Skin bleaching is not a new phenomenon. For centuries, people of color have sought to lighten their complexion for various reasons, such as social status, beauty standards, and discrimination. Skin bleaching products and procedures are one of the most lucrative areas of the medical beauty world, with a global market value of around $8.6 billion. However, a recent viral video on TikTok has introduced a new and controversial method of skin bleaching that involves a carbon laser peel.
What is a carbon laser peel?
A carbon laser peel is a skin resurfacing treatment that reduces the appearance of wrinkles, blemishes, and age spots. The procedure involves applying a carbon-based topical cream to the areas being treated. After this has been done, a laser is used to target the areas and absorb the carbon particles from the skin’s surface.
The laser also stimulates collagen production and improves skin texture and tone.
The carbon laser peel is also known as the Hollywood peel or the China doll peel, as it is popular among celebrities and Asian women who want to achieve a porcelain-like complexion. The treatment is relatively painless and has minimal downtime, making it an attractive option for busy and beauty-conscious consumers.
Why Did Black People Bleaching Their Skin Using Carbon Laser Peels Go Viral?
The carbon laser peel gained widespread attention after a TikTok user posted a video of a doctor in Sydney, Australia, performing the procedure on a black woman’s neck. The video showed how the laser instantly bleached the darkened skin on the back of her neck, so it matched the rest of her lighter skin tone. The video has received millions views and thousands of comments from people intrigued by the process.
The video sparked a heated debate on social media, with some users praising the results and expressing interest in trying the treatment, while others criticized the video for promoting skin bleaching and self-hate among people of color. Some users also questioned the safety and ethics of the procedure, as well as the motives of the doctor and the patient.
In this instance it didn’t seem like the black woman was bleaching her skin out of self hate, but rather to create a consistent tone on the back area of her neck.
What are the risks and benefits of the carbon laser peel?
According to dermatologists, the carbon laser peel is a safe and effective treatment for improving skin quality and addressing common skin concerns, such as acne, pigmentation, and sun damage. The treatment can also help reduce the appearance of melasma, a condition that causes dark patches on the skin, especially among women of color.
However, the carbon laser peel is not intended to be used as a skin bleaching method, as it does not alter the natural skin color or reduce the amount of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. The treatment only removes the superficial layer of dead skin cells and dirt, revealing the underlying skin that may appear lighter or brighter. The effect is temporary and will fade over time, requiring regular maintenance sessions to maintain the results.
Furthermore, the carbon laser peel may not be suitable for everyone, as it may cause adverse reactions, such as redness, swelling, itching, burning, scarring, or infection, especially among people with sensitive skin or skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis.
The treatment may also worsen existing skin problems, such as rosacea or vitiligo, a disorder that causes patches of skin to lose their color. Therefore, it is important to consult a qualified and experienced professional before undergoing the procedure and follow the aftercare instructions carefully.
What are the implications of the carbon laser peel trend in the black community?
The carbon laser peel trend reflects the ongoing demand and fascination for skin lightening products and procedures among people of color, especially women. The trend also exposes the deep-rooted issues of colorism and racism that influence the perception of beauty and self-worth in many cultures and societies.
While some people may choose to undergo the carbon laser peel for personal or cosmetic reasons, others may feel pressured or compelled to do so due to social or economic factors.
The carbon laser peel trend also raises questions about the role and responsibility of social media platforms, such as TikTok, in regulating and moderating the content and messages that are shared and consumed by millions of users, especially young and impressionable ones.
The trend also challenges the medical and beauty industry to ensure the safety and quality of the products and services they offer and to educate and inform the consumers about the risks and benefits of the treatments they seek.
The carbon laser peel is a skin resurfacing treatment that has gained popularity and controversy after a TikTok video showed how it bleached a black woman’s neck. Although it can change the color of a person’s skin, the treatment is technically not a skin bleaching method, but a skin exfoliating method that can improve skin quality and address common skin concerns. However, the treatment may not be suitable for everyone and may have side effects or complications.
It’s always important to remember that all skin colors are beautiful.
