Carbon therapy for skin, also known as a carbon laser facial, Hollywood facial, or China Doll treatment, is a non-ablative laser skin treatment. It uses the unique properties of carbon to improve skin appearance. This minimally invasive procedure offers several benefits, making it a popular choice for various skin concerns.
How Carbon Laser Facials Work
The treatment involves applying a thin layer of medical-grade carbon-based mask to the skin. This carbon mask absorbs into pores and onto the skin's surface. A laser is then used to target the carbon particles. The heat generated by the laser causes a controlled exfoliation, removing the top layer of dead skin cells and stimulating collagen production. This process helps to improve the overall appearance of the skin.
Benefits of Carbon Laser Facials:
- Reduces the appearance of marks, imperfections, and fine lines/wrinkles: The exfoliation and collagen stimulation work together to smooth the skin's texture and reduce the visibility of imperfections.
- Improves skin firmness and overall appearance: Increased collagen production contributes to a more youthful and firm complexion.
- Treats acne, enlarged pores, and oily skin: The exfoliation process helps clear pores and reduce oil production, improving the appearance of acne-prone skin.
- Improves skin oxygenation: Studies show that carbon dioxide facials can lead to an immediate improvement in skin oxygenation (see reference: Effect of Carbon Dioxide Facial Therapy on Skin Oxygenation, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26355616/).
Types of Carbon-Based Skin Treatments
While the carbon laser facial is the most common, carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers are also used in more intensive skin resurfacing procedures to treat sun damage, wrinkles, and scars (see reference: Carbon Dioxide Laser Resurfacing, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/8314-carbon-dioxide-laser-resurfacing). These are ablative procedures, meaning they remove a layer of skin.
It's important to distinguish carbon laser facials from other treatments using carbon-based products, such as charcoal-based cleansers and masks, which do not involve laser technology. These topical treatments may improve skin appearance but lack the exfoliative and collagen-boosting effects of laser-based carbon therapy.
The procedure is relatively quick and painless, often described as a comfortable experience. Multiple treatments may be recommended for optimal results, depending on individual needs and skin conditions.
