
At the Well Clinic in London, Acupuncturist Samira Kazemzadeh applies a cutting edge approach to youth boosting for the face and body. She uses the 5-Elements method to improve skin conditions and encourage advanced collagen induction—a natural alternative to traditional aesthetic intervention.
“Acupuncture involves the particular placement of thin, sterile needles into specific points on the face, neck, and body to restore the homeostasis in the individual’s body, creating not just a change in the body and their health but also their face. Skin appearance reflects the body’s inner health, which is why each treatment focuses on balance,” she says.
While 5-Elements acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture share some fundamental principles, they have distinct differences: Kazemzadeh’s approach focuses on restoring balance to the body's energetic system by treating the root cause of imbalances, often related to emotional and spiritual aspects, rather than only addressing physical symptoms. This can target conditions from stress, insomnia, fertility, migraine and autoimmune deficiencies to physical injuries.
When using acupuncture cosmetically, she combines her experience with 5-Elements and beauty, utilising a holistic approach to ensure that inner health reflects on the outside.
The non-surgical treatment is designed to improve the appearance of the face and targets fine lines, wrinkles, and lax skin. It involves the particular placement of thin, sterile needles—much smaller than those traditionally used for toxin or dermal filler—into specific points on the face, neck, and body.
“One of the primary goals of cosmetic acupuncture is to reduce the presentation of fine lines and wrinkles—we can also target sagging skin by helping to tighten and lift the skin through increased circulation, and promoting the production of collagen and elastin,” says Kazemzadeh.
And that’s not all: cosmetic acupuncture has also been shown to be effective on hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone (by improving circulation); reducing scars, acne, blemishes and breakouts (with improved circulation, stimulation of healing processes and collagen, promoting lymphatic drainage and helping to reduce inflammation), dull and dry skin; and puffiness and under-eye bags (the strategic placement of needles in specific acupuncture points can help reduce puffiness and fluid retention).
“We can customise treatments based on individual skin types and concerns, for example, using specialised techniques for specific issues like acne scars or under-eye bags. I regularly combine cosmetic acupuncture with other treatments like Gua Sha or LED light therapy for elevated effects,” shares Kazemzadeh.
For facial rejuvenation, the needles help to stimulate the flow of energy (qi) and blood circulation, which can help improve muscle tone, skin elasticity, and collagen production, leading to a more youthful and radiant appearance.
Cosmetic acupuncture also helps to relax facial muscles, which can visibly tone and smooth skin around the eyes, forehead, and mouth and reduce fine lines. The needles can also be placed in areas that promote lymphatic drainage in the face, contributing to a more sculpted and defined appearance.
So if you’re at all concerned about the side effects associated with injectables—although if you book with a reputable practitioner you’re drastically reducing any risk—facial or cosmetic acupuncture is a safe, gentle and minimal-risk alternative with no downtime.