COMBINATION: SKIN
Forget the search for one miracle face cream – beauty aficionados are combining tricks across disciplines for an age-defying complexion
BEAUTY
WORDS VICTORIA JOY
NEEDLEWORK FOR YOUTHFUL SKIN
Sticking pins in your skin to reduce signs of stress and inflammation might sound counterproductive, but don’t discount the idea. Traditionally used by the Chinese Emperor’s concubines to maintain their youthful complexions, facial acupuncture is now gaining ground in the West as a beauty treatment akin to facials and peels, and celebs from Kim Kardashian to Louise Redknapp have gone under the needle. ‘It works to reduce swelling and puffiness, as well as increase circulation and elasticity, by stimulating the muscles and lymph nodes in the face and neck,’ explains acupuncturist and founder of Needle Therapy, Eleanor Tetlow. ‘Each needle, when inserted into the skin, creates a tiny area of inflammation which triggers the body to naturally ‘heal’ that area by increasing blood flow, relaxing the muscle and pumping the area with collagen.’ That’s right, collagen – the natural skin booster most lotions and potions promise to restore and emulate. The result is that the body’s natural defences do the work for you, rejuvenating your complexion at cellular level from the inside out. Generally, most people will have needles focused on the main muscle groups of the face and neck, but trouble spots or particularly stubborn wrinkles may call for extra attention, which translates into a few extra needles.