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HydraFacial vs Carbon Facial vs Chemical Peels

Which facial gives the best glow for your skin type?
Whether you're battling acne, dullness, or prepping for a big event,  knowing which facial treatment works for your skin concerns can make all the difference.
Let’s break down HydraFacial, Carbon Facial, and Chemical Peels so you can choose your best glow-up.


At-a-Glance Comparison

Treatment

Skin Type Compatibility

Glow Factor

Acne-Fighting Power

Sensitivity Level

Visible Results

HydraFacial

All (incl. sensitive)

🌟🌟🌟🌟

Mild–moderate

Low (gentle)

Immediate

Carbon Facial

Oily, combination, dull skin

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

High (deep cleansing)

Medium

1–2 days

Chemical Peel

Uneven tone, pigmentation

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Moderate–high

High (active acids)

3–5 days


HydraFacial: The Glow-Getter for Every Skin

The HydraFacial is a multi-step treatment that cleanses, exfoliates, and infuses your skin with hydrating serums, all in one go.
It’s ideal for dehydrated skin, early signs of ageing, or anyone craving that “glass skin” effect without irritation.

How It Works:

  • Gentle exfoliation with a vortex tip

  • Deep pore suction

  • Custom serum infusion (hyaluronic acid, peptides, antioxidants)

Downtime: None
Best For: First-time facials, sensitive skin, pre-event glow
From: R750


Carbon Facial
The Instagram-Ready Deep Clean

Also known as the “Hollywood Peel”, this treatment uses a carbon-based lotion and laser to deeply cleanse, tighten pores, and even skin tone.
It’s especially loved by oily skin types and those wanting an instantly clearer, brighter face.

 How It Works:

  • Liquid carbon applied to skin

  • Laser targets carbon particles → lifts impurities + exfoliates

  • Skin appears cleaner, smoother, and more photogeni


Downtime: Mild redness, ~24 hrs max
Best For: Oily skin, acne-prone types, post-travel dullness
From: R650


Chemical Peels: The Deep Reset Button

This is your go-to for serious skin renewal. Chemical peels use safe, controlled acids (like glycolic or salicylic) to strip away dull, damaged skin and reveal fresh new layers.

How It Works:

  • Chemical solution applied

  • Dead skin sheds over several days

  • Boosts collagen, unclogs pores, evens tone

Note: Peels vary in strength. Some are surface-level, others target deeper damage.
Downtime: 2–5 days (flaking or peeling)
Best For: Pigmentation, scarring, acne, melasma
From: R550


Which Glow is Right for You?

Goal/Occasion

Recommended Facial

Event-ready glow

HydraFacial or Carbon Facial

Teen acne or oily skin

Carbon Facial

Post-travel dullness

HydraFacial

Uneven tone + pigment

Chemical Peel

Sensitive skin

HydraFacial

Deep skin refresh

Chemical Peel

Not sure what to book? That’s where we come in.


Book Your Glow Consult – We’ll Recommend the Best One for You

We’ll analyse your skin, goals, and schedule to recommend the facial that will give you:

  • The brightest glow

  • The clearest skin

  • The best results, for you

Available at Skin Reform Sandton, Bedfordview & Cape Town
30–45 minute treatments with visible results

Book Your Custom Glow Session Today

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Glow-Boosting Facials

The HydraFacial is perfect for sensitive skin or those new to facials. It’s gentle, hydrating, and non-invasive, delivering an instant glow without redness or irritation.

The Carbon Facial is ideal. It deeply cleanses, tightens pores, and reduces oiliness and acne, all while giving your skin a clearer, brighter look in just 24 hours.

Both the Carbon Facial and Chemical Peel offer a 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 glow factor, but if you want longer-lasting skin renewal, a chemical peel is your go-to for deeper results and even tone.

Some light peeling and redness can occur for 2–5 days, depending on the strength of the peel. But it’s a safe, controlled process that delivers powerful results for pigmentation and scarring.

HydraFacial: Immediate glow-up, zero downtime

Carbon Facial:
Clearer skin within 1–2 days

Chemical Peel: Results emerge after 3–5 days as old skin sheds