When and who needs carbon peeling?

What is laser peeling?

Laser peeling is a technique that is based on the effect of light radiation with a fixed wavelength on the skin. As the light waves penetrate the skin, they trigger a selective photothermolysis reaction: the target tissue absorbs the laser energy and converts it into heat. Within a split second, heat spreads through the epidermal layer and causes its selective evaporation. Along with the disappearance of a specific layer of skin, everything that was previously there disappears: acne scars, pigment spots, fine wrinkles...

The laser beam can penetrate different layers of the skin. In this case, the depth of penetration and duration of exposure is determined by a cosmetologist. There are superficial peeling, deep peeling and laser surgery. The latter is performed only in a hospital setting under general anesthesia.

A beauty salon can usually offer superficial peeling, which can affect the epidermis and dermis. During the procedure, dead cells are removed, and the skin is stimulated to regenerate.

For the procedure , 3 types of devices are used.

• The carbon dioxide laser performs “hot peeling” . It is good because it allows you to get rid of stretch marks and scars on the skin, but it is dangerous due to the risk of burns, since the treated areas are subject to significant heating.
• Erbium laser performs “cold peeling” . The tissues do not heat up and no painful sensations occur. It is used to correct wrinkles and also work on delicate areas of the eyes, neck, and décolleté.
• Combined - combining the capabilities of carbon dioxide and erbium lasers to solve all types of problems.

Often, the intensity of laser exposure is increased with additional substances, for example, organic acids. One of these methods is laser carbon peeling, which has a comprehensive effect. Constant care for our clients gives us the opportunity to choose innovations in aesthetic cosmetology for them every time. Thus, our attention was drawn to a modern technique for rejuvenating and restoring healthy skin, which is better known in the West as “Hollywood Peel”, or photorejuvenation - laser carbon peeling.

Laser carbon peeling is an ideal solution if you have:

• enlarged pores;
• blackheads, comedones;
• dull complexion;
• hyperpigmentation, freckles;
• increased oily skin;
• acne, acne, post-acne;
• deformed skin relief and scars;
• demodex;
• inflammatory processes of the skin;
• cellulite and stretch marks;
• withering, sagging, dry skin, fine lines and wrinkles.

Carbon peeling is a unique procedure, which is an achievement of the latest generation of science and quickly gained recognition in the global beauty industry.

The latest scientific development is at the service of aesthetic medicine. Carbon facial peeling in Ukraine is just beginning to gain popularity, as it is a relatively new service. However, in clinics and salons in Europe and the USA, the procedure has already been well tested and has taken its confident place among cosmetology services.

Carbon peeling does not have a number of disadvantages of other types of peeling, such as pain, the need for a long rehabilitation period, and the possibility of side effects.

How does carbon peeling work?

In terms of its effectiveness at this time, this technique is unrivaled. This is a one-of-a-kind peeling option that allows you to painlessly not only completely cleanse the skin, but also penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin. If you examine the face under enormous magnification, what you see may resemble an alien space landscape: pores - craters, keratinized flakes of dead skin - boulders and stones, pigment spots and freckles - bizarre ornaments of an unknown civilization. Fabulous beauty... But only under a microscope. In fact, all of these are signs of imperfections in our skin, which form the final visual effect. The more such “details” there are, the more heterogeneous and far from ideal the complexion is. Carbon peeling can cope with all microscopic imperfections. The skin is delicately cleansed and restored in the deepest layers thanks to the complex effects of a carbon absorbent (amplifier, nanogel) and neodymium laser.

A special feature of laser carbon peeling is the elimination of not only symptoms and external manifestations, but also the causes of existing skin problems. The role of a carbon amplifier is played by a gel mask, in which manufacturers have included nanoparticles of carbon dioxide, and therefore the nanogel is called carbon (from the word carbon - “carbon”).

The challenge of carbon nanogel

Once the nanocatalyst has settled on the surface of the skin and inside the sebaceous glands (the mask is given time to penetrate deep into the pores of the skin, after which the laser is shined onto the treatment areas), the doctor begins to “bombard” the treated area with short laser pulses. They, in turn, provoke a wave of micro-explosions of nanogel particles that have leaked into the sebaceous glands at the cellular level, as well as those that remain on the surface.

