China doll peels are laser toning facials that are combined with a carbon cream. The medical grade carbon cream is applied to the skin which is then bonded by laser to the skin. They are called so because of the clear porcelain like complexion they enhance. The list of beauty Goddesses who are reportedly die-hard fans of this facial includes Jennifer Aniston, Angelina Jolie, Kim Kardashian and the list goes on.
The carbon maximises the potential of the laser to clear debris and clogged pores in the skin so it’s great for people with oily skin, acne, open pores, skin that is congested with redness, blackheads, and whiteheads. Because of its laser toning and pigment reducing properties it’s also great for people with dull skin, pigmentation, spots, freckles and sun damaged skin. As a rejuvenating treatment it’s great for brides, for red carpet and as a pre-event procedure for radiance and brightness.
After consultation and assessment for the procedure, you will be cleansed of make-up and taken into the laser room. Eye protection goggles will be given to you and after tucking away your hair at the hairline, the practitioner will start applying a carbon cream on the face. Once this dries, the doctor will shoot a laser beam all across the face. These bonds the carbon cream to the skin and this step feels a bit warm to the skin. Now, in the second application the settings are changed and the carbon cream is blasted off by further laser beams. Most of the carbon cream is cleared from the skin and the rest is washed away and some post care creams will be applied to the face. Sunscreen will be applied.
Post treatment the skin may feel a little warm and you may feel some burning sensation in a few sensitive areas but this will subside in a few hours. Immediately post treatment one can notice the glow but it takes a further one to two days for the glow to brighten further. Long term effects are that of reduced open pores, acne, pigmentation and even skin tone. The price varies from clinic to clinic and depends on the quality of the equipment. Not every clinic offers this treatment and not every treatment is standard in terms of the lasers and creams used. The lasers may come as cheap as Rs 1.5 lakh in a clinic or go up to Rs 50-60 lakh. Hence the treatment differs from clinic to clinic but you can expect to pay Rs 5,000- Rs 20,000 per session.
Dos and Don’ts after and before treatment
- Discuss all medical conditions you may have and medicines and skin creams and lotions you apply on the face.
- Avoid excessive sun exposure and getting tanned prior to the treatment as that can give an unpredictable result.
- Do not do any other abrasive procedures on the face two to three days prior such as waxing, threading, plucking, and steaming.
- Avoid sauna and steam baths for two days prior.
— The writer is a Bengaluru-based dermatologist.
