Acupuncture for Acne
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What is Acne?
Acne is a very common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. It can appear on the face, chest, back, and shoulders, where oil glands are more active. While it is most common during adolescence, it can affect people of all ages. The condition can take different forms, like non-inflammatory and inflammatory types. Each type requires different treatments. Acne is not harmful to overall health as is, but it can affect skin appearance and self confidence. If left untreated, acne can lead to scarring or persistent skin discoloration. Early, consistent, and proper care can help manage breakouts and minimize long-term effects.
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Understanding Types of Acne
Blackheads (Open Comedones)
Clogged pores remain open, appearing as small black or dark spots.
Whiteheads (Closed Comedones)
Pores are blocked with oil and dead skin, forming white bumps.
Papules
Small, red, inflamed bumps without pus, usually tender to touch.
Pustules
Pimples filled with pus, surrounded by red, inflamed skin.
Nodules
Large, painful lumps deep under the skin, usually long-lasting.
Cysts (Cystic Acne)
Deep, pus-filled lesions that can cause scarring and pain.
Hormonal Acne
Breakouts linked to hormonal changes, usually around the jawline and chin.
Fungal Acne (Malassezia Folliculitis)
Small, itchy bumps caused by yeast overgrowth in hair follicles.
Acne Mechanica
Triggered by friction, sweat, or pressure from clothing and gear.
Excoriated Acne
Worsened by frequent picking or scratching, leading to scars or discoloration.
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Acne Symptoms and How to Recognize Them
- The most common symptoms of acne include pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads, which appear when pores become clogged with oil and dead skin. Redness and inflammation accompany more severe acne, especially with papules, pustules, or cystic acne.
- Some people experience tender or painful bumps, particularly with deep nodules and cysts. Oily skin is another common symptom, as excess oil can affect breakouts. In some cases, itchiness or burning may occur, especially with fungal acne.
- If acne leaves behind dark spots or scars, early treatment can help minimize long-term effects. Paying attention to these signs can make managing acne easier and more effective.
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What Causes Acne?
- Acne happens when pores get clogged with oil, dead skin, and bacteria. The main cause of acne is excess sebum (oil production), which can lead to blocked pores and breakouts. Hormonal changes, especially those during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or stress, are known acne triggers.
- Bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) on the skin can inflame clogged pores, turning them into red, swollen pimples. Certain skincare products and makeup also contribute if they clog pores. Diet and lifestyle factors, like high-sugar or dairy-heavy diets, can also contribute for some people. Friction from masks, helmets, or touching your face can worsen breakouts, too.
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Can Acupuncture Help With Acne & Improve Your Skin?
Acupuncture for acne can help by affecting circulation, inflammation, and hormonal balance. Acupuncture stimulates blood flow, which helps deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the skin. Better circulation can support healing and reduce breakouts.
Inflammation is a big factor in acne, and acupuncture can modulate inflammatory responses. By stimulating specific points, it lowers levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, reducing redness and swelling. Besides that, acupuncture can also help regulate stress hormones like cortisol, which contribute to acne flare-ups.
Acupuncture can also influence the endocrine system, balancing hormones that can cause acne, like androgens. When combined with proper skincare and a carefully balanced diet, acupuncture can be a highly valuable supportive therapy for maintaining healthy skin.
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Acupuncture Points for Acne
Acupuncture for acne usually targets points that help regulate hormones, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation. Some of the most commonly used acupuncture points for acne are:
- LI4 (Hegu). On the hand between the thumb and index finger, this point helps reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation.
- LI11 (Quchi). Found at the outer end of the elbow crease, it is often used to clear heat from the body, helping to reduce acne breakouts.
- ST36 (Zusanli). Located below the knee, this point supports digestive health and immune function, which can affect skin health.
- SP6 (Sanyinjiao). Found above the inner ankle, it regulates hormones and is often used for acne related hormonal issues.
- GV14 (Dazhui). Located at the base of the neck, this point is used to reduce heat and inflammation, common contributors to acne.
- LU7 (Lieque). Positioned near the wrist, it supports lung function and detoxification, which may help clear skin conditions.
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Acupuncture for Acne Treatment at Copper Wellness in Chicago, IL
- At Copper Wellness, an integrative healthcare clinic in Bucktown, acupuncture is used as a natural and effective way of managing acne. By improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and balancing hormones, acupuncture creates a clear and healthier skin from within. Unlike conventional treatments that often focus only on surface-level symptoms, acupuncture helps treat causes.
- As part of integrative health services, acupuncture for hormonal acne is often alongside other Chinese medicine for acne, like Chinese herbal medicine to support the body’s natural detoxification and reduce skin irritation.