The therapeutic effect of the procedure is due to the ability of carbon gel nanoparticles to penetrate into the intercellular spaces of epidermal cells, connect cells with each other and attract sebum and dirt. In combination with a laser, which is used to treat the skin on top of the gel, it accelerates the process of rejection of horn cells and allows you to cleanse the skin of impurities. Due to the impact of short laser pulses, the deep layers of the skin are heated (laser photothermolysis), which enhances the synthesis of collagen fibers, restores metabolic processes and destroys pathogenic microflora (has a bactericidal effect).

Clear-lift: laser lifting

The laser for carbon peeling can be used without carbon gel. In this case, it is used to rejuvenate the neck and area around the eyes. Clear lifting is a fairly young trend in cosmetology, but the effectiveness of laser lifting has been confirmed by clinical studies. The principle of operation is based on the effect of microcavitation in the superficial, middle and deep layers of the dermis. Thus, the laser stimulates the work of fibroblasts, which produce collagen fibers. As a result, these areas are rejuvenated: fine wrinkles are smoothed out, skin tone improves and its elasticity increases.

Thus, the client receives high-quality cleansing, treatment of problem skin and rejuvenation - all in one carbon laser peeling procedure.

So, the main advantages of laser carbon peeling:

• Painless. The reviews are clear: the procedure is comfortable even for those with sensitive skin. There are simply no painkillers or injections needed.
• Can be held at any time of the year. It is not advisable to carry out other types of peelings during periods of active sun, but there are no such restrictions for laser peeling. With this technique you can take care of your skin all year round.
• Minimal rehabilitation period and absence of complications. The need for time off or vacation with such peeling is completely eliminated. The patient may only need 1-2 days of active skin exfoliation. Therefore, there is no disruption to plans and work schedules.
• Wide range of effects. Improvement, cleansing, rejuvenation - this is the result that the use of carbon peeling provides.
• Versatility of use. The method is used for both women and men, and there are no age restrictions.
• Positive reviews about laser facial peeling. Girls who have completed the full course recommended by a cosmetologist are satisfied with the results obtained in 96% of cases.

Preparation for the procedure

As reviews of laser peeling show, the procedure requires careful preparation and adherence to a number of rules.

• If the patient suffers from allergic reactions, it is necessary to start taking antihistamines and also check for carboxylic acid tolerance.
• A week before the procedure, you cannot perform aggressive procedures; 3 days before, you cannot steam the skin.
• Before peeling, you need to cleanse and soothe the skin.
• If redness and swelling occur, do not use anything other than cold compresses. Unpleasant consequences should go away without treatment within 48 hours, less often they disappear within 2 weeks.
• As a rule, carbon peeling is not accompanied by painful sensations inherent in some types of hardware laser procedures. But, nevertheless, some patients experience temporary redness of the skin. There is no need to be afraid of this; usually the redness goes away 2-3 hours after the end of the session.
• Peeling of the skin occurs the next day; this process can take up to three days.
• If there are any inflammatory processes, they must first be eliminated and only then begin peeling.

Features of the procedure

The procedure is carried out in two stages:

1. A thin layer of carbon nanogel is applied to the patient’s skin until it dries completely, which is designed to prepare the area for laser exposure, during which all dead and keratinized layers of cells are exfoliated. At this same stage, the elimination of inflammatory processes occurs.
2. Using laser pulses, the process of photothermolysis is carried out, that is, heating the skin at a deep level. This effect is necessary to activate cells, stimulate regenerative (restorative) processes of the skin, and produce its own hyaluronic acid and collagen.

Many people are interested in what sensations the patient experiences? This question is due to the fact that most peels are associated with a feeling of burning, discomfort or pain. But the development of aesthetic medicine does not stand still, so the developers of the method have ensured that carbon peeling does not cause discomfort, except for a feeling of warmth. This fact is a definite advantage and makes the procedure most attractive to patients.

In addition, the advantages of the method include its versatility, that is, the possibility of application in the presence of several problems.

Thanks to carbon peeling, it becomes possible to normalize the lipid layer and regulate skin oiliness. In addition, laser exposure allows you to destroy pathogenic flora, which is necessary for the effective treatment of acne and problem skin. The complexion is evened out and brightened, and wrinkles are smoothed out. The skin becomes silky and incredibly soft.

