Acupuncture for Acne: How Eastern Medicine and Modern Science Come Together

stelladestefanis
Aug 24
3 min read

Acne is one of the most common skin concerns worldwide—affecting not only teenagers but also adults well into their 20s, 30s, and beyond. While conventional treatments like antibiotics, topical creams, and hormonal medications are often prescribed, many people are looking for natural, holistic solutions that address acne from the inside out.

This is where acupuncture and other holistic skin therapies can play a powerful role. At Acupunctury in Santa Monica, we combine Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with modern science-backed treatments like microneedling and LED light therapy to support clearer, healthier skin.

Acne from a Western Medical Perspective

From a biomedical standpoint, acne develops when:

Hormones (like androgens) stimulate excess oil production
Dead skin cells and sebum clog pores
Bacteria (C. acnes) trigger inflammation

This leads to whiteheads, blackheads, cysts, and inflamed breakouts. Stress, diet, and genetics can all worsen these factors.

Acupuncture has been shown in clinical research to:

Regulate hormone imbalances
Improve circulation and detoxification
Reduce inflammation and redness
Support stress reduction and immune function

Key Clinical Studies on Acupuncture for Acne

While acupuncture’s use for skin conditions has been documented for centuries, modern clinical studies have started to confirm its benefits for acne:

Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine (2019)
70 patients with acne.
Acupuncture treatment was found to be effective in reducing the number of acne lesions and improving overall skin condition.
Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies (2018)
80 patients treated with acupuncture + herbal medicine.
The combination therapy significantly reduced acne lesions and improved the skin’s appearance compared with baseline.
Journal of Dermatological Treatment (2016)
50 patients treated with acupuncture + topical cream.
The combination was effective in reducing acne lesions and improving skin condition, suggesting potential benefit when integrated with topical care.

Acne from a TCM Perspective

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, acne is not just a skin condition—it’s a reflection of internal imbalances. Common TCM patterns include:

Lung Heat – red papules and pustules, often on the forehead and cheeks
Stomach & Spleen Damp-Heat – oily skin, cystic breakouts, often around the mouth or jawline
Blood Heat & Stagnation – stubborn, inflamed acne and scarring
Qi & Yin Deficiency – chronic, lingering breakouts with poor healing

Acupuncture works by restoring balance in the body’s energy systems, regulating heat, clearing dampness, and improving circulation of Qi and blood. By treating the root cause, acupuncture not only addresses breakouts but also supports healthier skin over time.

A Holistic Approach at Acupunctury

At Acupunctury Santa Monica, acne treatments are never one-size-fits-all. We take a full medical history, discuss your goals, and design a customized plan to support both skin health and overall well-being.

Your treatment plan may include:

Cosmetic Acupuncture – to improve circulation and stimulate collagen
Body Acupuncture – to address hormonal, stress, or digestive imbalances linked to acne
Celluma LED Light Therapy – FDA-cleared technology proven to calm inflammation and support healing
Holistic Microneedling – to stimulate natural repair, fade acne scars, and refine skin texture

The Bottom Line

Acupuncture offers a safe, natural, and effective approach to acne by treating both the skin and the underlying root causes. When combined with modern, science-backed therapies, it can help restore balance, reduce breakouts, and improve confidence from the inside out.

Ready to start your holistic journey to clear skin?

Book a consultation or an appointment at Acupunctury and discover how acupuncture can help your skin—and your whole body and mind—heal.