Minimally invasive skin resurfacing treatments are very popular for improving the appearance of skin. In 2020, almost two million Americans got either a chemical peel or a laser treatment. These outpatient procedures are often effective, affordable, and only require a quick appointment to complete. There’s a wide variety of laser treatments and peels to choose from depending on what your skincare goals are.‌‌

Resurfacing treatments are classified in three ways: superficial, medium, and deep. The difference between them has to do with how many layers of skin the treatment penetrates. Superficial treatments deliver modest results with minimal recovery time. Treatments that go further below the surface of the skin have more dramatic results, but the recovery is more complicated.‌‌

One popular option for mild to moderate skin issues is a carbon laser peel. A carbon laser peel is a superficial treatment that helps with acne, enlarged pores, oily skin, and uneven skin tone. They’re sometimes called carbon laser facials.