Sequence of processes and results

The first thing to do is to consult the patient and collect anamnesis. If there are any inflammatory processes, optimal treatment is prescribed. In addition, patients are recommended to undergo a carboxylic acid tolerance test. Once the inflammation has been eliminated and no allergies to this acid have been identified, carbon peeling can be performed. Usually the procedure is carried out in two stages.

First, a thin layer of carbon nanogel is distributed onto the skin, after which laser exposure is carried out, during which the keratinized layers of cells are exfoliated, and inflammatory processes are eliminated.

Next, photothermolysis is carried out using laser pulses - heating the skin at a deep level, which promotes the synthesis of collagen and elastin, which are responsible for the youth and elasticity of the skin.

Usually after the third procedure an amazing effect appears. Since this high-tech procedure is low-traumatic, no rehabilitation period is required (only a couple of hours in case of redness). Immediately after the procedure, the patient returns to his usual lifestyle, even makeup can be applied.

Indications and contraindications

This peeling can be carried out on any type of skin, but due to the fact that the laser beam has a bactericidal effect, and the nanogel is able to attract excess fat, it is most often recommended for use by patients with oily and problematic facial skin. The procedure is recommended to be done after 20 years of age (if performed at an earlier age, additional consultation with a doctor will be required).

Indications for this procedure are:

• withering, loss of skin elasticity;
• the presence of small wrinkles;
• treatment of acne and cleansing the skin of comedones;
• reducing pores and normalizing skin oiliness;
• gray and dull complexion;
• presence of skin defects;
• the presence of pigment spots;
• combating photoaging of the skin (wrinkles resulting from exposure to UV rays).

The following factors are contraindications to carbon peeling:

• pregnancy and lactation period. Due to the fact that the nanogel, when heated, has an effect similar to photorejuvenation, during a surge of hormones it can cause the appearance of age spots;
• the presence of inflammatory processes;
• oncological diseases;
• severe and chronic diseases of internal organs;
• the presence of colloid-type scars, the action of laser and gel can cause a resumption of the inflammatory process. If the scar is in the formative stage, then after peeling it may become larger or more painful;
• colds, acute chronic diseases (any);
• increased sensitivity to carbon dioxide. This is a fairly aggressive chemical compound that can cause allergies. Before starting the procedure, you must check the effect of the nanogel on a closed area of skin;
• vitiligo. If a violation of melanin metabolism is detected, then any peeling can cause the appearance of new formations.

Post-procedure care recommendations

As such, no rehabilitation period is required. The biggest side effect is mild redness, which goes away on its own within a day or two. Accordingly, the patient can continue to lead his usual lifestyle as soon as the procedure is completed.

• During the exfoliation period, you can use moisturizers, this will speed up the regenerative processes.
• A prerequisite for proper care after carbon peeling is sun protection; a protective cream (with a high factor) will help protect the skin from the occurrence of age spots.
• There are no restrictions on the use of decorative cosmetics even in the first days after the procedure.
• It is necessary to refrain from washing your face until the next morning and refuse to visit the bathhouse or sauna for the next 24 hours.
• Within 48 hours after the procedure, creams and tonics based on glycolic acid, retinol or alcohol should not be used.
• You cannot sunbathe for 2 weeks; if you stay in the sun for a long time, you need to use sunscreen with SPF 50.

Frequently Asked Questions

Carbon peeling, unlike many laser techniques, has no seasonal restrictions. The spring-summer period is not a contraindication to the procedure, however, a mandatory condition is to constantly use sunscreen to prevent unnecessary exposure to the sun's rays on the skin, and follow all the recommendations of a cosmetologist.

Carbon laser peeling involves a course of procedures. As a rule, 3-5 sessions are needed, which are carried out once every 5-7 days. However, a cosmetologist can individually recommend a different number of procedures and the interval between them. The characteristics of the client’s skin must be taken into account. As a rule, there are no complications after carbon peeling, since the procedure is minimally invasive and does not injure the skin.

Carbon peeling, like all other procedures, will be most effective only if the patient is fully prepared for the procedure, and the specialist adheres to the correct technique for performing it. It is equally important before the procedure, in addition to a thorough history taking, to inform the patient about how it will happen, the possible consequences, risks of complications and features of the rehabilitation period and alternatives - this will help to avoid uncontrollable situations.

First published: Cosmetologist No. 4, 2016