How a carbon laser peel works
A carbon laser peel combines a carbon lotion with a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. The fine carbon particles settle on the skin and into the pores, where they bind to oil and surface debris. The laser then passes over the face: the carbon absorbs its energy and is vaporised in an instant, lifting oil, dead cells and debris with it. The brief heat also stimulates the skin slightly and calms oil glands for a while.
- 1Carbon layer A thin carbon lotion is spread over the face and left to settle into the pores.
- 2Laser pass A Q-switched Nd:YAG laser heats the carbon in billionths of a second, so it shatters and lifts off.
- 3Cleaner surface Oil, dead cells and debris go with it; a gentler toning pass can follow to even tone.
At OrnaSkin the treatment is done with our Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (Bluecore IRIS), the same type of laser used for laser toning.
- A thin carbon lotion settles into the pores and binds to oil.
- The laser heats the carbon, which lifts away with oil and debris.
- Pores look cleaner and the skin brighter, straight after the session.
What it can help with
- Oily skin and shine, with a noticeable reduction in oil for a while after each session.
- Open pores that look large because of oil and congestion.
- Blackheads and mild acne, alongside your acne treatment.
- Dull, tired skin and a quick glow before an event.
- Mild uneven tone, especially when combined with a toning pass.
It is not the right tool for deep acne scars, melasma on its own, or sagging skin. For those, see acne scar treatment, pigmentation and melasma and HIFU.
Who it suits
Men and women with oily, congested or dull skin, people with mild acne or open pores, and anyone wanting a no-downtime brightening treatment before a function. It suits most Indian skin types with the right settings.
It is postponed if you have active cold sores, an infection or very inflamed acne on the face, sunburn, or a recent tan. Tell us if you are pregnant, use isotretinoin or retinoid creams, or are sensitive to light.
Before, during and after
Before
Avoid sun, tanning, waxing, threading and bleaching on the face for about a week. Stop retinoid creams and scrubs two or three days before. Come without make-up if you can.
During
The face is cleansed, eye protection goes on, and a thin layer of carbon lotion is applied and left to dry. The laser is passed over the face in several passes, with a mild crackling sensation as the carbon lifts. The remaining carbon is cleaned off, sometimes followed by a gentle toning pass, and a soothing cream and sunscreen are applied. The visit takes about 30 minutes.
After
Mild redness or warmth may last an hour or two. You can go back to work straight away and wear make-up the same day. Use a gentle cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen, and avoid scrubs, strong actives and direct sun for a couple of days.
Results and how often
Skin looks fresher, smoother and less oily straight after a session, and the glow lasts several days. For lasting improvement in oil and pores, a course of about six sessions, two to four weeks apart, works best, followed by occasional maintenance. Results vary with skin type and daily care.
Risks and how we minimise them
The carbon laser peel is generally gentle. Possible effects are short-lived redness, mild dryness and, uncommonly, a short acne flare, temporary darkening or lightening of the skin, or small blisters if the skin was tanned. We reduce these by checking your skin before each session, choosing laser settings for your skin type, protecting the eyes, and giving clear sun-protection advice.