A carbon peel, also called a carbon laser facial or "Hollywood peel," involves applying a thin layer of carbon lotion to the skin and then treating it with a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. The carbon particles absorb the laser energy, which is meant to clear oil, dead skin and plugged pores from the surface.
About the evidence. Published evidence is limited. A published case report describes the technique and notes that little scientific data exist and that earlier studies were small, with further studies needed. It is a cosmetic facial, not a treatment for acne or pigmentation on its own, and results vary.
At The Skin Firm we assess your skin first and tell you whether a carbon peel, a chemical peel, a medicated facial or another option suits your concern. Our Hollywood facial page covers the same procedure under that name.
Oily Skin
Carbon peels are meant to help clear surface oil and congestion.
Enlarged-Looking Pores
Used for visible pores. See our open pores page.
Dull, Uneven Tone
Used for dull-looking skin. Tone problems need a plan for their cause. See our skin whitening and brightening page.
Mild Acne and Blackheads
May be used as a supportive step. Acne needs its own plan. See our acne treatment page.
Sun-Damaged Skin
Used for surface roughness. Deeper sun damage needs other treatments.
Dr. Karishma Singh, Founder and Skin & Aesthetic Specialist (BHMS, FCHD), leads treatment planning and procedures. Dr. Monica C., Consultant Dermatologist (MD Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy; NMC-registered), assesses medical causes and prescribes medicines where they are needed.
We tell you at the consultation if your skin concern is better suited to another treatment, or if a doctor's assessment is needed first.
Consultation & Skin Assessment
We assess your skin type and tone, acne, recent sun exposure, medicines and products, and tell you whether a carbon peel is suitable.
Cleansing & Carbon Application
The skin is cleansed and a thin layer of carbon lotion is applied.
Laser Treatment
A Q-switched Nd:YAG laser passes over the area in several passes. Eye protection is worn.
Cooling & Aftercare
The skin is cooled and soothed, and you get written aftercare and sun-protection advice.
Classic Carbon Peel
A single carbon laser facial for oily, congested skin.
Carbon Peel for Pores and Oil
Repeated sessions for visible pores, as the case literature describes three sessions a month apart. We explain the plan for your skin.
Carbon Peel with a Medicated Facial
Combined with a clinical facial for congestion. See our HydraFacial page.
Carbon Peel Before an Event
Planning ahead gives time for any redness to settle. We discuss timing at the consultation.
Combination Plans
Combined with chemical peels or other treatments after assessment. See our chemical peel page.
Skin may look fresher and feel smoother after a session, and a short series is often used for pores and oil. Results vary from person to person and cannot be promised, and carbon peels do not remove scars or deep pigmentation.
Oil production continues, so effects fade without maintenance. Sun protection matters too: the AAD advises SPF 30 or higher, reapplied every two hours outdoors.
The cost depends on the area treated, the number of sessions and review visits, and whether it is combined with another facial or treatment.
We don't work from a fixed price list. After your consultation you receive the recommended plan and a written fee, so you can decide at your own pace.
Checks suitability first. Not every skin concern needs a carbon peel.
Explains the evidence honestly. Including that studies are limited.
Is matched to your skin tone. Laser settings are chosen for your skin.
Uses eye protection. For you and the operator.
Includes sun protection.
Reviews and adjusts. The plan changes if your skin is not responding.
Mild redness, warmth or a tight feeling is common and usually settles within hours to a day or two.
Some people notice mild flaking.
Most people return to routine activities the same day.
Apply sunscreen daily and avoid direct sun for the days we advise.
Use only the gentle products we advise.
Skip retinoids, strong actives and scrubs for the days we advise.
Skip heavy workouts and saunas for 24 hours, if advised.
Don't pick at any flaking.
Tell us if you notice blisters, severe pain or increasing redness.
Lasers can cause redness, stinging, dryness, burns, blisters and, rarely, dark or light marks or scarring, with a higher risk of dark marks in darker skin tones. A recent tan or sunburn increases this risk, so we may ask you to wait.
Tell us if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have active acne flare-ups, a cold-sore history, a skin infection or take isotretinoin or medicines that increase sun sensitivity. Always tell us about every product you use.
Dr. Karishma Singh, Skin Specialist
no one-size-fits-all
medical-grade, safe & effective
thousands of happy patients
evidence-based, dermatologist-approved care
People with oily skin and visible pores.
People with blackheads and congestion.
People with dull-looking skin.
People who want a short, low-downtime facial.
People who understand the evidence is limited and results vary.
Treatment may need to wait or change if you have a fresh tan or sunburn, active infection or open acne, take isotretinoin, are pregnant or breastfeeding. Tell us at your consultation.
We welcome carbon peel facial patients from across South Pune, including NIBM, Mohammed Wadi, Kondhwa, Wanowrie, Undri, Magarpatta, Hadapsar and Camp, and from nearby areas of Pune.
If you are considering a carbon peel facial in South Pune, The Skin Firm is at Mohammed Wadi, NIBM. A consultation covers an assessment of your skin, whether a carbon peel suits it, and a written fee.
We see patients from Kondhwa, NIBM, Wanowrie, Undri and nearby areas. Call +91 8308669966 or use the button below to request a time.