Carbon laser peel at our CoLaz Reading clinic

A carbon laser peel, sometimes called a carbon laser facial or Hollywood peel, is a two-part skin treatment. First a thin layer of liquid carbon is applied to the face and left to sink into the pores, where it binds to oil, dead skin cells and everyday debris. A laser is then passed over the skin: the light is drawn to the carbon and vaporises it, taking the trapped impurities with it. A gentler second pass warms the deeper skin to encourage fresh collagen, which is what helps pores look smaller and the surface look brighter and more even.

It works best for oily and combination skin, congested or visible pores, blackheads, dull tone and early non-inflamed breakouts. Because it deep-cleans the pores and gives an instant brightening effect, a lot of people book a single session before a wedding, a holiday or a big event. For ongoing oil control and clearer skin, a short course gives the most lasting result. It is not a treatment for deep wrinkles or heavy pigmentation, your clinician will suggest a better fit if that is your main concern.

For a one-off glow before an event, a single session is often enough. For oily skin, congestion or recurring blackheads, most people have a course of four to six sessions spaced one to two weeks apart, then return for the occasional top-up. Your clinician agrees the right plan with you at your free consultation and confirms the price in writing before anything is booked.

No. Most people describe it as a warm, light tingling with a gentle snapping feeling as the laser passes over, a little like a soft flick against the skin. It does not usually need numbing cream and there is no recovery to plan for. Many clients have it on a lunch break and go straight back to their day.

Very little. The skin can look slightly pink and feel warm for an hour or two afterwards, then settles. You can wear make-up the next day and return to normal activities straight away. The main thing to remember is daily SPF and a short break from strong actives like retinol and acids for a couple of days.

The laser used for the carbon peel is generally well tolerated across a range of skin tones, but settings are adjusted to suit you and a patch test is carried out where needed. This is exactly what the free consultation and medical review are for. We will always be honest if we think a different treatment is a safer choice for your skin.

We do not treat anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding, who has an active cold sore, infection or broken skin in the area, who has a fresh tan or fake tan, or who is taking isotretinoin now or has done in the last six months. Very dry or reactive skin may be better suited to a different facial. Medical history is reviewed at every consultation before treatment is agreed.

A single carbon laser peel starts from £95 at our CoLaz Reading clinic. Course pricing for oily or congested skin is confirmed in writing at your free consultation, based on the plan you and your clinician agree. There are no upsells in the chair and nothing is booked without your say-so.