What Are the Benefits of Acupuncture for Acne?

Though there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that the use of acupuncture for acne will clear a person's skin, many people who use this treatment consider it an effective treatment. One possible benefit of using acupuncture for acne is that it could decrease the severity of breakouts or eliminate them entirely. Acne often causes psychological problems, such as low self-esteem, so clearing up the condition can help people feel better about themselves. Even if acupuncture does not successfully clear up a case of acne, there is little risk in attempting the treatment.

The main benefit of using acupuncture for acne is that it may be able to help eliminate pimples on a person's face and body. Though not everyone who undergoes acupuncture treatment will see an improvement, many patients claim that they do. Acupuncture may be able to decrease the severity of acne breakouts or even to eliminate them entirely in some patients. In most cases, however, acupuncture is prescribed along with topical or oral medicinal herbs, so it is not clear whether acupuncture alone is effective against acne breakouts.

Patients who are treated with acupuncture for acne may also experience higher self-esteem and less anxiety about their looks. Many people with acne are self-conscious about the way their skin looks and may withdraw socially because of this. Treating acne is important not only for the health of a patient's skin but for the mental health of the patient as well. If the use of acupuncture for acne is effective, patients may begin to feel better about themselves. Acupuncture treatments are also believed to help decrease anxiety and promote a sense of well-being, so even if the treatment for acne is unsuccessful, it is possible for patients to experience these benefits.

While the use of acupuncture for acne is unproven, it is considered to be a safe and non-invasive procedure. Some acne treatments involve strong chemicals that must be rubbed into the skin frequently or hormones that can alter a person's body chemistry. Patients who cannot use these treatments or who do not wish to treat acne with medication can try acupuncture as an alternative. Though the treatment may not work, it isn't likely that it will cause the condition to worsen. If the use of acupuncture for acne is effective, the patient will be able to avoid the use of acid washes and strong medications.