Cosmetic acupuncture has a long history in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) of treating skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, and signs of aging. Traditionally, TCM has used face & body acupuncture, herbal medicine, topical application of herbs, moxibustion, gua sha, massage, nutrition, and meditation. The modern practice of cosmetic acupuncture also employs natural skincare products and machines such as microcurrent, ultrasound, and galvanic.

If you are in San Diego we recommend treatments at Cinnabar Acupuncture. This allows us to use all our traditional diagnostic methods such as reading the tongue and pulse and to perform treatments. The following is a typical treatment schedule:

Under 35: single treatment as needed
35-49: a series of 5 treatments, 1-2 times per year
50+: a series of 10 treatments, 1-2 times per year

If you are not local, we offer online consultations (via GoogleHangout or Skype) where we educate of proper skincare regimens, nutrition, and lifestyle to help you achieve healthy, vibrant skin. Simply click on the button titled “online consultation”.

The 302 compound is extracted from organic avocados and has the following benefits:

• thickens the epidermis (the epidermis weakens with age, chronic inflammation, and excess exfoliation)
• calms inflammation (excellent for rosacea)
• softens the skin
• increases the energy in your skin cells (makes your skin glow)
• regulates sebaceous activity
• softens scar tissue

Contraindicated with use of acids and benzoyl peroxide. These ingredients exfoliate while 302 compound builds the epidermis. Used together the skin is asked to do two opposite things at once which can cause inflammation.

Vitamin A (retinol, retinoic acid, retinyl palmitate, etc.) is a tricky ingredient that both provides numerous benefits and potential side effects. It requires care and observation in order to come to the right dose for the individual where benefits are maximized while avoiding side effects. Vitamin A is excellent for almost every skin condition except sensitive. Benefits of Vitamin A include:

• Increase vascularization
• Increases cell turnover
• Weeds defective cells
• Improves skin thickness and resilience
• Provides visible blemish reduction

Signs of excessive Vitamin A:

• Dryness
• Flaking
• Redness
• Little red bumps

Contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Vitamin C is a gentle yet powerful antioxidant with many skin benefits, It fits easily into almost any skincare regimen. Vitamin C:

• Protects against sun damage
• Thickens the dermis
• Brightens the skin
• Regulates pigmentation
• Stimulates collagen

302 Skincare uses a lipid-based Vitamin C called tetrahexydecyl ascorbate (THDCA) or BV-OSC. It does not oxidize (i.e. turn brown) as L-ascorbic acid does, it has a 5 year shelf-life, and remains active on the skin for 48 hours (meaning you only need apply it every other night).

Peptides are proteins (chains of amino acids) that have a softening and smoothing effect on the skin. They are a vital component in any antiaging regimen.

Excessive use of peptides can cause temporary tiny white bumps (white heads).

These products address special skin conditions:

302 Skincare cleansers do not contain irritants commonly found in cleansers such as sulfonates, betaines, or phenoxyethanol.

302 Moisturizers are noncomedogenic (don’t clog pores) and do not create dependency. Use them as needed to keep your skin balanced.

Sunscreens protect against excessive sun exposure that cause premature aging and some skin cancers. However, chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the body where they eventually must be processed by the liver and kidneys, potentially causing toxicity, hormone imbalance, and even contributing to cancer. Mineral sunscreens sit on the surface of the skin and reflect the sun’s rays back. Only choose sunscreens containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide under active ingredients. Mineral sunscreens do not require you to apply 30 minutes prior to sun exposure as you do not have to wait for a chemical reaction; they work instantly. 302 Skincare sunscreens contain only mineral sunscreens and no other actives or moisturizers making them very safe and versatile.