Everywhere you look these days there seems to be a new beauty treatment. From vampire facials to fox eye threading there seems to be more and more ways in which we can make ourselves more beautiful. Some of these treatments are good, whereas others do absolutely nothing…..
One of the most popular beauty treatments currently available is the ‘Carbon facial’ treatment. I get numerous questions asking about this procedure so I have decided to write this article to take you through everything you would ever need to know about the carbon facial treatment.
What is the carbon facial treatment?
The carbon facial treatment utilises involves the application of a topical carbon suspension combined with a Q-switch ND:YAG in a treatment known as the carbon peel laser technique.
But why do we need to put carbon gel on the face?
The topical carbon suspension gel we use can absorb the Q-switch ND:YAG laser light. Without this carbon gel, the laser light would be poorly absorbed by melanin located in the face so nothing would really happen. In addition, clinical studies have shown that the application of a topical carbon suspension will make laser light more effective and possibly safer for photo rejuvenation than laser light alone.
How does the carbon facial work?
When the carbon particles in the carbon gel absorb the laser energy they rapidly heat which causes a kind of explosive destruction. (this is why when you do the treatment you can hear a loud bang with each shot). This explosive destruction causes the carbon particles to be blasted from the skin which causes kinetic energy and stimulates the skin to cause collagen formation which can reduce wrinkles/scarring and also tighten poors.
The use of a carbon gel combined with Laser light has also been shown to significantly reduce sebum levels in the skin which is an oily substance that causes acne,
As you can see from the diagram, the sebum levels have been visibly reduced with carbon facial treatment which leads to reductions in acne.
What does the carbon facial do?
Carbon facial treatments can be used for:
Facial wrinkles
Acne scarring
Rhytides (fine lines and small wrinkles)
Pore size reduction
Oily skin
Acne
Who can have a carbon facial treatment?
The carbon facial treatment is suitable for almost anyone. I do not recommend this treatment in darker skin types (IV and above) and those taking photosensitive medication.
How do I do a carbon facial treatment?
Firstly, you need to ensure you are using a MDD CE certified Q-Switch ND:YAG to ensure maximal safety and effectiveness. Also make sure you are a using a good quality carbon gel (I can supply both of these for an affordable price).
The technique is as follows:
1. Thoroughly wash the clients face.
2. Ensure the client has placed on their laser safety glasses and/or black out safety goggles
3. Lightly apply the carbon gel to the face. This should be a very thin film on the skin. Make sure you are leaving the eyebrows, nostrils and mouth free from the carbon gel. Allow the carbon paste 10 minutes on the skin prior to treatment to allow it to penetrate the skin
5. Using an approximately 1320nm wavelength, hit the carbon particles until you can see they have been visibly removed from the skin. This should be easy to see. DO NOT pass over the same area multiple times! This can cause pain and may possibly lead to burning
6. Wipe any remaining carbon gel from the skin and apply Aloe Vera gel to ensure the skin is moisturised.
How many sessions are needed?
Usually 3-5 carbon facial treatment sessions are needed for a noticeable difference to occur
How often can carbon facial treatments be performed?
Every 3-4 weeks
What are the side effects of carbon facial treatments?
If performed correctly, there are very few side effects. The most common usually are:
Slight redness of the skin
Slight tenderness of the skin
Dry skin
Peeling
These are all mild side effects and should subside within a few hours/days of treatment. If the technique is not performed correctly, or you do not follow the aftercare advice then more serious side effects might occur including:
Hyperpigmentation
Hypopigmentation (Shown in figure 1)
Scabbing
Blistering
What do I need to do following treatment?
Moisturise twice a day
Avoid UV exposure for two weeks following your carbon facial treatment
What settings should I use for the laser device?
Unfortunately, I can not advice on laser settings unless you buy a device from me for health and safety purposes.
Where can I buy a device for carbon facial treatments?
I can supply all devices and carbon facial gel. I offer several Q-switch ND:YAG machines on my website. I have worked in medical research facilities throughout the United Kingdom and the quality of the machines I offer are fantastic! I developed these devices myself to ensure maximum efficiency and safety! Unlike some suppliers, I will not rip you off with astronomical pricing.
As always, thank you for reading. Remember I offer a free consultation to help answer any questions you may have.
Dr Lockhead
0113 418 0464
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