How Skin, Stress and Acupuncture Are Connected

Our skin is the largest organ of the body. It is the first thing people see. Our skin can provide many clues to our health. When people are glowing and looking beautiful it is often our skin that conveys how we feel. When we are feeling calm and grounded our skin may look radiant. When we are feeling tired, exhausted and overwhelmed, our skin may look patchy, irregular and thin. 

How can we take care of our skin? Holistic skin care involves nurturing both our external and internal selves.

One of the most popular ingredients in anti-aging skincare today is retinoic acid, a powerful vitamin A compound known to improve fine lines, acne, and skin texture. Dermatologists have used it for decades because it helps skin cells renew faster and increases the production of collagen—the protein that keeps skin firm. But while retinoic acid works from the outside, it doesn’t address what might be going on beneath the surface: stress and anxiety, which are major triggers for premature aging and skin problems.

When you feel stressed or anxious, your body produces more cortisol, the “stress hormone.” Cortisol breaks down collagen, increases inflammation, and can slow down skin healing. It’s one reason people notice more breakouts, redness, or dry skin when they’re going through tough times. In fact, research shows that chronic stress can make the skin more sensitive and even speed up visible aging.

That’s where acupuncture comes in. Acupuncture is a time-tested practice that helps balance the nervous system and reduce anxiety. When used for skin health, it’s sometimes called cosmetic acupuncture—but the benefits go much deeper. By calming the mind and improving circulation, acupuncture can reduce inflammation, support collagen production, and give the skin a brighter, healthier appearance.

Unlike creams or serums, acupuncture helps reset the body's stress response, which allows the skin to heal and regenerate naturally. It helps regulate hormones, calm the digestive system (which also affects skin), and improve sleep—all things that support long-term skin health. Some people notice a healthy glow after just one treatment. Over time, results include smoother skin, fewer breakouts, and a more relaxed face.

We often tell our clients: think of retinoic acid as an external trainer for your skin, and acupuncture as the internal coach. When paired together, they create a powerful combination for skin aging that addresses both the surface and the root causes.

It’s also important to know that anxiety can lead to behaviors that worsen skin problems—like picking at your face, poor sleep, eating inflammatory foods, or skipping your skincare routine. Acupuncture helps people gain control of their habits by reducing the anxiety that fuels them. And by stimulating certain points on the face and body, we help the skin detoxify and tone naturally.

Scientific studies now confirm what traditional Chinese medicine has long known: the skin and the mind are closely linked. One study from the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that patients who received acupuncture for facial aging also reported improvements in sleep, mood, and overall wellbeing. Another study published in Journal of Inflammation Research showed that stress reduction through acupuncture was linked with lower inflammation markers in the body, which also affect the skin.

So if you’re investing in retinoids, sunscreen, and facials—but ignoring your stress—you might be missing a major part of the picture. Beautiful skin begins with balance, inside and out. Taking charge of your anxiety isn’t just good for your mind—it could also be your skin’s best anti-aging strategy.