Denver’s high elevation offers great views and crisp air, but it also presents unique challenges to those seeking supple and youthful skin. The dry climate, intense sun exposure, and fluctuating temperatures can make maintaining a glowing complexion as elusive as finding the perfect powder day in June. Enter cosmetic acupuncture, an ancient Chinese practice experiencing a renaissance for its ability to rejuvenate the complexion and restore a radiant, youthful glow—all without reliance on neurotoxin-filled needles or harsh chemicals.
Garryn Gauthier, a licensed acupuncturist and owner of Denver-based acupuncture studio Wellnest, is at the vanguard of this resurgence, using her years of experience to hone a state-of-the-art approach to cosmetic acupuncture. “My technique minimizes fine lines and softens deep wrinkles, making them less noticeable,” Gauthier explains.
What is it about this time-honored practice that makes it so effective? Cosmetic acupuncture involves inserting ultra-thin needles into the dermis, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin—essential proteins for skin firmness and elasticity. According to a 2013 study, facial acupuncture significantly improved skin elasticity, while a 2017 study found that it noticeably lifted participants’ jawline.
Along with its antiaging benefits, cosmetic acupuncture addresses issues unique to our city’s climate, such as dryness and discoloration. The increased circulation and oxygenation provided by the treatment can prove transformative for those living in Denver, where the thin air and arid climate can wreak havoc on even the most pampered skin.
As more people adopt a holistic approach to beauty, they’re discovering that cosmetic acupuncture offers a compelling alternative to Botox and fillers. “Cosmetic acupuncture’s popularity is partly because it gives people a natural alternative to Botox,” says Gauthier. “More individuals today want to age gracefully without looking like they’ve had work done.”
While Wellnest is just one of many studios offering cosmetic acupuncture treatments in Denver, Gauthier’s expertise and commitment to the craft have made her an authority on this rising beauty trend. For those eager to combat the effects of Denver’s dry climate on their skin, this ancient practice promises a rejuvenating experience that goes more than skin deep.
