Acupuncture and Thin Skin

The Chinese have practiced acupuncture, a healing treatment involving the strategic insertion of thin needles into your skin, for thousands of years. Acupuncture is based on the theory that an invisible energy -- known to the Chinese as “qi” -- flows to each cell of your body through a complex system of pathways. When this energy flow becomes stuck, your body goes into a state of unbalance. Acupuncture is designed to stimulate the release of stuck “qi,” thereby restoring normal circulation and eventually improving overall health. It’s been used to treat numerous health problems, including some skin conditions.

Thin Skin

Fragile or thin skin tends to be dry, pale and free of body hair. It might feel tissue-paper when pinched along your forearm, or hard and leathery. The condition results from the breakdown of your skin’s collagen and elastin, and is a fairly common problem, according to Mayo Clinic dermatologist Dr. Lawrence E. Gibson. While thin skin is typically a natural product of the aging process, genetics, sun exposure, chronic dehydration, smoking, malnutrition and insufficient fat intake can also be contributing factors. Similarly, the long-term use of certain medications, including topical and oral corticosteroids, can weaken your skin’s blood vessels and ultimately lead to thin skin.

Cosmetic Acupuncture

Cosmetic acupuncture, also known as facial rejuvenation, is the superficial insertion of thin needles into your facial acupuncture points. The procedure increases blood flow to your skin to stimulate the production of collagen, thereby diminishing signs of damage and aging, according to a November 2005 article from the Albuquerque Journal posted on the website Daily News Central. Acupuncturists can use similar techniques to increase blood flow to other areas of thinned skin, according to the book “The Healing Power of Acupressure and Acupuncture.” Cosmetic acupuncture also improves your complexion and muscle tone. Other benefits include tighter pores and increased skin moisture.

Considerations

While acupuncture treatments can help rejuvenate thin skin, the condition cannot be reversed, according to dermatologist Dr. Jeffrey Benabio. Consequently, it’s important to protect your skin from incurring further damage. Because collagen breakdown is accelerated by the damage caused by ultraviolet light, you should protect your skin with sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB light. Many dermatologists recommend wearing pants, long sleeves and a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors to minimize your exposure to the sun. When combined with other case-specific treatments -- such as proper hydration or stopping smoking -- cosmetic acupuncture can help stabilize or slightly improve the quality, tone and elasticity of your skin.

Precautions

While the potential side-effects and complications of acupuncture are minimal if your acupuncturist is a nationally certified practitioner, you might be at higher risk of certain complications if you have fragile skin. Thin, dry skin is more easily injured and slower to heal, according to the Acupuncture School Online, which means you might be more likely to experience soreness, bruising or bleeding at the needle insertion sites. Before each session, your acupuncturist should assess certain aspects of your physical state, including the color, texture and quality of your skin, to help guide his specific treatment approach.