The skin is cleansed and a medical grade Carbon paste is applied which penetrates the pores. The laser is then used to gently heat the carbon shattering the epidermal keratinocytes and dirt, killing bacteria in the pores. You will hear a soft snapping noise as the carbon is blasted off the skin. You may feel a light tingling. This removes excessive sebum, exfoliates the upper layer of skin and unclogs pores, making it a perfect treatment for those with enlarged, blocked pores. The final pass is made over your face to ensure all the carbon is removed. The frequency of the laser is increased again to ensure all the carbon has been vaporised. This is a laser photothermolysis. This step activates the collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid production.

Deep Cleansing - Carbon has the ability to absorb oil and contaminants from deep within the pores. When the laser is passed over the treatment area it targets and destroys the carbon particles, taking any absorbed material with it. Exfoliating - As the carbon is targeted by the laser, it blasts away dead skin cells, blackheads and effectively exfoliates the skin. The result is softer, radiant skin with reduced pore size and a more even skin tone. Rejuvenating - Carbon peels also target the deep layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production, which in turn produces firmer, plumper skin, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and leaves skin feeling tighter and glowing. It is a great anti-ageing treatment for the face, neck, décolletage, hands and feet. Acne and Oil Destroying - The heat produced by carbon peels has 2 additional benefits. It reduces the P.Acnes bacteria responsible for acne, allowing for better management of pimples and outbreaks, and it also shrinks sebaceous glands (oil producing glands), resulting in less oil production, and therefore reducing congestion building up in the pores. Treatments can be performed on any part of the body, including the back and chest.

The Carbon Laser Facial is a completely safe skin treatment. It Is gentle compared to other treatments as no harsh chemicals are used or scrubbing. There are no reports of any adverse skin complications or painful side effects. After the treatment you may notice slight redness and some tingling which should fade afterwards. It can be used safely on all skin types.

No! The treatment is gentle, non-invasive and painless. You'll probably hear a snap sound as we target the carbon particles in your pores with the laser. Our clients describe the feeling as warm or prickly but not painful.

If you want to see long term improvements we would recommend 6 to 10 sessions of carbon laser facial. For milder issues 3 to 5 sessions can be sufficient. Treatments are spaced out 2 to 4 weeks apart for best results.

Yes, it is extemely important to have a patch test at least 24 hours first treatment.

Your skin will look and feel smoother and some superficial congestion will have been removed. A reduction in pores and acne lesions will require multiple sessions.

Unfortunately, not all treatments are for everyone. Please check our contraindications list to make sure you avoid disappointment. Conditions that would mean you were not able to have this treatment: Conditions affecting your Immune System • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) an autoimmune disease often referred to simply as “Lupus”. • Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis especially if treated with “Gold Injections” or Methotrexate • Any other known auto-immune disorder • Any other disease affecting your immune function e.g. following removal of your Spleen • Liver disease such as Hepatitis A, B, C • HIV Bleeding Abnormalities • Haemophilia, Von Willibrands Disease, Thrombocytopenia Blood Thinning Medication • Anticoagulants such as Warfarin, Heparin, Clexane Or Dabigatron • High doses of Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Diclofenac (NB Prophylactic slow release Aspirin at 75 mg day or less is acceptable) Skin Conditions • Prone to Keloid or very thick scarring • Vitiligo or any other skin pigmentation problem • Psoriasis or eczema (on treatment area) Cancer treatment • Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) for Cancer • Chemotherapy/Radiotherapy for Cancer, Leukaemia, Myeloma or Lymphoma Other Conditions • Currently Pregnant • Breast Feeding • Acute or Chronic Kidney Disease • Type 1 Diabetes & type 2 when on medication • Implants / Metal Plates/ or Pacemakers Conditions that need a doctor’s letter to confirm the treatment is suitable before treatments can begin: • Epilepsy • Transplant Anti-Rejection Drugs • Thyroid Disease • Heart Disease • Hypertension (High blood pressure treated with medication) • Cancer - after 12 months The list below is of things that require a waiting period until you can start treatments: • Active Herpes simplex (Cold Sores) - wait 2 weeks until its healed and use antiviral medication a few days before and continue a week after treatment • Acute fungal infections - Wait until the condition has cleared until having your treatment • UV exposure from sunbathing or sunbeds - wait 4 weeks before your starting your treatment and please note you cannot sunbath or go on a sunbed during your course of treatment • Chemical Peel, Microdermabrasion or Radio Frequency - wait 4 weeks before starting treatments and do not have in the area during your treatment course. • Medical Chemical Peels, Dermabrasion, Laser Skin Resurfacing or Face Lift at site of treatment - wait 6 months before starting treatments and do not have in the area during your treatment course. Drugs & Herbal Remedies • Fever Few or St John’s Wort - both of these herbs are photosensitising Recommend that the client stops taking the preparation and waits 4 weeks for the herb to be completely cleared from their system before treatment - otherwise client skin may be burned. • Over the counter pain relief e.g. non-steroidal Antiinflammatory/pain relief drugs such as Ibuprofen and/or Aspirin these must be allowed to clear from a client’s system before any treatment – suggest a delay of one – two weeks before treatment begins. • Prescribed a drug for a short term (course of less than six weeks) by their GP/Hospital The course should be finished and wait at least a further six weeks for any drug to be completely excreted from their system before having treatment. (Notable drugs that can cause problems during laser and or IPL use are Tetracycline antibiotics and steroids) • Prescribed a long term drug (a course lasting longer than 6 weeks) by their GP/Hospital The client should be referred back to the prescribing doctor for a letter of authorisation for the treatment to go ahead. Notable long term drugs that can cause problems are Ro-Acutane used in Acne treatments (specifically listed on Medical History form), Minocin which is an antibiotic (frequently used in long term Acne therapy) and Amioderone a drug used in Cardiology.

Before your treatment: • No sun-tanning or self-tanners 4 weeks prior to treatment o Includes spray tans, tanning lotions, tanning beds, sun exposure, etc. • Avoid treatments that may irritate the skin for 1-2 weeks prior to treatment (waxing, depilatories, etc.) • Notify clinic with any changes to your health history or medications since your last appointment • History of herpes or cold sores may require an anti-viral prescription prior to treatment if treating in the area that breakouts occur. After your treatment: To fully benefit from your facial leave your skin to breath overnight. This allows products to absorb and protect your skin. Before bed clean your the skin gently with warm water before applying your usual cream. Always use SPF of 30 or above.

Carbon Laser Facials has two parts: 1) The Laser machine: Our laser device ecodiode is a CE Medical approved laser device which is not only effective but has a benefit to our planet. The machines have been designed to be low wastage and sustainable without compromising on power and performance. On the contrary it is more powerful and effective than many on the market. 2) The product used is ‘Activated’ charcoal which is made when the raw material (usually nut shells) goes through a forced process where it is carbonised at temperatures up to 12000C and acid washed to produce a friable, very fine powder. This is called a super-adsorbent. This type of charcoal does not occur naturally and has to go through the above industrial processes to be created. The end product contains no oxygen, nutrients or fiber, all having been burnt off. So making the treatment have a reduced waste and all products used are dermalogica and the carbon which are both vegan.

Vicki Hexter Estelle Brown Steph Webb Viktoria Zem Find out more about each therapist at Meet the Team(javascript:void(0))