Oh, the things I do for my readers, the lengths I go in the name of research before recommending a beauty treatment! I just had a facial with needles. You heard me—needles.
Okay, so they were acupuncture needles—so thin as to be nearly invisible—and I’m happy to report that it didn’t hurt a bit. Just a couple of pinches—extractions and threading are way more uncomfortable. Here’s the deal: Eric Baron, who’s been needling his patients for the past 12 years, inserts the needles into treatment areas—forehead, between the brows, crow’s feet region—and then lets you drift away; it’s that relaxing. The needles cause a micro trauma to the area, increasing blood flow and collagen production, improving the elasticity of the skin. After the needles are removed, Christie Lavigne administers a 30-minute seasonal facial that exfoliates, moisturizes, and firms with delightfully scented all-natural products.
“For people who are averse to the idea of Botox or plastic surgery, cosmetic acupuncture is a holistic way of improving skin tone, reducing the appearance of fine lines, and tightening up facial muscles,” Baron says, noting that the practice has been used for centuries in China and other Asian countries. “From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, “qi”, or energy disruptions, are corrected providing a healthier glow to the skin, as well as an overall sense of well-being.”
This is not a treatment for someone wanting a quick fix; improvements are subtle and gradual, but can last for several years with quarterly maintenance visits. $135 for one acupuncture treatment plus $75 for the facial, although a series of 10 treatments over five weeks is recommended; a package of 10 cosmetic acupuncture treatments and five facials purchased up front will be $1,500, at Oasis (50 Livingstone Ave, Dobbs Ferry, 914-409-1900).
