Acne can be persistent and difficult to manage, especially when it leads to scarring, inflammation, and deep breakouts. Medium to deep chemical peels offer an advanced treatment option that targets severe acne, clogged pores, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. These peels penetrate deeper into the skin layers, effectively removing damaged skin cells, regulating oil production, and stimulating skin renewal for a clearer, smoother complexion. Medium to deep peels use stronger exfoliating agents such as trichloroacetic acid (TCA), phenol, or high-strength salicylic acid to reach the mid to lower dermis, making them effective for stubborn acne, deep scars, and long-term skin rejuvenation.

The carbon peel — often called the Hollywood Peel or Carbon Laser Facial — combines a liquid carbon lotion with Q-switched Nd:YAG laser energy at 1064 nm wavelength. A thin layer of medical-grade carbon is applied to the face, where its micro-particles settle into pores, bind to oil, dead skin cells, and surface debris.

These peels work by deeply penetrating the skin to:

Deep Exfoliation – Exfoliate dead skin layers and remove acne-causing debris.

Bacteria & Inflammation Control – Destroy acne-causing bacteria, reducing inflammation.

Pore Unclogging & Oil Regulation – Unclog pores and regulate oil production, preventing future breakouts.

Collagen Boost for Scar Reduction – Stimulate collagen production, helping to heal acne scars.

Oily, Congested Skin – The carbon lotion acts as a magnet for sebum and debris lodged in pores. When the laser vaporises the carbon, it takes trapped oil and dead cells with it.

Dull, Uneven Tone – The exfoliation removes the outermost layer of dead keratinocytes that make skin look flat and grey. Fresh cells beneath reflect light more evenly, producing an immediate brightening effect.

Fine Lines and Texture – Repeated carbon peel sessions stimulate incremental collagen production in the upper dermis. Over four to six treatments, patients notice smoother skin texture and softened fine lines, particularly around the periorbital.

The carbon peel suits a wide range of skin concerns and types. It is particularly effective for oily, congested skin prone to blackheads and enlarged pores. Patients with dull, uneven skin tone benefit from the exfoliating and brightening effect.

Deep Skin Cleansing – Intense exfoliation, clearing out deep-rooted impurities.

Cystic Acne Reduction – Reduction in cystic and nodular acne, decreasing painful breakouts.

Sebum & Oil Control – Oil regulation, balancing sebum production to prevent acne recurrence.

Skin Smoothing & Scar Healing – Smoother skin texture, reducing roughness and acne scars.

Toning Pass – The first laser pass uses lower energy settings to gently heat the carbon within the pores without removing it.

Peeling Pass – The second pass uses higher fluence to rapidly vaporise the carbon particles from the skin surface.

Post-Treatment Care – After the laser passes, any remaining carbon residue is gently wiped away. A soothing serum and broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen are applied.

At Claire Derma, a carbon peel session takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes from start to finish. The face is cleansed and dried, then a thin, even layer of liquid carbon lotion is applied and allowed to dry for 10 to 15 minutes. During this time, the carbon particles settle deep into pores and adhere to surface impurities.

Clears Severe Acne – Effective for cystic, hormonal, and treatment-resistant acne.

Prevents Future Breakouts – Regulates sebum and bacteria growth, preventing future breakouts.

Reduces Acne Scars – Stimulates collagen production, helping to heal acne scars.

Benefit – The carbon peel delivers visible results after a single session. Skin looks brighter, feels smoother, and pores appear smaller immediately after treatment.

Benefit – Zero downtime means zero disruption to your schedule. You can have a carbon peel during a lunch break and return to work with nothing more than a light glow.

Benefit – Regular carbon peel sessions create a cumulative improvement in skin quality. Monthly treatments over four to six months produce noticeably smaller pores, reduced oiliness, more even pigmentation, and improved fine-line.

Having a carbon peel performed at Claire Derma means the laser parameters are set by a trained clinician who understands how fluence, spot size, and pulse duration interact with different skin types. Incorrect settings — too high a fluence on oily skin, for instance — can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation rather than treating it.

This treatment is ideal for individuals who:

Struggle with moderate to severe acne or deep acne scars.

Experience frequent cystic or nodular breakouts.

The carbon peel is well tolerated, but it is not appropriate for every patient. Active acne with open lesions should be treated first, as the laser can worsen inflammation on broken skin. Patients on isotretinoin (Accutane) should wait at least six months after discontinuation before undergoing laser treatment. Those with a history of keloid scarring or active cold sores in the treatment area should notify their dermatologist.