Chemical Peel vs. Carbon Peel: Which is Right for You?

chemical peel

Before discussing the types of chemical peel and carbon peel, let’s understand what peeling is. It refers to removing the skin’s outermost layer, a process akin to flaking. Sometimes, it’s necessary to remove external debris and old skin cells, while other times, it occurs naturally as the skin heals or recovers from injury.

Exfoliation is a gradual process that yields results over time. However, professional methods like chemical peels offer more immediate and effective outcomes after a few weeks. This is why peels are currently popular. To fully benefit from chemical peel and carbon peel, individuals need to allow time for results and ensure quality aftercare. Both methods demonstrate their effectiveness in different ways. Let’s delve deeper into them.

Types: Carbon and Chemical Peel

These are the two most popular forms of peels, carbon, and chemical peels that lighten skin, and are well-known for their ability to produce noticeable improvements in skin in a matter of weeks.

Carbon peel

Carbon Peel

A quick and efficient method of skin peeling that is used to enhance skin look. Carbon Peel benefits are many of its uses by those who have oily skin, acne, clogged pores, or other skin issues.  Carbon peel laser exfoliates the skin deeply and increases the synthesis of collagen. 

Benefits 

Effective for sun damage, open pores, hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin tone. It eliminates fine wrinkles as well. Though the therapy is effective for all skin types, those with oily skin tend to benefit from it the most.

Procedure 

After the carbon dries, the dermatologist first applies a layer of liquid carbon to your face. They screen your eyes and protect you from lasers like Nd: YAG. Some patients forego this procedure, such as those with sensitive skin or melasma. Additionally, by warming the skin’s deeper layers, carbon peel laser helps to diminish fine wrinkles and boost collagen. After that, the carbon and any dirt or contaminants are eliminated by the smoke evaporator that is attached to the laser.

Aftercare 

Caring after carbon peel is relatively simple. Just use moisturizers to treat your skin instead of being harsh on it. It’s normal to experience dry skin following peeling. Use sunscreen every day and refrain from exfoliating anything that contains retinol for at least five days. 

Chemical peel

Chemical Peel

This peeling is also known as chemexfoliation or derma peeling. Chemical peel for acne and also for lessening facial aging signs. Here, your face is treated with a chemical solution that exfoliates the outer layer of skin and encourages the development of new, cleaner, smoother skin. 

Benefits 

It addresses a variety of skin conditions that contribute to the appearance of aging. These include chemical peels for hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, melasma, surgical scars, dry skin, age spots, Rosacea, and acne scars. Chemical peels for hyperpigmentation are also used to treat dull complexions, which is why they are popular among individuals. Chemical peel price is also not expensive.

Types of Chemical Peel 

Chemical peels come in three types, each with its advantages and ways of doing it.

Light chemical peel-  This peeling works on the upper layer of your skin’s epidermis. 

 Procedure – With a cotton ball, your skin is clean, and then a chemical solution containing glycolic acid or salicylic acid is applied. Your skin might feel a bit stingier when a neutralizing solution is applied to remove the chemical solution. 

Medium Peel – This removes skin cells from the top layer (epidermis) and parts of the upper middle layer (dermis) as well. 

Procedure –  The skin turns white when a chemical solution containing trichloroacetic acid is applied to it using a cotton swab. The doctor would next use a cold compress to calm the skin. In this case, there is no neutralizing solution applied, and the patient may experience burning for up to fifteen minutes.

Deep Chemical Peel- This removes and works on skin cells even deeper. 

Procedure- When receiving an intravenous (IV) fluid, your heart rate is continuously monitored as well. After that, the doctor gives you phenol, or carbolic acid, which causes your skin to turn grey and white. The process will take place in 15-minute intervals and be finished in roughly 90 minutes.

Aftercare 

Peels require much the same aftercare when skin displays signs such as redness, itching, or irritation. Avoid using harsh cosmetics and exfoliating your skin. Don’t use any cosmetics products either. If your skin is stinging, you might apply an ice pack to relieve it. After seven to fifteen days, you can begin applying makeup.

Conclusion

The terms ‘carbon peel’ and ‘chemical peel’ refer to methods used to remove the skin’s outermost layer, aimed at treating acne, reducing pigmentation, and improving skin texture. A chemical peel for acne, when performed correctly and with proper aftercare, can be a beneficial technique for improving skin appearance and health. Depending on your specific concerns and desired improvements, you can choose between these two peeling methods. For guidance on selecting the most suitable option, consider consulting with a dermatologist in Bangalore. The cost of chemical peels varies based on the doctor and their techniques. If you’re looking to restore your skin’s health, a chemical or carbon peel could be a viable option.