Overexposure to the sun, lifestyle choices, and stress can all take a toll on the skin and cause visible signs of ageing. There are plenty of exciting treatments to improve these skin concerns and other conditions like acne.
But with so many options, it’s a challenge to know which skin rejuvenation therapy is right for you.
In this post, we’re going to take a look at two of the most popular cosmetic skin treatments: carbon laser facials and micro-needling.
Carbon Laser Facial vs. Micro-needling
Both of these treatments can help you achieve a healthy complexion that is free of imperfections. The significant difference is in how the treatments are applied and how effective they are at treating certain skin concerns.
What Is a Carbon Laser Facial?
A carbon laser facial starts with an application of liquid carbon on the skin. The carbon penetrates the deeper layers of your skin, bonding to any dead skin cells, impurities, and excess oils.
Once the carbon has dried, a laser is passed across the surface of your skin. The laser is attracted to the carbon, with the heat and energy generated being absorbed into the carbon particles.
As the laser eliminates the carbon particles, it removes the bonded debris, bacteria, and impurities resulting in a deep cleansing of your pores.
The procedure exfoliates the skin, shrinking pores, and evening out skin tone to leave you with healthier and smoother skin. It also boosts natural collagen production, helping to lift and firm the treated area.
What Can Carbon Laser Facials Treat?
Carbon laser facials are an effective treatment for several skin concerns, including:
- Dry skin
- Oily & congested skin
- Acne
- Uneven skin tone
- Skin texture
- Enlarged pores
Do Carbon Laser Facials Work?
Yes. Carbon laser facials are one of the most in-demand non-invasive cosmetic procedures.
It can be very effective at treating acne and improving skin texture and tone. Clinical trials show that carbon laser facials can eliminate up to 90% of inflammatory acne lesions after six treatments.
The procedure is known as the “Hollywood” carbon laser peel. Angelina Jolie, Kim Kardashian, and Jennifer Aniston are all reported to have received the treatment.
What Is Micro-Needling?
Micro-needling is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that stimulates the body’s natural healing process to improve several skin concerns. The procedure involves dozens of tiny needles penetrating the layers of skin to create micro-wounds.
Here at b clinic, we use a state of the art DermPen, the most advanced skin needling technology in the world.
When the body produces more collagen and elastin to heal these micro-wounds, the damaged and aged skin is replaced by healthy new cells. The treated area appears firmer, smoother, and more youthful.
Fine lines and wrinkles naturally fade as stronger, and firmer new skin is created. The procedure also improves the effectiveness of topical cosmetic products by enabling the active ingredients to penetrate the deeper layers of skin.
What Can Micro-Needling Treat?
Micro-needling can be used to treat several skin concerns, including:
- Surgical/acne scarring
- Stretch marks
- Fine lines
- Wrinkles
- Enlarged pores
- Skin texture
- Uneven skin tone
Does Micro-Needling Work?
Yes. Micro-needling penetrates the deeper layers of skin and is effective at treating scarring, stretch marks, and other stubborn skin conditions.
Numerous clinical studies have shown micro-needling can significantly improve these skin concerns without the downtime and side effects associated with invasive surgical procedures.
Which Treatment Is Better for You?
Carbon laser facials and micro-needling are popular therapies to treat similar skin conditions. They both stimulate the production of collagen, improve skin tone and texture, and make your skin appear smoother and more youthful.
Micro-needling works below the surface of the skin, while a carbon laser facial works on the top layers.
The best treatment for you depends on the skin condition you want to improve.
If you have a specific skin condition you want to improve, such as wrinkles or acne scarring, micro-needling may be a more effective treatment for your needs.
For overall skin rejuvenation, a carbon laser facial is a fast and effective way to achieve a smoother, brighter complexion.
Your clinician may recommend both skin needling and carbon laser facials to get the results you want to achieve. Some patients alternate between the two treatments every few weeks to accelerate the skin rejuvenation process.
Which Facial Laser Treatment is the Best?
The best facial laser treatment depends on the skin condition you want to improve. There are several different laser treatments, with the wavelength of the laser the main difference between the therapies.
Your clinician may recommend a combination of different laser treatments to help you get the results you want to achieve.
A carbon laser facial targets the outer layers of the skin, resulting in a firmer, clearer, and more even-toned complexion.
If you have more noticeable scarring, sun spots, or pigmentation, your clinician may recommend a Revlite Laser Peel or fractional laser resurfacing to improve the condition.
What Laser Is Used for Carbon Facials?
The laser used for this treatment is known as an ND: Yag laser. It has a shorter wavelength than most lasers, which increases the absorption into darker skin pigment and carbon particles.
The carbon mask absorbs the energy and heat. As the laser destroys the carbon particles, it breaks up the dead skin cells and impurities that have bonded to the carbon. The result is a deep exfoliation and cleansing of the skin.
How Often Should I Get a Carbon Laser Facial?
Many people only require a couple of treatments, but you may need to attend up to 6 treatments to achieve your desired results.
Carbon laser facials are typically spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart to achieve maximum benefit from each treatment.
You’ll notice an immediate improvement after your first treatment, with your skin appearing brighter and smoother.
If the goal of your carbon laser facial treatment is to improve acne, there are lots of things you can do to help manage your skin between treatments.
Check out our “Guide To Acne Free Skin” for more information and tips for your daily skin care regime.
How Many Sessions Does a Carbon Laser Facial Take?
It can take up to 6 sessions to achieve your desired look. Many patients schedule a maintenance session a few weeks before any significant events to make sure they look their best.
What Are the Side Effects of Laser Treatment?
You may experience some redness, sensitive skin, and mild swelling after a carbon laser facial procedure. These side effects are rare, and most people don’t experience any noticeable discomfort after the procedure.
In the days following your carbon laser facial, we recommend avoiding direct exposure to the sun for any lengthy periods and using SPF 50+ to protect your skin.
Is a Carbon Laser Safe for the Face?
Yes. This non-invasive cosmetic procedure is very safe and gentle. There are no reports of any serious side-effects as a result of a carbon laser facial.
You won’t experience any pain, but you may notice a slight warm pulsing sensation as the laser targets the carbon in your pores.
After the treatment, you can carry on with your daily routine as usual with a healthier and more youthful glow.