TEAS reduces wrinkle scores and improves patient-reported facial aging outcomes in 90-participant RCTCan a gentle electrical treatment reduce facial wrinkles? A small study suggests yes

Journal of cosmetic dermatology Published April 6, 2026 Study authors: Luo Yi, Yu Hai, Pan Linxin, Yang Chun, Zhang Jie, Yu Tingting, Li Wangjiao, Li Xiansheng, Xu Jing PubMed ↗ DOI ↗ Editorial oversight: Dr. Ji-eun Park, MD · Brain, Mind & Pain

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Key Takeaway

Consider TEAS for wrinkle reduction in facial aging, but evidence is limited to small RCT without safety data.

A randomized controlled trial evaluated transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) for facial skin aging in 90 participants. The intervention involved 30-minute TEAS treatments five times weekly for four weeks, compared to acupuncture and sham-TEAS. Outcomes were assessed using the VISIA analysis system, FACE-Q scale, physician-rated and self-assessed Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS), and Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale (WSRS) at weeks 4 and 8.

TEAS significantly reduced wrinkle scores at both week 4 and week 8 compared to baseline (p < 0.001) and achieved greater improvement than acupuncture (p < 0.05). FACE-Q scores increased significantly in both TEAS and acupuncture groups compared to sham-TEAS (p < 0.01), with TEAS showing greater improvement in Social Function (p < 0.05). Physician-rated and self-assessed GAIS and WSRS scores also improved in the TEAS group (p < 0.001).

Safety data, adverse events, and discontinuation rates were not reported. The study did not report effect sizes or absolute numbers for outcomes, limiting clinical interpretation. TEAS showed limited effects on other VISIA parameters beyond wrinkle reduction. Practice relevance is constrained by the small sample size, short follow-up, and lack of safety reporting. While TEAS appears noninvasive and effective for wrinkle reduction, these findings require replication in larger trials with comprehensive safety monitoring.

What if you could smooth facial wrinkles without needles or surgery? A small study tested a gentle, non-invasive treatment called Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation (TEAS), which uses low-level electrical currents on specific facial points. Researchers compared it to traditional acupuncture and a sham treatment in 90 people over eight weeks.

The study found that people who received the TEAS treatment saw their wrinkle scores significantly improve at four and eight weeks. They also reported feeling better about their appearance and their social function compared to those who got the sham treatment. Interestingly, the electrical treatment appeared to work better than traditional acupuncture for reducing wrinkles.

It's important to note this was a relatively small study. The researchers did not report how many people experienced side effects or how dramatic the wrinkle changes were in real-world terms. The treatment showed limited effects on other measures of facial aging beyond wrinkles. While the results are promising for this specific approach, they are preliminary and need to be confirmed in larger, longer studies.

What this means for you:

A small study found a gentle electrical treatment may reduce facial wrinkles and improve how people feel about their skin.

Study Details

Study typeRct

EvidenceLevel 2

PublishedApr 2026

PMID41937110

View Original Abstract ↓

BACKGROUND: Skin aging is a key focus in aesthetic and dermatologic medicine. Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) is a noninvasive, acupuncture-based technique that integrates traditional meridian theory with modern electrical stimulation. This study evaluated the clinical efficacy and safety of TEAS in improving the clinical signs of facial skin aging and promoting facial rejuvenation. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of TEAS on the clinical signs of facial skin aging. METHODS: Ninety participants were randomly assigned to TEAS, acupuncture, or Sham-TEAS groups. The TEAS group received 30-min treatments, five times per week for four weeks. Primary and secondary outcomes were assessed using the VISIA analysis system and the FACE-Q scale. RESULTS: TEAS significantly reduced wrinkle scores at week 4 and week 8 compared with baseline (p < 0.001) and achieved greater improvement than acupuncture (p < 0.05). FACE-Q scores increased significantly in the TEAS and acupuncture groups compared with Sham-TEAS (p < 0.01), with greater improvement in Social Function in the TEAS group (p < 0.05). Both physician-rated and self-assessed GAIS and WSRS scores also improved in the TEAS group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: TEAS appears to be a safe, noninvasive intervention that is primarily effective in reducing wrinkle severity and improving patient-reported outcomes, while showing limited effects on other VISIA parameters of facial skin aging.

TEAS reduces wrinkle scores and improves patient-reported facial aging outcomes in 90-participant RCTCan a gentle electrical treatment reduce facial wrinkles? A small study suggests yes

Study Details

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TEAS reduces wrinkle scores and improves patient-reported facial aging outcomes in 90-participant RCTCan a gentle electrical treatment reduce facial wrinkles? A small study suggests yes

Study Details

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