The laser carbon peel is a fast and painless procedure done to help instantly improve the look of skin.
It’s used primarily by people with oily skin, acne, and enlarged or clogged pores. This treatment is also beneficial if you’re starting to see the effects of sun damage to your skin.
Laser carbon peels are not for everyone. In this article, we’ll go over the benefits and effectiveness of this procedure so that you can best determine if this treatment is the right one for you.
What are the benefits of a laser carbon peel?
Laser carbon peels deeply exfoliate skin. They also help stimulate collagen production.
- Laser carbon peels are used to treat:
- acne
- acne pigmentation
- acne scarring
- enlarged and clogged pores
- melasma
- photoaging
- fine lines and wrinkles
Chemical peels also treat these skin conditions, but here are some of the main differences between the two:
- laser carbon peels use heat instead of chemicals for results
- laser carbon peels require no down time
- people with sensitive skin or skin conditions like eczema will usually experience less redness and irritation after a carbon peel than from a chemical peel
What’s the procedure for a laser carbon peel?
Be sure to make an appointment to discuss this procedure with our doctor or licensed aesthetician prior to having it done.
We recommend that you stop using retinols for around one week before the laser carbon peel. You should also use sunscreen daily during this time.
The laser carbon peel is a multi-part process that takes around 30 minutes from start to finish. For this reason, it is sometimes referred to as a lunchtime peel.
Here’s what you can expect from a typical laser carbon peel:
- Your doctor will spread a layer of liquid carbon onto your face. The carbon absorbs oil, dirt, and dead skin cells from deep within the pores.
- You’ll wait for about 10 minutes for the liquid carbon to dry.
- After the carbon has dried, your doctor will give you eye shields to protect your eyes from the laser.
- Your doctor will pass a laser, such as the Nd:YAG, over the skin on a low-energy setting. This heats up the carbon, binding it to the epidermis.
- If you have very sensitive skin or dark patches like melasma, your doctor may recommend skipping the heating step. The laser also heats up subdermal tissue, boosting collagen and plumping up fine lines.
- On a higher-energy setting, the laser will be used to fragment the liquid carbon into tiny particles.
- A smoke evaporator attached to the laser will remove the carbon as well as the debris and impurities it contains.
- Your doctor may also apply a hydrating moisturizer and sunscreen to your skin after treatment.
You should immediately see brighter, glowing skin and tighter pores.
If you have sensitive skin, you may experience a slight pinking or reddening of the skin. This usually lasts for one hour or less.
What’s aftercare like for a laser carbon peel?
Here are some do’s and don’ts for laser carbon peel aftercare:
Treat your skin gently after getting a laser carbon peel by continuing to moisturize daily.
- It’s normal to see some flaking or experience dryness for a few days,
- Use sunscreen regularly with at least SPF 30+ for several days after treatment.
- Don’t use any products containing retinol for at least five days after treatment.
- Do not exfoliate or use any abrasive or invasive skin treatments for at least one week.
- If you have oily skin, use products designed to combat acne to maintain optimum results.
- Use products containing collagen, collagen supplements, or follow a collagen-boosting diet if you have photoaged skin or fine lines.
What are the side effects of a laser carbon peel?
Apart from a slight reddening of the skin and a tingling sensation, there should be no side effects after a laser carbon peel.
It’s important to have this procedure done by an experienced and licensed professional. This will help to ensure the safety of your skin and eyes as well as provide optimal results.
Bottom Line//
Laser carbon peels can refresh and improve the look of skin, and they’re best for people with oily skin, enlarged pores, and acne. People who have minor wrinkling and photoaging may also benefit from this treatment.
Laser carbon peels are painless, and require no recovery time. Other than mild and temporary redness, there are no reported side effects.
