the potential side effects of conventional acne treatments, such as dry skin, liver damage, and birth defects (in pregnant women).
How Does Acupuncture Help With Acne?
In our practice, we approach acne treatment through the lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). We don’t see acne as a problem that is just skin deep—we view it as a manifestation of internal imbalances in the body’s energy system. This helps our clinicians get to the root of the condition.
Our treatment first starts with an in-depth assessment and health history. We then examine your type of acne, its location, and accompanying symptoms to determine which pattern of imbalance is present. In TCM, different acne presentations indicate different underlying issues. For example:
- Acne around the chin and jawline often points to hormonal imbalances and Kidney/Liver disharmony
- Forehead breakouts may indicate Lung Heat or digestive issues
- Cheek acne might suggest Stomach or Lung imbalances
During your acupuncture treatment, we insert tiny, sterile needles into specific points on the body and face. These needles stimulate your body’s natural healing response in several ways:
- Reducing inflammation throughout the body
- Balancing hormone levels
- Improving blood circulation to the skin
- Strengthening the digestive system
- Calming the nervous system to reduce stress
- Supporting detoxification pathways
We’ve found that facial acupuncture can be particularly effective for acne. By placing small needles near your breakout areas, we increase blood flow to those regions, which helps clear stagnation and promote healing. This technique also stimulates collagen production, which can minimize scarring—a common concern for our acne patients.
Blog Posts you might like...
Chinese New Year 2026: Aligning with the Energy of the Fire Horse
Cozy Congee Recipe Using Homemade Bone Broth
3 Acupressure Points to Calm Holiday Anxiety and Experience More Joy
Hear from Our Patients
