Clear and smooth skin is what everyone wants to have. There are a wide variety of products offered by dermatologists and facial salons ranging from topical creams to facial treatments.
Would you dare undergo a laser facial that requires your face to be covered with charcoal?
The latest laser facial that has gained a popular following - including several international celebrities - is the carbon laser facial. Notable Hollywood celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Aniston, and Angelina Jolie have been said to enthuse about this laser facial treatment, hence it has been tagged as the Hollywood Peel.
What is Carbon Laser Facial?
Carbon laser facial is a non-invasive treatment that promises cleaner, supple, and toned skin. The procedure uses carbon in a liquid form that is applied to the face. As the substance is spread on the skin, it seeps through the pores and penetrates the dermis deeply. A laser is then used to discharge the carbon on and in the skin. Impurities present on the skin are eliminated together with the carbon that is broken down by the laser’s energized light beams.
What are the benefits of Carbon Laser Facial?
There are several benefits that can be derived from carbon laser facial treatment. These include the following:
- Collagen stimulation
- Smaller and tightened pores
- Elimination of dead skin cells
- Improved skin elasticity
- Smooth and toned skin
- Reduction of fine lines
- Radiant skin
In addition, this treatment claims to improve acne as the laser’s heat also wipes out the P-acne bacteria that cause pimples.
How is the Carbon Laser Facial treatment done?
The face is prepared for the treatment first by going through a thorough cleansing. A gentle massage may be performed by the doctor to promote skin detoxification.
After this, a thin layer of charcoal clay (liquid carbon) is applied to the face as a mask. The substance is left on the skin to dry for about 5 minutes. As soon as the liquid carbon has settled, a laser is then dragged all over the face. The carbon disintegrates as it gets in contact with the laser’s energized light beam. Likewise, the laser’s heat also infiltrates through the hair follicles and glands that produce facial oils. This helps in cleansing clogged pores and killing bacteria that cause acne.
Patients may hear popping sounds as the laser is administered to the face. This is due to the reaction of the carbon as the laser beam hits the surface of the skin. A slight burning smell may also be present, but there is no need to worry, as this is a normal occurrence during the treatment.
After the procedure, the face is allowed to rest for 15 to 20 minutes. Since the heat from the laser can cause the skin to be dehydrated, a cooling facemask is placed on the face during this time to return the lost moisture.
Is the treatment painful?
Patients may feel a minor prickling or tingling sensation as the laser passes through the skin. The pain felt is tolerable.
How long does the procedure take?
The carbon facial laser treatment may be done over lunchtime as it only takes 45 to 60 minutes to complete.
What results can patients expect from the treatment?
The treatment does not promise a perfect result in just one session, but patients can expect to see about 60 to 80% improvement on their skin’s flaws. The skin will appear fresher, lighter, and rejuvenated. As the carbon laser facial also targets the pimple-causing P bacteria, patients may look forward to lesser pimple breakouts in the future. The skin’s oil production will also be controlled, thanks to unclogged pores.
Also, after the treatment, patients may notice a bit of redness on the face. This will gradually subside after a few hours.
In the succeeding days, except that the skin may look dehydrated and be rough to the touch. This is no reason to be alarmed, as this is actually a good sign that the cells of the skin are regenerating.
How long is the downtime for the Carbon Laser Facial treatment?
As this treatment is non-invasive with no incisions done to the face, the downtime needed is zero!
What do patients need to do and remember when it comes to aftercare?
The skin will be fairly sensitive after a round of treatment. Patients are highly advised to wear proper protection to shield the face from the harmful rays of the sun. A strong sunscreen should be applied to the face. In addition to this, a wide-brimmed hat or an umbrella should be used to avoid direct sun exposure every time a patient is outdoors. These steps should be followed with much care in order to prevent unwanted pigmentations to form on the skin.
What kind of laser is used for a Carbon Laser Facial treatment?
A Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser is used for this laser treatment. The laser is set to a specific frequency that is specifically fabricated to target the skin’s excess pigments and other imperfections. The laser is gentle to the skin and will not cause thinning, so it is safe to be used repetitively. In cases of consecutive treatments, the laser procedure should be done once in weekly intervals.
How many times should a patient undergo the treatment?
The number of treatments a patient will need can be determined during the consultation. Some factors that can affect this are:
- condition of the skin
- colour the skin
- Skin’s response to treatment
- Type of skin
For patients who wish to see remarkable improvements, the normal recommendation is 6 to 10 sessions of carbon laser facial. For mild cases, 3 to 5 sessions can be sufficient.
Once treatment is done, the succeeding session is scheduled 2 to 3 weeks after. The time between treatments is crucial for the skin to recover and renew cells.
How much does a session of this treatment cost?
Costs for carbon laser facial treatment vary from clinics all over Singapore. Normally, the range for one session would be $150 to $250.
Am I a suitable candidate for a Carbon Laser Facial Treatment?
Lasers are high-powered tools. When administered incorrectly to the skin, it can cause more harm than good. Before scheduling for a carbon laser facial session, be sure that your skin is free from any fresh and open wounds, skin infections, and sunburn. In addition, patients with extremely dry and sensitive skin, plus a history of cold sores may be advised by the doctor not to undergo the said procedure.
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I hope this article has helped you get more insights about the Carbon Laser Facial treatment. Be vigilant in the kind of treatment that you are signing up for and meticulous on the experience of the doctor who will be handling your face. It is always best to go for clinics that have established a good reputation in delivering aesthetic services. Also, it is important to note that the results of this treatment may be different between patients. If you have any misgivings about the treatment, do not hesitate to open up to your doctor, especially if your skin has certain notable conditions. A good doctor should be able to recommend the correct treatment for their patients and ensure their well being on top of everything. Good luck!
