Beauty Tips

I Got Cupping on My Face for Anti-Aging and It Wasn't At All What I Expected

What happened when I went all Michael Phelps on my face

by Katie McCarthy | COMMENT

PHOTO 4/8

Facial Cupping: How to Prepare I've always wanted to try acupuncture, but needles make me the opposite of relaxed; facial cupping sounded like a good, chill way to dip my toe into alternative medicine.

First, I filled out a standard-issue health questionnaire so McIntire could make sure I was a good candidate for the treatment. Then she asked me questions about my skin-care routine, medications and skin conditions. "We don't cup over sunburns, unknown rashes, spreadable rashes, open wounds, eczema, psoriasis or rosacea," she explained.

Although facial cupping won't leave you with those distinctive, spherical marks á la Michael Phelps, some people experience what's called sha -- aka petechial hemorrhages, aka broken blood vessels. The use of blood-thinning medications (e.g., ibuprofen) and topical retinol are two factors that increase your risk of sha, McIntire told me.

Because I use retinol every few days, McIntire decided she would use lighter-than-normal pressure during my treatment.

Image via Getty

SEE NEXT PAGE: Facial Cupping: The Process

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