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The Carbon Laser Peel
I am obsessed with all things relating to skin and if a new age-busting, youth-awakening treatment comes out I want to know about it. Unless you’re Jennifer Lopez having beautiful skin after your late 30s involves work! Admittedly she has big glam squad and oodles of money but us mere mortals can still achieve glowing skin in our late 30s and 40s if we adopt some good habits. And having the right type of skin treatment regularly should certainly help.
A couple of years ago the Carbon Laser Peel was particularly popular with celebs and featured in countless magazines but it has since gone quiet. A friend recently asked whether it was worth doing and I thought it would be a good idea to share my experience.
The clinic that looked after my skin at the time was offering a special introductory price for this new type of peel. I’m always excited about new treatments in the hope I will be leaving with better looking skin and who doesn’t want fresher looking complexion?!
Once my make-up had been removed the lovely aesthetician placed cotton wool over each eye and then googles. The carbon mask was applied all over my face, ready for the Spectra Laser to be used.
The laser heats and bonds the carbon to the epidermis. I quite liked the feeling of heat on my skin as I know that it’s doing magical things. Some people may be slightly sensitive in certain areas of the face. However, I didn’t experience any discomfort or sensitivity.
A “Q Switched Laser” is used for the second part of the treatment, snapping off the carbon and exfoliating the skin. The process can also dry out any blemishes and tighten pores resulting in a reduced appearance. I should mention that this laser sounds like a machine gun but it wasn’t disconcerting at all. Again, you might experience sensitivity around the upper part of face and/or around the mouth. Once all the carbon had been removed the peel is finished.
I’m the type of person that loves most treatments and despite the “machine gun” I found this peel relaxing and at around 40 minutes start to finish its quite quick. I had no redness, and no-one would’ve noticed I’d had a laser zapping away at my skin. Unlike other treatments there is no flaking or peeling which makes it ideal during your lunch break or when you don’t have time to remain in hiding for a week. Perfect for the super busy people.
My skin looked much clearer and brighter and at the introductory price of £100 it felt right. At the normal price of £180-£200 per treatment it felt toppy. This treatment was good, but I know of other peels that will give me the same result at half the price.
If you need a peel that is quick, effective and doesn’t require a recovery period the Carbon Laser Peel could be the option for you albeit at a premium price.
Always bear in mind that one treatment is not going to be as effective as a course of regular treatments.
As always, do your research and get familiar with the different types of treatments out there before making your appointment. Knowledge is power!
Who is suitable for this treatment?
This type of treatment is suitable for most skin types. Ideal if you’re looking to reduce enlarged pores, remove excessive oil and sebum and lessening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and helping pigment and hyperpigmentation damage.
Are there any side effects and does it hurt
No side-effects have ever been reported and it is a completely safe treatment to have. This is a painfree, gentle, non-invasive facial.
Are results instantaneous?
Your skin will most certainly look and feel smoother and brighter.
What is the science behind a carbon laser peel?
The carbon laser peel is an exfoliating and resurfacing treatment that uses activated carbon powder and advanced Q-switch Xlaser to treat many different skin conditions.
This peel has two stages:-
Stage 1: A carbon lotion is applied to the skin and a laser is then used to reach the dermis, creating controlled thermal damage to stimulate the healing process. This causes collagen, elastin and fibroblast production and remodelling to rejuvenate the skin and target fine lines and wrinkles. The heat that’s created also includes remodelling and contraction of the pores, making it a great treatment for those with enlarged pores. When targeted at acne, this high energy goes straight to the acne’s membrane and destroys it, reducing acne and its related inflammation.
Stage 2: The treatment includes the removal of the carbon lotion, with the short pulse Q-Switched laser. The laser breaks up the carbon into fine particles and then absorbs them, by destroying the carbon and removing the dead skin cells, oils and impurities that were bound to it. At this stage the skin receives a deep exfoliation, resulting in brighter and smoother in tone and texture.
