Short answer: choose microneedling if you are targeting acne scarring, stretch marks, sun damage or deeper lines and want the treatment with stronger evidence behind it. Choose facial acupuncture if you want something gentle with no downtime, or if stress and sleep are part of what is showing up on your face. Many people alternate between the two.
Both treatments use fine needles and both aim for fresher, firmer skin, so they are easy to confuse. They work differently, feel different, and suit different goals. Here is how they compare at Key Element Acupuncture in Westminster, where both are performed by a licensed acupuncturist.
Facial acupuncture vs. microneedling at a glance
| Facial rejuvenation acupuncture | Microneedling | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Hair-fine needles in the face and body to increase circulation and improve tone, followed by facial cupping and gua sha | Ultra-fine needles create microscopic channels that trigger collagen and skin cell renewal |
| Best for | A fresher, rested look, tone and firmness, and stress or sleep showing on your face | Acne scarring, stretch marks, sun damage, fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin |
| Strength of evidence | Research is thin compared with microneedling | Stronger evidence, particularly for acne scarring and deeper lines |
| Treats the whole body? | Yes. Body points are part of every session | Skin only, but it can be combined with acupuncture in the same visit |
| Downtime | None | Redness for 8 to 12 hours |
| When you see results | A fresher look right away (mostly circulation). Lasting change comes from the full series | Full benefit 3 to 6 weeks after each session |
| Typical plan | Series of 10, ideally twice a week for five weeks, then monthly | About monthly until you reach your goal |
| Price at Key Element | $140 each, or $1,300 for 10 | $300 each, $750 for 3, or $1,350 for 6 |
What is facial rejuvenation acupuncture?
Facial rejuvenation acupuncture, also called cosmetic or facial acupuncture, places very fine needles in the face and the body. The facial points aim to increase local circulation, stimulate collagen production and lymphatic drainage, and improve tone in the face, jaw and neck. The body points address what is happening underneath, because stress and poor sleep eventually show up on your face. Every session at Key Element finishes with gentle facial cupping and jade gua sha.
It is the more restful option. Most people find it deeply relaxing, and a good number fall asleep. The research behind cosmetic acupuncture is thinner than for microneedling, so it is chosen as much for how it feels as for what it changes. Autumn will tell you that honestly rather than promise a result.
Why a series of 10?
It takes the body about a month to begin producing new collagen, so stopping early means stopping before the point of the treatment. Ten sessions, ideally two a week for five weeks, gives it time to work. After that, most patients come monthly to hold the result.
What is microneedling?
Microneedling uses ultra-fine needles to create thousands of microscopic channels in the skin. That controlled micro-injury triggers the skin’s own collagen and cell renewal, so it rebuilds from the lower layers up. It involves no injections, no abrasion and no toxins, and because it prompts your own collagen rather than adding anything, results look like your skin.
At Key Element a session runs 45 to 50 minutes, with about 20 minutes of microneedling and light therapy for the rest. Autumn uses the AcuMicro Pen Plus, which oscillates at 18,000 rpm and makes the procedure more comfortable than slower pens. A light numbing cream is available if you would like one.
Which should I choose?
Choose facial acupuncture if…
- You want no downtime at all
- You are as interested in how you feel as how you look
- Stress, sleep or digestion are part of the picture
- You prefer the gentlest option
Choose microneedling if…
- You are targeting acne scarring, stretch marks or deeper lines
- Years of Colorado sun have left sun damage or age spots
- You want the treatment with the stronger evidence behind it
- A few hours of redness is not a problem for your schedule
Not sure? Many patients alternate between the two. Call (720) 443-2248 and Autumn will help you work out which suits your skin and your schedule.
How to prepare for microneedling
- Avoid fillers or Botox for one month before your treatment
- Stop using retinol two days before
- Arrive with a clean face
Microneedling aftercare: what to expect day by day
- The first 8 to 12 hours: your skin may be red, similar to a mild sunburn.
- The rest of day one: no makeup, no sweating or workouts, and no products other than the hyaluronic acid you are given at the end of your visit.
- The next morning: most people return to their normal routine.
- Weeks 3 to 6: the full benefit of the treatment appears as the skin completes its collagen rebuilding cycle.
- About a month later: your next session, if you are continuing toward your goal.
Why see an acupuncturist instead of a med spa?
Microneedling is needle technique, and Autumn is a licensed acupuncturist with years of training in exactly that, including clean needle technique. She can also combine microneedling or facial acupuncture with a body acupuncture treatment in the same visit, which a med spa cannot offer.
Every treatment is given by Autumn Jensen, L.Ac., MSOM: a licensed acupuncturist in Colorado, a Diplomate of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (NCCAOM), and a Nationally Certified Chinese Herbalist, with a Masters of Oriental Medicine from Southwest Acupuncture College, more than 3,000 hours of education, and over 1,000 hours of clinical practice.
“I have been getting microneedling done on my face for a couple of months and I am thrilled with the results. My skin is clearer, brighter, and fresher.” — Julie
“I experienced a facial session with her recently and my skin was noticeably improved right after! I was glowing, my fine lines looked better.” — Cailey
Where is Key Element Acupuncture?
Key Element Acupuncture is at 9035 Wadsworth Pkwy, Suite 3450, Westminster, CO 80021, inside the Silo Office Building at 90th and Wadsworth. It sits just off Highway 36 between Denver and Boulder, and patients come from Westminster, Broomfield, Arvada, Thornton and across the north Denver metro. Hours are Monday 11:00am to 5:00pm, Tuesday 9:00am to 1:00pm, Wednesday 1:00pm to 6:00pm, and Thursday 11:00am to 4:00pm. Call (720) 443-2248 if you cannot find a time online, because Autumn will do her best to fit you in.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, facial acupuncture or microneedling?
It depends on your goal. Microneedling is stronger and more targeted, with better evidence for acne scarring, deeper lines and sun damage. Facial acupuncture is gentler, has no downtime, and treats your whole system as well as your skin. Many patients alternate between the two.
Is there downtime after microneedling?
You may be red for 8 to 12 hours. For the rest of that day, avoid makeup, sweating and any product other than the hyaluronic acid provided at the end of your visit. Most people return to normal activity the next morning.
Is there downtime after facial acupuncture?
No. You may look slightly flushed for a short while from the increased circulation, and occasionally a small bruise appears where a needle went in. Most people go straight back to their day.
How much do facial acupuncture and microneedling cost near Denver?
At Key Element in Westminster, facial rejuvenation acupuncture is $140 a session or $1,300 for the recommended series of 10. Microneedling is $300 a session, $750 for three, or $1,350 for six.
When will I see results from microneedling?
The full benefit of each treatment appears 3 to 6 weeks later, as the skin completes its collagen rebuilding cycle. Results build with each monthly session.
Can I combine microneedling with acupuncture?
Yes. Because Autumn is a licensed acupuncturist, microneedling can be paired with acupuncture in the same visit, which a med spa cannot offer.
This article is general educational information, not medical advice. It does not replace an evaluation by your own health care provider. If you have a medical emergency, call 911.