With age, many people look for a unique facial treatment that can enhance their complexion and improve the appearance of their skin for a healthier and younger-looking appearance. Laser carbon peels use innovative laser technology to achieve a glowing complex and improve various signs of aging. Popular benefits of a laser carbon peel include:
- Anti-aging: Carbon laser facials are an innovative treatment that can tighten dilated pores and improve the appearance of wrinkles, creases other signs of aging. A laser carbon peel is an effective treatment to improve the complexion and appearance of the skin.
- Stimulate collagen and elastin production: A carbon laser facial treatment helps to improve the appearance and health of the skin by stimulating elastin and collagen production. Collagen is a protein your body naturally produces that helps to improve blood flow to the skin and overall skin elasticity while also reducing visible signs of aging.
- Acne treatment: Another useful aspect of a laser carbon peel is improving the signs of acne and an acne breakout. Laser treatments can help improve the appearance of acne while reducing post-breakout scarring and discoloration. A carbon laser facial can achieve these effects while removing damaged, unhealthy skin cells from the superficial epidermal layer of the skin.
- Prevents whiteheads and blackheads: In addition to improving the appearance of active acne breakouts, a carbon laser facial can also help clear clogged or blocked pores, improving whiteheads and blackheads. White and blackheads often develop when a pore becomes clogged and dirty and oil builds up, creating a blockage.
- Versatile treatment: A carbon laser facial is a versatile treatment that can improve various aspects of the skin’s appearance and texture. Collagen and elastin production can improve skin discoloration, uneven pigmentation, dark spots, dry skin, oily skin and even some forms of scarring.
Carbon Laser Peel vs. Chemical Peels
A carbon laser peel and a chemical peel are both innovative facial treatments that can achieve similar results for a glowing, radiant complexion. The main difference between these two treatments is how you achieve these results. A carbon laser peel can help rejuvenate skin through heat generated from the laser treatment. On the other hand, a chemical peel improves the appearance of the skin through a chemical reaction.
While both treatments are effective, people with sensitive skin should typically undergo a carbon laser facial, as this procedure is gentler on the skin than a chemical peel. Laser carbon facials are also ideal for patients who may have eczema or other underlying skin conditions. Additionally, a laser carbon peel does not require downtime, as chemical peels typically need.
What Is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel, also known as a facial peel, is a facial rejuvenation treatment that uses a chemical solution to remove the damaged top layers of skin. Following a chemical peel, the skin grows back smoother and healthier. There are three depths of chemical peels, including light, medium and deep chemical peels.
A deep chemical peel offers the most noticeable results but typically requires a longer period of downtime. In some cases, patients undergoing a light or medium chemical peel may require multiple treatments to achieve the desired results. Chemical peels are an innovative treatment that can improve the appearance of wrinkles, acne, scarring, discoloration and more.
How to Prep Before a Carbon Laser Facial
Before a carbon laser facial, you’ll have an initial consultation to discuss various aspects of your treatment and determine realistic expectations and possible results. During your consultation, your physician will also inform you of any potential risks and how to prepare for your procedure. If you have sensitive skin or underlying dermatological conditions, you’ll want to inform your physician of these.
Once you’ve scheduled your treatment, your physician will provide you with detailed instructions on what to expect and how to prepare for your next visit. It’s generally recommended that you avoid tanning or activities that may lead to excess sun exposure. As always, even if you’re in the sun for a short amount of time, you should wear sunscreen to protect your skin.
In the three days leading up to your laser carbon peel, you’ll need to avoid any medication that may increase your photosensitivity to lower the risk of damage to your skin from the lasers. While your physician will help you determine if you need to stop taking a medication, the most common medications to avoid before a carbon laser facial include methotrexate, acne medications, antibiotics and tricyclic antidepressants.
