Wrinkles are something we all notice at some point in our lives. In the mirror, in a photo, or if someone points them out. For many of us, they're a reminder of the years we've lived and the experiences we've all had. 

At EastWest Microneedling, we see wrinkles as a mixture of both signs of wisdom and laughter, but also a signal from the body that the skin may need some extra care.

Here's what we have learned over the years, both personally and in practice about why wrinkles form, what we can do about them and how Integrative Microneedling can help.

Why Wrinkles Develop

There are several common reasons why wrinkles show up

  • The Natural Aging Process. As we get older, our skin becomes less elastic and more fragile. Oil production slows down, fat beneath the skin thins and lines and sagging appear more pronounced. This is simply part of the body's natural rhythm

  • Smoking. We have seen first hand how smoking accelerates aging of the skin. From a TCM perspective, it damages Lung Qi which governs skin health. Whether it's tobacco or cannabis, smoke dries and heats the skin, leading to wrinkles and dullness

  • Dehydration. Sometimes wrinkles deepen simply because the skin isn't getting enough hydration. This can be from not drinking enough water, poor cellular absorption or living in a dry climate. Something we often see here in Colorado! In TCM terms, this is often linked to Yin deficiency

  • Poor Diet. Healthy skin depends on essential nutrients like fatty acids and antioxidants. Without them, skin loses it's glow and radiance. We often recommend focusing on whole foods that nourish the body from the inside out. One of our favorite nutrition books that combines a modern understanding of nutrition with Chinese medicine is Healing With Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition by Paul Pitchford. There’s great information in there about how to keep your skin healthy through nutrition.

  • Sun Damage. This is a BIG one. UV exposure is the number one cause of premature wrinkling. It breaks down collagen and elastin, the fibers that keep skin firm and youthful

  • Repeated Facial Expressions. Smiling, frowning and squinting. All of these etch grooves into the skin over time. Some wrinkles carry cherished memories, others not so much

  • TCM Perspective. The result of qi and blood deficiency, and long standing yin deficiency. A general depletion of the juicy yin, relative to the drying yang. ​We sometimes visualize wrinkles as the cracks that develop at the bottom of a dried up riverbed.

Where

Wrinkles usually first appear around more mobile areas, such as the lips and the eyes and forehead where the skin is naturally thinner, and also where we make habitual expressions, such as squinting, frowning and raising the eyebrows. They also tend to form around joints, such as wrists, elbows and knees, though they can form anywhere on the body.

How Integrative Microneedling Helps

  • By creating controlled micro-trauma to the skin, microneedling encourages the body to produce new collagen and elastin. This helps restore firmness, smoothness and thickness to the skin.


  • Integrative Microneedling increases the absorption of topical serums, amplifying their healing and nourishing benefits


  • On a deeper level, microneedling, combined with acupuncture and other adjunctive therapies, allows us to work not just with the skin but with the whole body. This holistic approach supports healing, improves circulation and nourishes yin

Final Thoughts


Wrinkles will always be a part of being human and in many ways, they are beautiful reminders of the lives we have lived. If your clients are looking for ways to soften them, reduce sun damage and support their skin naturally, Integrative Microneedling offers a gentle yet powerful option. 

As Integrative Microneedling practitioners and teachers, we see time and time again how one's skin feels smoother, stronger, brighter and more vibrant, and patients who feel more confident in their own skin.