Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy, a key component of treating the neck, offers a multitude of benefits for rejuvenating the skin’s appearance and function. By stimulating collagen production, it enhances skin elasticity and firmness, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Moreover, specific wavelengths of LED light, including red and green, interact with skin cells at a molecular level, regulating melanin production, reducing inflammation, and promoting overall skin health. Green light therapy targets, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone, which can frequently be seen in the neck and chest area.
Red light therapy, with its broad range of benefits, stimulates cellular energy, increases collagen synthesis, improves blood circulation, reduces inflammation, accelerates wound healing, provides pain relief, enhances skin texture, and manages pigmentation regularities. These multifaceted effects make red light therapy a versatile and effective tool in cosmetic treatments.
Microneedling
Microneedling offers a comprehensive approach to addressing various skin concerns, including neck wrinkles, which can be challenging to treat with acupuncture alone. This comfortable procedure yields long-term results, lasting up to five years with a series of treatments and consistent skin care maintenance.
By creating microchannels on the skin’s surface, microneedling stimulates a healing response that enhances collagen and elastin production, resulting in firmer skin, scar reduction, and wrinkle smoothing. Clinical studies have demonstrated its efficacy in stimulating collagen and elastin, with significant increases recorded in biopsy samples.
Moreover, microneedling enhances the absorption of skin care products by opening the skin temporarily, allowing for better penetration of active ingredients and maximizing their effectiveness. This improved absorption can be particularly beneficial for products with large molecules like hyaluronic acid and collagen, ensuring they reach the deeper layers of the skin where they can exert their full benefits.
Creating Patient Awareness
In addition to the protocols we can use, I am a big advocate of patient self-care. I always educate my patients regarding things they can do at home, such as proper skin care, derma rolling, and nutrition.
Forward Head Posture
In recent years, I have noticed an increase in younger patients with horizontal lines across the front of their neck, sometimes referred to as necklace lines. These lines can be the direct result of too much computer or cellphone time. Sometimes referred to as “tech neck,” this forward head position can affect the thyroid gland, teeth, and breathing, and can cause neck pain. I have seen it in individuals as young as age 18.
A forward head posture, often associated with prolonged periods of looking down at a cellphone or computer screen, can have several effects on the neck muscles, which, in turn, may contribute to neck wrinkles and face wrinkles. Here’s how this posture can impact these areas:
Muscle imbalance: When the head consistently leans forward, the muscles at the front of the neck, such as the sternocleidomastoid and scalene muscles, can become tight and shortened. At the same time, the muscles at the back of the neck, such as the upper trapezius and suboccipital muscles, can become elongated and weakened. This muscular imbalance can contribute to poor neck posture and strain on the surrounding tissues.
Increased tension and strain: Forward head posture places additional strain on the neck muscles and supporting structures, such as the ligaments and tendons. This increased tension can lead to muscular discomfort, stiffness, and potential trigger points that are localized knots of muscle fibers. The repetitive stress on these muscles and tissues may contribute to the development of neck wrinkles and lines.
Compression and reduced blood flow: Forward head posture can compress the structures in the neck region, including the blood vessels and nerves. This compression can reduce blood flow to the skin and surrounding tissues, potentially impacting the delivery of oxygen and nutrients, and affecting the overall health and appearance of the skin. Inadequate blood flow can contribute to skin aging and the formation of wrinkles.
Collagen breakdown: Prolonged periods of forward head posture can lead to increased pressure on the connective tissues in the neck. Over time, this pressure can potentially contribute to the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers, essential for skin elasticity. Reduced collagen and elastin can lead to the development of wrinkles and sagging skin in the neck and face areas.
Altered facial expressions: Forward head posture can affect the alignment and movement of facial muscles. The strained and imbalanced neck muscles may impact the muscles of facial expression, potentially leading to changes in the way facial expressions are formed. This alteration in facial muscle dynamics can contribute to the development of wrinkles and lines on the face.
To minimize the potential impact of forward head posture on neck and facial wrinkles, it is advisable to practice proper ergonomics and posture while using electronic devices. Taking frequent breaks, adjusting the screen height, maintaining a neutral head and neck position, and incorporating neck and shoulder exercises can help alleviate muscle tension and reduce the strain on these areas.
Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing can have various effects on the face, neck, muscles, and wrinkles. A forward head posture can result in mouth breathing, as well as allergies and other sinus issues. Here are some of the unhealthy effects of mouth breathing:3
Facial structure: Nasal breathing promotes proper development and alignment of the facial bones and structures. Chronic mouth breathing, especially during childhood, can potentially lead to a narrower upper jaw, a more elongated face, and changes in the positioning of the teeth and jaws. This can contribute to a different facial shape and appearance.
Muscular imbalance: Breathing through the mouth requires the activation of different muscles compared with nasal breathing. The muscles in the cheeks and lips may be overused in mouth breathers while the muscles responsible for nasal breathing, such as the diaphragm and the muscles around the nose, may be underused. This muscular imbalance can potentially affect the overall facial muscle tone and contribute to a different facial appearance.
Dryness and skin issues: Mouth breathing often leads to a reduction in saliva production and increased evaporation of moisture from the oral cavity. This can result in dry lips and dry skin around the mouth. The lack of moisture can also affect the skin’s barrier function and potentially contribute to skin issues, such as increased sensitivity, irritation, or inflammation.
Neck and posture: Mouth breathing can affect neck and shoulder posture. When breathing through the mouth, the position of the head and neck may change as the individual tries to open the airway. This altered posture can contribute to muscular tension, neck strain, and potential postural imbalances.
Wrinkles and lines: Constant mouth breathing may lead to the formation of specific facial wrinkles and lines. For instance, vertical lines may develop between the nose and the upper lip (known as nasolabial folds), and the corners of the mouth may droop. Additionally, the repeated action of mouth breathing and the associated facial muscle movements can contribute to the development of wrinkles around the mouth and chin area.
Editor’s Note: This article consists of several excerpts from Michelle’s upcoming book, Treating the Face: A Comprehensive Manual for Acupuncturists. Part 1 appeared in the August issue. References have been renumbered from their book originals.
Reference
3. Nestor J. Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art. London: Penguin Life, 2020.
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