Skin & Medical Treatments
Carbon laser facial
A layer of liquid carbon is applied to the skin and settles into the pores. A laser then passes over it, and the carbon absorbs the energy — taking oil, dead skin and debris with it as it is broken down.
The result is a brighter, smoother, less congested surface, immediately, with no downtime. It is a good treatment before an event and a good introduction for someone who has never had anything done.
What it does and doesn't do
It does:
- reduce the appearance of enlarged pores
- remove surface congestion
- brighten dull skin
- and give a temporary improvement in texture and tone
It does not: treat active acne, improve acne scarring, or produce lasting change from a single session. Anyone selling it as an acne treatment is overreaching.
It can be had monthly, but there is no course to sign up to: each treatment is booked on its own, as and when you want it. Repeat treatments hold the result better than a single one. If scarring is what bothers you, microneedling will do more. If it is dullness and fine facial hair, look at dermaplaning.
What it costs
£50 per treatment. There is no course price, because there is no course: each treatment is booked on its own.
Carbon laser facial, microneedling or dermaplaning
All three improve how your skin looks, in different ways. The carbon laser facial and dermaplaning work on the surface and show the same day. Microneedling works deeper and more slowly.
Carbon laser facial
- Good for
- Congested, dull skin and enlarged-looking pores.
- How it works
- A thin layer of carbon settles into the pores, then a laser breaks it down, taking oil and dead skin with it.
- When it shows
- Straight away. The effect is temporary, and holds better when it is repeated.
- Downtime
- None. You go straight back to your day.
- How often
- Monthly if you like, each treatment booked on its own.
- Price
- £50 a treatment.
Microneedling
- Good for
- Uneven texture, enlarged-looking pores and shallow, rolling acne scars.
- How it works
- Very fine needles make tiny, controlled punctures, and the skin repairs them.
- When it shows
- Slowly. Judge it about three months after your last session.
- Downtime
- A day or two of redness, like moderate sunburn, then a few dry, tight days.
- How often
- Four to six weeks apart, each session booked on its own.
- Price
- £80 a session.
Dermaplaning
- Good for
- Dull or dry skin, and fine, pale facial hair that catches make-up.
- How it works
- A sterile blade, held at a shallow angle, lifts away dead surface skin and fine hair.
- When it shows
- Straight away, and lasts three to four weeks.
- Downtime
- None. Some people are pink for an hour or two.
- How often
- About every four weeks, as and when you want it.
- Price
- £40.
Microneedling and dermaplaning can be done in the same appointment. If you are not sure which suits your skin, that is what the consultation is for.
Common questions
Is there any downtime after a carbon laser facial?
None. You can go straight back to your day, which is why it is a good treatment in the week before an event.
How often can I have a carbon laser facial?
Monthly, if you like. There is no course to sign up to: each treatment is booked on its own, at £50, as and when you want it. Repeat treatments hold the result better than a single one.
Will a carbon laser facial clear my acne?
No. It clears surface congestion and helps pores look smaller, but it does not treat active acne and it does not improve acne scarring. If spots keep coming back, start with your GP. For shallow acne scarring, microneedling will do more.
Will it make my pores smaller?
It makes enlarged pores look smaller for a while. No treatment changes the size of a pore for good, and the effect of a carbon facial holds better when it is repeated.
Is a carbon laser facial the same as a carbon peel?
Yes. It is the same treatment under another name, and you may also see it called a carbon doll facial. A layer of liquid carbon goes onto the skin and a laser breaks it down, taking oil, dead skin and debris with it.