Carbon Peeling

Carbon peeling is a non-surgical skin renewal treatment that lifts a thin layer of carbon off the face with a Q-switched laser. It helps reduce the look of pores and blackheads, oiliness, dull skin tone and superficial spots. It suits oily, combination or congested skin, but on its own it is not enough for deep wrinkles or sagging. Results build gradually over several sessions and vary from person to person.

What is carbon peeling?

Carbon peeling is a laser peel that combines a carbon lotion on the skin with laser light; it is also known as a carbon laser peel or Hollywood peel. The carbon particles settle on the skin surface and in the openings of the pores. The laser then heats and breaks up these particles, lifting them off the skin, and dead surface cells and oil in the pore openings are removed along with them.

Unlike a chemical peel, it does not rely on an acid to exfoliate but on the interaction between carbon and laser light. At our clinic it is performed with Q-switched laser systems, and the same method is also described on our Hollywood Spectra page.

What does carbon peeling do?

Carbon peeling helps the skin look cleaner, more matte and brighter, especially in oily skin with visible pores. Its main uses are:

• reducing oiliness and shine during the day,
• softening the look of enlarged pores and blackheads,
• bringing life back to dull, tired-looking skin,
• helping lighten superficial spots and uneven tone,
• supporting a care routine for mildly acne-prone skin.

Carbon peeling is not a solution for every concern. On its own it is not enough for deep wrinkles, marked sagging, pitted acne scars, melasma or deep pigmentation, which need other methods. You can read which treatments can be combined for superficial spots in our article on how to get rid of sun spots.

How is carbon peeling done?

Carbon peeling is done in three main steps: cleansing the skin, applying the carbon lotion and applying the laser. A session usually takes about 30 minutes:

1. Preparation: the skin is cleansed of make-up, oil and dirt, and the skin type and sensitivity are checked again.
2. Carbon layer: a thin carbon lotion is applied to the face and left to dry.
3. Laser: the eyes are protected with safety glasses and the laser is passed over the face to remove the carbon layer.
4. Care: moisturiser and sunscreen are applied at the end.

The doctor sets the laser according to your skin type and goals, so the skin is always assessed for suitability before treatment.

Does carbon peeling hurt, and what happens afterwards?

During treatment most people describe mild warmth, tingling or a brief pinprick-like feeling; sensitivity varies from person to person. Afterwards there may be mild redness and warmth lasting from a few hours to a day, and some skin feels dry. Most people return to daily life the same day.

In the following days:

• your skin is more sensitive to the sun, so use sunscreen every day and avoid direct sun,
• keep the skin moisturised, do not rub it and do not pick at any flakes or crusts,
• avoid saunas, steam and heavy sweating exercise for a few days,
• unless your doctor says otherwise, pause acid and retinoid products for a few days.

Rarely, burns, crusting or temporary colour change can occur, particularly on darker skin. Contact the clinic if redness lasts more than a few days, or if you notice pain, blistering or a change in skin colour.

How many sessions of carbon peeling are needed, and how often?

Carbon peeling is usually planned as a course of several sessions; for normal skin, sessions are typically two weeks apart. Dry or sensitive skin needs longer gaps. The skin may look cleaner and fresher after one session, but the effect on pores, oiliness and tone becomes clearer with repeated sessions. The number and spacing of sessions are set according to your skin type and vary from person to person. At our clinic in Etiler, maintenance sessions can be planned after the course if needed.

Who is carbon peeling suitable for?

Carbon peeling is most often chosen by adults with oily, combination or congested skin, dull tone or superficial pigmentation. Because downtime is short, it is also popular with people who have a busy schedule.

If you have active, inflamed spots, they first need to be brought under control with acne treatment. For deep cleansing and hydration without a laser, treatments such as Hydrafacial are another option.

Who should not have carbon peeling, and when should you see a doctor?

Carbon peeling is not performed during pregnancy or in people who have taken isotretinoin (an acne medication) in recent months. Treatment is postponed or assessed separately by the doctor in the following cases:

• breastfeeding,
• active infection, cold sores, open wounds or flared eczema in the area,
• freshly tanned skin or recent heavy sun exposure,
• medication that causes light sensitivity,
• a tendency to form thick scars or keloids.

If you have a spot that is changing quickly, bleeding or unevenly coloured, it needs a dermatologist's examination before any laser treatment.

Frequently asked questions

What does carbon peeling do?

It helps reduce oiliness, the look of enlarged pores and blackheads, dull tone and superficial spots. On its own it is not enough for deep wrinkles, sagging or pitted acne scars.

Does carbon peeling hurt?

Most people describe mild warmth or a brief pinprick-like feeling during treatment. Sensitivity varies from person to person, and there may be mild redness afterwards.

How many carbon peeling sessions are needed?

A course of several sessions is usually planned, two weeks apart for normal skin. Gaps are longer for dry or sensitive skin, and the number of sessions varies from person to person.

What should I do after carbon peeling?

Your skin is more sensitive to the sun, so use sunscreen every day, keep the skin moisturised and avoid saunas, steam and acid-based products for a few days.

Can carbon peeling be done in summer?

It can, but it is not done on freshly tanned skin, and regular sun protection afterwards is essential. If you expect strong sun exposure, plan the timing with your doctor.

Is carbon peeling good for acne?

It can support a care routine for oily, mildly acne-prone skin. With active, inflamed spots, acne treatment comes first; carbon peeling is not an acne treatment on its own.

This content is for information only and does not replace a medical examination. To find out whether your skin is suitable for carbon peeling, get in touch with us.

Application time

About 30 Minutes

Number of sessions

Usually a Course of Several Sessions (Varies by Person)