What to Expect During a Carbon Facial Procedure
A carbon laser facial treatment is a multi-step procedure that takes approximately 30 minutes to perform. It’s sometimes referred to as a lunchtime facial or peel due to its short length. To start, your physician will apply a layer of liquid carbon to the face. This liquid carbon will bind to dirt, oil and dead skin cells deeper within your skin and pores. It will take about 10 minutes for this liquid to dry.
Once the carbon has dried, your physician will provide you with goggles to shield your eyes from the laser. A laser, typically in a low-energy setting, will pass over the treatment area to heat the carbon to bind it to the skin. The laser’s heat can improve various aspects of your complexion and boost your skin’s natural production of elastin and collagen.
Next, a smoke evaporator with the laser removes the carbon and the impurities attached to it. Following this step, your physician will apply a hydrating moisturizer to your skin. After treatment, you’ll notice brighter, healthier and smoother skin immediately. If you have sensitive skin, you may experience slightly inflamed or irritated skin, which typically only lasts for one hour or less.
Carbon Laser Peel Side Effects
A carbon laser peel is a painless facial treatment that requires little to no recovery or downtime. Because a carbon laser peel is a virtually painless procedure, it’s often recommended for patients who have sensitive skin or underlying dermatological conditions. Another benefit of a carbon laser peel is that it causes little to no side effects.
In most cases, patients may only experience a tingling sensation, slight inflammation or skin irritation. These symptoms quickly fade within one hour after treatment. Other than these mild symptoms, patients should experience little to no side effects following treatment. When an expert performs a laser carbon peel, even these minor symptoms are less likely to occur.
Your physician will also provide you with any post-treatment instructions to ensure your skin remains healthy and glowing. In most cases, gently moisturizing the facial skin after treatment can ensure your complexion remains bright and healthy. Patients often notice their skin continues to improve over time due to the increased production of elastin and collagen.
Carbon Facial Post-Care
Following a carbon facial treatment, you should avoid direct sunlight for at least 12 to 24 hours. You’ll also want to wash your face two to three times a day using a gentle facial cleanser. It is important to keep your face clean, as well as your bedding and pillows. Your physician may recommend a salicylic acid-based product or a benzoyl peroxide product.
You should avoid harsh facial scrubs or exfoliants in the days after your treatment, as these can easily irritate the skin. Depending on the medication you take regularly, you may need to temporarily stop certain medications, including oral acne medicine. Use sunscreen whenever you go outside and establish a facial washing routine with a gentle oil-free cleanser.
Any redness from a carbon laser facial will improve within one to two hours after treatment, leaving behind a smooth, bright complexion. Additionally, patients will notice improvement of acne scars and enlarged pores.
While a carbon laser peel is an effective treatment, most physicians recommend multiple treatments to achieve the desired results. Some patients may achieve their goals with one treatment, and others might need two to three carbon peel laser treatments. Carbon laser facials should be spaced out at least two weeks apart from one another. Your physician can help you determine how many treatments you may need and how much you should space them out.
Is a Carbon Laser Peel Right for You?
A carbon laser peel may be right for you if you’re looking to improve the appearance of wrinkles, creases and fine lines. Additionally, people with enlarged pores, oily skin, facial scarring and acne-prone skin may also be ideal candidates for a carbon laser peel. To determine if carbon laser skin resurfacing is right for you, you’ll want to schedule a consultation with a dermatologist. A carbon laser facial can also be an ideal treatment for various skin lesions, imperfections and hyperpigmentation.
While many people are ideal candidates, certain conditions may make you ineligible to receive a carbon laser facial. It is important to schedule an initial conversation with a trained professional who can help determine if carbon dioxide laser resurfacing is right for you. If you’re pregnant, have a history of cold sores or have very dry or sensitive skin, a carbon laser facial may not be right for you.
Certain pre-existing conditions may make you ineligible for carbon peel laser treatments. However, once you treat certain conditions, you may be eligible for carbon layer facials. For example, patients with active skin infections or open skin wounds may qualify to receive a carbon peel laser treatment once this infection or wound has healed properly.