- For those dealing with inflammation and poor circulation, cupping therapy may also be recommended to boost blood flow and body’s healing capabilities. Cosmetic acupuncture can also be used to improve skin health, mainly on the face. A comprehensive treatment plan helps improve skin texture, reduce redness, and prevent acne breakouts.
- Located in Bucktown, Copper Wellness offers fully personalized treatment plans to individual skin concerns. Book an appointment today to see how our holistic approach to acne care works and make your skin healthier!
Still have questions about whether acupuncture for acne is right for you?
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Reviews About Acupuncture for Acne
I. Love. This. Place! I see both Dr. Mimosa for chiropractic and Dr. Madden for acupuncture, and they are two of the best practitioners of *any* type of medicine I've EVER worked with. They listen. They care. They genuinely want to help you feel your best. I can't recommend them and Copper Wellness enough.
Best Chiropractors in the city yall!! Dr.Mimosa is sweet and easy to talk to. Dr. Adam is very easy to talk to as well. Highly recommend!!!
Can't say enough good things about Anais. Very professional, very knowledgably, and just an amazing caring person! You are in the best of hands with her, would highly recommend!
I have been seeing Dr. Madden for acupuncture for almost a year now and I don't know where I'd be without her. She's incredible at what she does and the entire staff is awesome.
Anais is simply the best! Had a great review, consultation of problem areas and left feeling like I was on a cloud! Can't wait to go back, highly recommend the electrode therapy, it was amazing.
Dr Madden is a miracle worker. For over a year I had issues with my feet. She was the 1st to say my calf’s were right! Her acupuncture was spot on and helped right away. The stress caused issues in my neck as well that she helped not only with acupuncture but cupping as well. Her care and compassion is amazing. I will continue on maintenance because she is so amazing. ‼️
Copper Wellness has been a pivotal part of my health journey! The integrative services that are offered are tailored to my needs/situation. Specifically, when I needed to start doing massage therapy for upper and lower back pain, Cameron Sand did a great job from the start making me feel comfortable. Whenever I have a question, they answer it readily and explain how and what they are doing during our session. I’ve seen a huge improvement since working with them and couldn’t recommend them enough!
I sincerely wish that I could give Dr. Stephanie Madden 1 million stars. From the time that I met her for consultation through my entire acupuncture journey with her, she was incredibly attentive, genuine, personable, professional, precise, safe, knowledgeable, skilled, and wise with her work. I saw Dr. Madden for about 1 a little over a year to help resolve physical issues from emotional traumas and sufferings in my life. I cannot stress how different my life is from when I first saw her. She helped me get to core issues in my physical health that other doctors never came close to articulating, let alone being aware. Working those physical issues directly helped me so much with my emotional health. My quality of life now is so much better because of her contributions to my healing journey. After working with Dr. Madden, she is a practitioner that I trust and deeply respect. If anyone ever asks me to recommend an acupuncturist, I would never hesitate to recommend anyone to her. I even recommended her to one of my friends on his journey to receive a heart transplant, and she made a positive impact on his quality of life. He had nothing but positive things to say about her (and now he is thriving with a new heart!). Dr. Stephanie Madden has made a wonderful impact on my life, and I can only imagine the impact she is making on the lives of others whom encounter her. She is someone that has answered her call in life, and is absolutely brilliant at it. Brilliant!
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FAQs About Acupuncture for Acne
Who should consider acupuncture for acne?
Acupuncture for acne is ideal for individuals seeking a natural approach to managing breakouts, inflammation, and skin imbalances. It may benefit those with hormonal acne, stress-related flare-ups, or chronic skin conditions by promoting circulation, reducing inflammation, and supporting overall skin health.
How many acupuncture sessions for acne?
The number of acupuncture sessions for acne varies based on individual skin conditions. Typically, noticeable improvements occur after 4–6 sessions, with chronic cases requiring ongoing treatment for optimal results. A personalized plan will be tailored to your needs.
How much does acupuncture for acne cost?
The cost of acupuncture for acne depends on factors like session length, treatment frequency, and practitioner expertise. At Copper Wellness, we offer personalized treatment plans—contact us for pricing details.
What can I expect from acupuncture for acne in the long term?
Long-term benefits of acupuncture for acne may include reduced breakouts, balanced oil production, improved circulation, and overall skin health. Consistent treatments can help address underlying imbalances, leading to clearer, healthier skin over time.
Can acupuncture be combined with other acne treatments?
Yes, acupuncture can be safely combined with other acne treatments, including skincare routines, dietary changes, and medical therapies. It complements holistic and conventional approaches by reducing inflammation, balancing hormones, and promoting skin healing.
What types of acne can be treated with acupuncture?
Acupuncture can help treat various types of acne, including blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, cystic acne, hormonal acne, and acne caused by stress or friction. It works by reducing inflammation, balancing hormones, and promoting overall skin health.
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