What is a carbon peel?

Laser skin peels have been gaining enormous popularity over the last 10 years. The reason for this is the effectiveness, safety and non-invasiveness of the techniques. In this article, we would like to introduce you to a relatively new type of laser peel — carbon peels.

Carbon dioxide peeling is a procedure that actively cleanses and lifts the skin. As the name suggests, carbon or carbon laser peels are performed using a carbon-based gel and a neodymium laser.

The technique appeared not so long ago and came from Asia to the USA, and then spread all over the world. In western countries, this peel is referred to as «Hollywood peel» due to the high popularity of this method in cosmetology clinics in Los Angeles. It is used for face, neck and hand care.

Laser carbon peel: principle of action

Before the procedure, a special carbon-based gel is applied to the skin. It has a distinctive grey-black colour. After the gel has dried a little on the surface of the skin, a neodymium laser kicks in. This laser has a wavelength of up to 1064 nm.

Under the influence of laser radiation (it acts exactly on carbon) carbon particles are broken down into smaller particles. This effect causes dead epidermal cells to peel off, cleanses the pores and stimulates the natural processes of cellular regeneration through the thermal effect.

Carbon dioxide peels: benefits of the procedure
carbon peeling

• Suitable for all skin types, including oily and problematic skin;
• Helps fight acne, post-acne, enlarged pores;
• Stimulates the natural processes of cell regeneration;
• Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effect;
• Helps to fight signs of ageing and photo-aging;
• Suitable at any age, from 16-20 years (depending on individual indications);
• Minimum required rehabilitation period.

Despite all the aforementioned advantages, the technique is slightly less effective in older age and against deep wrinkles. Carbon peels also have a number of indications and contraindications. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with these before you visit a beauty centre.

Carbon dioxide peels: indications and contraindications for the procedure

Carbon dioxide peels are suitable for use on the face, neck, hands (and sometimes back) for the following indications:

• Enlarged pores;
• Oily skin with signs of acne and post-acne;
• Presence of comedones;
• Normal or combination skin with fine lines and wrinkles;
• Acne, comedones (not in active stage);
• Fine lines and wrinkles (first mimic and age lines);
• Hyperpigmentation;
• Decreased skin turgor;
• Couperose.

Naturally, even if indicated, the procedure must be prescribed by a cosmetologist after prior consultation. There are also a number of cases in which laser carbon peels are contraindicated.

Carbon peels: contraindications

• Dry, thin skin;
• The presence of cancer;
• Keloid scars;
• Active acne;
• Chronic skin conditions;
• Pregnancy and lactation period.

The benefits of the procedure or what the laser carbon peel has to offer

Before we explain the expected benefits of the procedure, we must point out that the result of the peeling is individual. It all depends on the characteristics of the skin, genetics and the number of sessions performed. Often, cosmetologists prescribe a course of carbon peels to achieve the desired effect.

In spite of this, the technique is usually well-received and has been shown to be effective in fighting acne and post-acne, as well as preventing ageing and combating the first signs of age-related changes.

The effect of carbon peels

• Antioxidant and antibacterial effect;
• Reduction of inflammation and skin purification;
• Regulation of sebum function and elimination of oily shine;
• Narrowing of pores;
• Improves and evens skin surface;
• Smoothening the skin tone;
• Removal of fine lines and wrinkles;
• Increasing collagen and elastin production;
• Improves skin turgor.
• Due to the absorption function of carbon, the skin is cleaned deep in the pores, after which the laser destroys the kabon particles together with the absorbed buildup.

At the same time, these macroblasts of carbon help exfoliate surface dead cells of the epidermis, which gives a refreshing effect and a beautifully even and velvety skin tone after a while. The thermal effect of the laser stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which results in an intense lifting of the skin.

When and how often should I undergo carbon peels?

