The Carbon Peel, also known as a Hollywood peel or carbon laser facial, is an advanced skin rejuvenation treatment that utilizes natural carbon cream and laser energy to cleanse, tighten and invigorate the skin. It is one of the most popular options available today for those looking to address aesthetic concerns such as wrinkles, sun spots, hyperpigmentation, pore size, and acne scarring. Our team at Skin Therapeutics uses the Lutronic Spectra laser for this treatment, which is the gold standard for carbon peels.

If you want to address fine lines, unwanted pigmentation, sun damage or any of the most common signs of aging, book a consultation for a carbon peel at Skin Therapeutics—Ellicott City, MD’s leading provider of advanced laser treatments.

How does it work?

The carbon peel is a two-step process.

The first step involves the application of a luxurious, natural carbon lotion to the surface of the skin. This layer of liquid carbon is non-toxic and is used to gently absorb excess oil, contaminants, and impurities, exfoliate dead skin cells and prep the skin for the laser treatment.

The second step is the application of short pulses of laser energy from the Spectra device. The laser energy is absorbed by both the carbon particles and the deeper layers of skin and converted to heat. This heat causes the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin) to shed dead skin cells and the dermis to increase collagen production. Melanin, the substance responsible for the appearance of hyperpigmentation, is also fragmented by this energy. These melanin fragments are then removed by the body’s immune system cells known as lymphocytes.

What are the Benefits?

The Carbon Peel offers both immediate and long-term benefits. They include:

• Glowing Skin
• Improved skin tone and skin texture
• Reduced Pore Size
• Fewer blackheads and other forms of acne
• Collagen production
• Reduction of freckles (i.e. lentigines)
• Fewer dark spots, melasma, and other unwanted pigmentation

Good Candidates

Ideal candidates for a carbon laser peel are healthy men and women who have:

• Acne-prone, oily skin
• Acne scars
• Dull skin
• Enlarged, congested pores
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Unwanted pigmentation
• Skin lesions & imperfections

The lack of downtime associated with a carbon peel treatment makes it an ideal option for busy individuals who want immediate results without long recovery times. It also provides flexibility for those who don’t want to take too much time away from their daily lives or jobs for a lengthy recovery period.

What To Expect from the Procedure

The carbon peel is a remarkably fast and effective procedure with very minimal downtime. The procedure begins with the gentle exfoliation of the face and neck areas to remove any dirt or oil from the surface of the skin. Next, a carbon cream is applied to the treatment area. This natural cream is absorbed by the skin and is targeted with laser energy emitted in short pulses from the Spectra device.

Following the application of the carbon lotion, the Spectra Laser is guided over your face and neck in a rhythmic pattern. During this time, you may experience slight discomfort and a sensation of heat from the laser energy absorbed by your skin. Most patients tolerate the procedure well with many describing it as painless.

Aftercare

Once the procedure is complete, our team at SkinTherapeutics will apply a cool compress to soothe any irritation and provide sunscreen to protect your skin.

Most patients experience only a few hours of slight redness, swelling, and sensitivity following the treatment. These minor side effects typically disappear after 24 hours. Keep the treated area hydrated with a moisturizer during this timeframe and avoid direct sun exposure. This will ensure maximum results while reducing the chance of post-treatment complications.

Results

Immediately after treatment, you’ll have brighter, more radiant skin. Full results are normally visible 5—10 days following the procedure. You’ll notice lightened pigmentation, smaller pore size, and less oily skin.

Related Treatments

We offer several skin rejuvenation services that may be performed at a separate appointment from your carbon peel They include:

• Chemical peels use acid solutions to exfoliate the skin’s surface and boost collagen production
• Dermal fillers temporarily plump the skin, reducing fine lines for a more youthful look
• Laser skin resurfacing physically abrades the skin to reveal healthier skin cells beneath

FAQs

How much time does a carbon peel take?

Your entire appointment will last approximately one hour. Of that time, only 10-20 minutes are dedicated to the laser treatment itself.

How many sessions will I need?

You’ll see noticeable improvement after a single treatment, but multiple sessions may be required in order to achieve optimal results depending on the severity of the issue being addressed. Treatments are normally spaced 4—6 weeks apart.

How long do results last?

The immediate effects of a carbon peel last 2—3 weeks, but each session builds upon the effectiveness of the ones before it. Once you’ve achieved your goals in terms of lightening pigmentation or reducing acne, we recommend occasional maintenance appointments to continue boosting collagen production to keep your skin glowing and fresh.