It is safe to say that almost everyone has experienced acne at some point in their life. Starting in adolescence, acne can follow us well into adulthood. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne affects up to 50 million Americans each year. There are many types of acne, including blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and cystic acne, so there is no one-size-fits-all approach to reducing or managing it. While new products continue to hit the market that promise clearer skin, many people are beginning to seek out more natural approaches to acne treatment.
Even though acne is so common, it can still be a major confidence killer when it decides to show up. It becomes especially frustrating for those who feel like they have “tried everything” without seeing lasting results. In many cases, improvements are temporary because many conventional treatments focus only on the surface and do not address underlying imbalances within the body.
At Lim Acupuncture Clinic, we take a more holistic approach to acne treatment. We focus on both internal balance and external support for the skin to help improve overall skin health. Treatments such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and Celluma LED light therapy are often used together to support the best possible outcomes. Before starting any treatment, understanding what may be contributing to acne is the first step in creating an effective and personalized plan.
What Causes Acne and How It Forms
Acne often begins during puberty, but for many people it can continue well into their 30s or 40s. It can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from internal imbalances to external influences. But how does acne actually form on the skin?
On a basic level, acne develops when pores become clogged with oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria. When this buildup gets trapped inside the pore, it can lead to inflammation and the formation of blackheads, whiteheads, or more inflamed breakouts like pimples and cystic acne.
Because acne formation is a multi-step process, there are also many different factors that can contribute to it. Acne can be influenced by a combination of internal and external factors, including:
- Hormonal imbalances (such as puberty, menstrual cycles, or hormone fluctuations)
- Chronic stress, which can increase inflammation in the body
- Excess internal heat or inflammation
- Digestive health and gut imbalances
- Diet and lifestyle habits
- Skin congestion and bacterial buildup
Because acne can stem from multiple underlying factors, treatment should be just as comprehensive. At our clinic, acne treatment is designed to address both internal imbalances and the visible symptoms on the skin.
Our Core Acne Treatment Approach
At Lim Acupuncture Clinic, we focus on treating acne by addressing both what’s happening inside the body and the visible symptoms on the skin. Because acne affects everyone differently, treatment plans are always customized based on your individual needs. Our core acne treatments are designed to target the root causes of acne while also supporting overall skin health.
Facial Microneedling
Facial Microneedling is often used not to treat acne, but to help reduce the appearance of acne scars and skin texture. Microneedling is also referred to as collagen induction therapy, where a pen-shaped device with tiny needles is gently moved across your facial skin, avoiding any active acne. Along with boosting collagen production, creating microchannels in the skin kickstarts the natural healing process. Altogether, this can reduce the appearance of acne scars and improve overall skin texture. For a more in-depth look at what facial microneedling looks like at our clinic, please visit our blog titled “Microneedling”.
Facial Acupuncture
Facial or cosmetic acupuncture is similar to facial microneedling in that we never place needles directly on a patient’s acne, but we do treat the surrounding areas. Thin needles are placed around your face at acupuncture points that Dr. Lim has identified to support your wellness journey, and they are retained for 20 minutes. Oftentimes, our patients receive facial acupuncture as an additional support to improve circulation and reduce inflammation in the skin. To learn more about how acupuncture works, please visit our blog titled “Natural Anti-Aging”.
Celluma LED Light Therapy
Celluma LED Light Therapy is a flexible board that is placed right above your skin. It uses red, blue, and near-infrared lights to help reduce acne-causing bacteria and inflammation, while also supporting overall skin healing. We offer multiple different-sized options that can accommodate smaller or larger areas of skin. With a specific setting for acne treatment, this is a staple in most treatment plans. To read more in-depth about how Celluma works and how we use it in our clinic, please visit our blog post titled “Celluma LED Light Therapy”.
Additional Therapies That Support Acne Treatment
In addition to our core acne treatments, we also offer a variety of supportive therapies that may be incorporated into your treatment plan. These therapies are used to enhance results, support healing, and address specific concerns such as inflammation, digestion, and acne scarring.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture, or body acupuncture, is what you probably picture when someone mentions acupuncture. Dr. Lim places very thin needles into specific acupuncture points that aim to address patterns of imbalance within the body that are contributing to your acne. Common root causes are hormone imbalances, stress regulation, and digestive issues. To read more in-depth about how acupuncture works and what to expect at an appointment with us, please visit our blog titled “Acupuncture 101”.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion, or Moxa, uses dried mugwort that we burn directly on the skin. The act of burning the moxibustion on your skin creates both visible light and infrared light. This infrared light's ability to travel deeper into your tissue improves its therapeutic results. Moxa can help improve circulation, which in turn helps to remove toxins. When we use moxa as part of an acne treatment plan, we also focus on improving your digestion by placing dried mugwort on acupuncture points that help regulate your digestion.
Chinese Herbs
With Dr. Lim’s extensive training and education in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), she may recommend Chinese herbal formulas as part of your individualized treatment plan. After taking the time to understand your symptoms, health history, and current concerns, specific herbs may be prescribed to support your goals. We often use herbs in our acne treatments to help improve your digestion and gut health, as well as hormonal issues. You can learn more about Chinese herbal medicine and how it’s used in our clinic by visiting our page titled “Chinese Herbal Medicine.”
Ozone therapy
Ozone therapy uses medical-grade ozone (O₃) to help promote healing and support overall wellness. In some patients’ cases, drinking a small cup of ozonated filtered water may be suggested to help improve digestion and overall gut health. This focus on digestion often helps treat acne by helping detoxify the gut and addressing underlying factors that may be contributing to acne. Patients may also receive as part of their acne treatment plan, ozonated water that is soaked in a towel and then placed on acne spots to reduce or eliminate acne-causing bacteria. To read more in-depth about what else ozone therapy can do, please visit our page titled “Ozone Therapy”.
What to Expect From Your Acne Treatment
Acne treatments vary for everyone, and each appointment may look slightly different depending on what is going on for you that day. During most visits, you can expect to receive body acupuncture, and in some cases, facial acupuncture may also be included. Once the needles are placed, they are typically retained for about 20 minutes, and many patients report feeling deeply at ease or even dozing off.
In many cases, we incorporate an additional complementary therapy while the needles are in place, such as Celluma LED light therapy or moxibustion, to help support your results. If you are receiving facial microneedling, body acupuncture may still be performed, but you will also have time to relax with a calming face mask while a frequency-specific microcurrent (FSM) protocol is used to support tissue repair. Patients often comment on how calm and refreshed they feel after their appointment.
Although acne can feel like it appears overnight, it actually develops over time, which means it also takes time to improve. Your acne treatment plan will depend on factors such as the type of acne, its severity, and where it is located. Many patients begin to notice gradual improvements such as:
- Reduced inflammation
- Fewer breakouts over time
- Improved skin texture
- More balanced overall skin health
We always recommend starting with a consultation to better understand your specific concerns and determine the best approach for your skin.
Taking the Next Step Toward Clearer Skin
Acne can be incredibly frustrating, especially when it affects your confidence or makes you feel self-conscious in your day-to-day life. Many of our patients come to us feeling like they’ve tried everything and are still searching for answers.
At Lim Acupuncture Clinic, we truly take the time to listen and understand what you’re going through. Our goal is not just to treat your skin, but to support your overall health and help you feel more comfortable and confident in your own skin again. Every acne treatment plan is thoughtfully created to meet you where you are and adjust as your needs change. Finding the right acne treatment can be hard, but we aim to make it easier.
Book Your Consultation Online or call 720-515-9282 to speak with one of our team members.
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