Although the technique of carbon fibre rejuvenation and cleansing is performed using a laser, it is recommended at any time of the year, even in summer. In contrast to chemical peels, for instance. Chemical peels are only performed in the autumn to spring, when exposure to the sun’s rays is minimal. Carbon peels are an all-season treatment. However, after it should follow a series of important care recommendations. About them we will tell a little later.

As for the nuances of the procedure, it is not recommended to perform it during acne exacerbation. Peels are also less effective against intensified age-related changes. For instance, a carbon peel will not smooth out deep wrinkles at the age of 70+, but the rejuvenating effect of the procedure will still be visible.

Naturally, before the peel cosmetologist consults with the client about the features of the methodology, its capabilities and indications for each individual case. And also makes a treatment plan to achieve the desired result. Depending on the characteristics of the skin and the expectations of the client may need from 1 to 7 sessions, which are carried out systematically with a certain time interval.

Procedure protocol
Pre-consultation

A visual examination of the client’s skin condition and the beautician’s recommendation for further action is essential. In some cases, if the client has no cosmetic contraindications and health problems, the peeling will be performed immediately after the consultation.

In other cases, for example, if the patient has acne in an acute stage, the doctor recommends waiting and coming back for the peeling after a couple of days. During the consultation, the beautician will also draw up a treatment plan. It may include one or more sessions on carbon peels, as well as other treatments and cosmetology techniques to be applied in conjunction with the peeling. It all depends on the individual parameters.

Prior to carbon peels, no facial cleansing or home peels can be performed, which can damage the skin.

Laser carbon fibre peels: step-by-step procedure

1. Make-up removal and skin cleansing. The beautician removes make-up and make-up residue from the face and neck area and cleanses the face of sebum and street dust.
2. The skin is treated with an antiseptic solution or tonic. This is very important for the prevention of skin infection.
3. Wearing protective goggles. This is especially important when it comes to facial peels. The goggles allow the client’s eyes to be protected from the glow of the laser beam.
4. Application of carbon gel. Using a brush, the beautician applies carbon gel to the treatment area (face, face and neck, back, hands). It is important to apply the gel in a thin, even layer so as not to obstruct the laser treatment of the skin surface.
5. The gel takes 8-10 minutes to dry. After the area is covered with gel, you must wait until the agent dries completely.
6. Laser treatment. The beautician then switches on the preset laser and step by step without overlap treats the surface of the skin with the laser, «destroying» the carbon gel.
7. After the treatment, the skin is cleaned.
8. A soothing alginate mask is applied to the face.

The procedure does not require the use of anaesthetics or painkillers. However, it is worth noting that the skin can still be affected by the laser. There may be a slight tingling sensation in the area to be treated. Heat can also be felt.

In some cases, when treating the skin with the laser, the practitioner will make this known to the client when moving from area to area to avoid a surprise effect.

Peculiarities of skin care after peeling

The rehabilitation period after the procedure is minimal. Depending on the individual characteristics, redness on the skin after peeling can remain for 1-2 hours, sometimes longer. There is no need for bed rest, you can immediately return to normal activities, but avoid direct sunlight.

Five important post-care nuances after the carbon peel:

1. Cream with SPF 50 protection. It is important to apply it both immediately after the session and to use it in the days following the procedure. This will protect the renewed skin from the damaging effects of UV rays. It is important to do this both in summer and at other times of the year.
2. Do not use make-up after the procedure (the same day and the next day).
   In the week following the procedure, avoid visiting baths, saunas and swimming pools, where the skin can be exposed to abrasive substances or heat.
3. Wash your face with micellar water or face foam, exclude the use of home peels or products with abrasive particles for 3-5 days.
4. Do not use products containing alcohol for the next 3-5 days.
5. It is also recommended to use moisturising products such as creams, serums and sprays during active recovery.

In conclusion, we would like to point out that the carbon peel is an effective technique to combat acne and post-acne, fighting the first signs of age-related changes. The method is excellent for the care of oily, combination and normal skin, but is not suitable for people with dry skin.