Cosmetic Acupuncture and Microneedling
Microneedling
Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, uses a precision device to create thousands of tiny, controlled micro-channels in the skin. Those micro-injuries activate the body's natural wound-healing response without damaging the surface layer, prompting new collagen and elastin, the two proteins most responsible for skin's firmness and bounce. It has one of the stronger evidence bases in aesthetic skin care: reviews of the clinical literature report improvements in fine lines, skin texture, firmness, and the appearance of acne scars and hyperpigmentation. And because the outer layer of skin stays intact, microneedling usually involves far less downtime than ablative lasers or chemical peels, while still working at the depth where texture actually changes.
At 828 Acupuncture and Apothecary, microneedling is a treatment, not an add-on. Sessions are tailored to your skin and can address the face, lips, eyes, and décolletage, and we finish by working custom serums into the fresh micro-channels, when your skin absorbs them most effectively. Most people do a short series spaced about a month apart, with results that keep building as collagen rebuilds in the weeks after each visit. What sets it apart here is who's performing it: licensed practitioners with advanced clinical and dermatological training, who assess your skin before anything else and can pair microneedling with acupuncture or herbal support for a more complete approach to how your skin looks and functions over time. Not sure if microneedling is right for your skin? That's what the free consultation is for.
Cosmetic Acupuncture
Cosmetic acupuncture, sometimes called facial rejuvenation acupuncture, works with your skin's own repair mechanisms rather than against them. Hair-thin needles placed in the face and along the body create controlled micro-stimulation that draws fresh circulation to the surface and prompts the tissue to respond, supporting firmer, more elastic skin over a series of sessions. Current research on the effects is growing and encouraging: in a published pilot study, women who received five treatments over three weeks showed measurable improvement in facial elasticity, and a review of prospective studies found facial acupuncture has the potential to improve skin laxity, wrinkle length, and muscle tone, with very few reported side effects. No harsh chemicals, no recovery time, none of the risks that come with surgical alternatives.
At 828 Acupuncture and Apothecary, a facial acupuncture session runs about 90 minutes and is built as much around care as results. Treatment is paired with Gua Sha, warm towels, and aromatherapy, and facial cupping. The real difference, though, is clinical: your session is delivered by a licensed acupuncturist trained to read the whole picture, so the work doesn't stop at the face. What shows up in your skin gets treated alongside the internal patterns behind it, with a custom formula from our in-house herbal apothecary when it would add support. That's something the typical Asheville med spa can't offer. New to cosmetic acupuncture? A free consultation is the easiest place to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Both support your skin's natural collagen production, but through different methods. Facial acupuncture uses fine needles to stimulate circulation and muscle tone across the face and body; microneedling uses a device to create micro-channels that prompt collagen and elastin renewal. Many clients combine the two. A free consultation is the best way to decide what fits your skin.
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It depends on your skin and your goals, but most people do a short series spaced about a month apart, with results building in the weeks after each visit as new collagen forms. We'll map out a plan at your consultation.
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Facial acupuncture is low-risk. In published studies, the most common side effect was mild, temporary bruising at the needle site. It uses no harsh chemicals and requires no downtime.
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828 Acupuncture & Apothecary is at 417 Biltmore Avenue in Asheville, serving clients across Western North Carolina. Both services are performed by licensed practitioners, and new clients can start with a free consultation