Ever wondered the science behind the glass skin aesthetic? Well, I have three words for you: Carbon laser treatment.
You must have come across this during your daily doom scrolling on Instagram, with influencers raving about the treatment, calling it the “lunchtime peel” that guarantees immediate radiance and a filter-like aesthetic in real life.
In my 15 years as a dermatologist, I have never advocated for fads or social media hacks for skincare. So let me break down the science of this treatment that’s bound to give you main character energy.
What is carbon laser treatment and how does it work?
Carbon laser treatment involves liquid black carbon being slathered on your face as a mask to absorb all the gross gunk, oil, dead skin and dirt from deep within your pores.
Then, a Q-switch laser is used to zap off all that gunk, leaving your skin smoother.
Why it is a skincare game changer?
I’m usually wary of hacks and quacks that come out of social media – unless they’re backed by science. So, here’s why I believe carbon laser treatment to be an absolute game changer:
- The glow is instantaneous: The results of the carbon laser treatment is quick and effective; you will be able to bask in your own glow just as you walk out the clinic.
- Zero downtime: You can get this treatment during your break time and come back like nothing has happened; only you know a lot has happened!
- Pore shrinking: Got gaping pores that you’re always conscious about? The carbon laser treatment takes care of that by shrinking your pores, temporarily.
- Pigmentation? Nada: Carbon laser treatment can take care of those pesky freckles, acne scars, and melasma for good.
Also read: What’s the best laser hair treatment for Indian skin? This is how you can avoid complications
The treatment process: Step-by-step
Here’s a breakdown of the process, one step at a time:
- The Prep: This is what you’ll be asked to do before your appointment:
- Skip retinol: This is a must as it might increase your skin’s sensitivity and lead to complications during the treatment.
- Your trusted dermatologist needs to provide you with sunscreen and night cream to prime your skin, for the best results.
- The Treatment: This is what happens during the 30-minute treatment.
- The carbon mask: The dermatologist will apply a layer of liquid carbon on your face to soak up all the gunk off your face.
- The wait: After the carbon mask application, you wait for about 10 minutes for it to dry.
- The laser: After the mask has dried up, the dermatologist will then turn on the Q-switch laser and pass it over your face to heat up the carbon particles that will exfoliate your skin, stimulate that beautiful collagen for plumper skin and remove the dirt off your face.
- The post-treatment care: You’re leaving your dermatologist’s clinic with brighter skin, tighter pores and maybe a slight redness but don’t worry, that’s going to fade faster than an ice cube in the summer.
Also read: Laser hair therapy lacks solid scientific backing. It won’t fix your bald spots
Is carbon laser treatment right for you?
Generally speaking, if you’re someone who struggles with any of the following – then this treatment could work wonders for you:
- Acne, blackheads
- Pigmentation
- Dull looking skin
- Enlarged pores
You should also know that the carbon laser treatment pairs very well with:
- Laser toning: This is the same machine but uses a different hand piece and almost doubles your glow.
- Hydrating facials: This would restore your moisture levels and support any post treatment skin healing you require.
Why quality machines matter
You need to know this: not all lasers are created equally. In my 15 years of experience, I have seen quite a few cheap machines that don’t give the best results. The Q-switch laser used for the carbon laser treatment requires a lot of power and cheap imports and knockoff machines will not quite cut it. They might work for a few sessions before falling flat.
Always make sure you’re getting this done only with a reputed dermatologist and not some quack. Ultimately, it’s about protecting your skin and providing it with the best available treatment.
So, if your dermatologist’s clinic has a Q-switch laser machine that looks like it hasn’t ever seen good days, run away.
Only high-end lasers will give you lasting results.
How to maintain your skin glow after treatment
After the carbon laser treatment, your skin is going to be as soft as a baby’s skin, so here’s what you’re going to want to do:
- Moisturise and use sunscreen
- Skip retinol and exfoliant-related skin care processes for at least five days.
- Avoid workouts that might make you sweat a lot because sweat would irritate your skin.
Is carbon laser treatment worth it?
Yes. 1000% yes.
Why?
- It’s fast; I mean, you’re walking out with brighter and cleaner skin in 30 minutes.
- It’s painless; you might feel a warm and tingly sensation but that’s the extent of it.
- It’s effective: The glow is worth it.
So, carbon laser treatment is worth it but only if you skip the cheap clinics, cheap machines and truly prep your skin before and after to enjoy its main character energy.
Dr Deepali Bhardwaj is a Consultant Dermatologist, Max Hospital, Saket. She is also an anti-allergy specialist, laser surgeon, and internationally trained aesthetician. She tweets @dermatdoc. Views are personal.
(Edited by Prashant)