A carbon laser peel, sometimes called a carbon peel facial or laser carbon facial, uses a thin layer of carbon on the skin followed by passes of a laser. It is commonly chosen for oily skin, visible pores and a dull tone. At ZARA, 304 Edgware Road, London W2, a Carbon Peel (face) costs £130 per session and starts with a consultation.
How a carbon laser peel works
The treatment has two parts. First, a fine carbon lotion is painted over the face and left to dry into a thin, dark film. The carbon settles into the surface of the skin and the openings of the pores.
Next, a laser is passed over the face. The carbon absorbs the laser energy, warms up and is broken apart, taking surface oil and dead skin cells with it. The gentle heat also reaches the upper layers of the skin. Carbon peels are commonly performed with a Q-switched laser, and we will explain the device and settings we use at your consultation.
Despite the name, there is no chemical peeling solution involved. The word peel refers to the lifting away of the carbon layer, and most people do not visibly peel afterwards.
What people book a carbon peel facial for
This is a treatment for people whose skin feels oily by lunchtime, whose pores look more obvious than they would like, or whose complexion looks flat. It is often described as a laser facial for that reason.
- Shine and excess oil, particularly across the T-zone
- Pores that look enlarged or clogged
- Blackheads and mild, non-inflamed congestion
- Dull or uneven-looking tone
- Rough texture that has not improved with a regular facial
Is a carbon laser peel right for your skin?
Many skin types can be treated, but lasers interact with pigment, so we take extra care with darker skin tones and anyone prone to pigmentation marks. Settings are chosen for your skin, and in some cases we may suggest a test patch or a different treatment altogether.
We will usually advise against treatment, or ask you to wait, in these situations:
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- A current tan, recent sunbed use or sunburn
- Isotretinoin within the last six months, or medication that makes skin sensitive to light
- Active cold sores, skin infection or inflamed cystic acne in the area
- A history of keloid scarring, or melasma that may be aggravated by heat
- Epilepsy triggered by light, or certain other medical conditions we will ask about
Your carbon laser peel appointment, step by step
Appointments are booked as 40 minutes. You will be lying back for most of it, with protective eyewear on throughout the laser stage.
- Consultation covering your skin history, medication, sun exposure and goals.
- Your skin is cleansed so the carbon can sit evenly.
- The carbon lotion is applied and allowed to dry.
- You put on protective glasses and the laser is passed over the face in sections.
- Any remaining carbon is cleansed away.
- A soothing moisturiser and SPF are applied, and we go through aftercare.
What it feels like and what to expect afterwards
Most people describe a warm, prickly or snapping sensation as the carbon is broken up, with a faint smell like a struck match. It is usually well tolerated and we can pause at any time.
Many clients say their skin looks brighter and feels less oily on the day of treatment. Changes to how pores and texture look tend to build over a course rather than after a single visit. Courses of around three to six sessions, two to four weeks apart, are common, and the effects are temporary, so some people return for occasional maintenance. Results vary from person to person.
Aftercare and possible side effects
Mild redness and warmth are common for a few hours. Some people get slight dryness or flaking over the next few days. Less commonly, laser treatments can cause swelling, irritation, breakouts, blistering or changes in pigmentation. We will discuss these risks with you before you decide.
Sun protection matters most. Wear SPF 30 or higher every day and avoid strong sun and sunbeds for at least two weeks. For 48 hours, avoid saunas, hot yoga, exfoliating acids, retinoids and scrubs, and keep your skincare plain and fragrance-free.
Carbon laser peel price at ZARA in London W2
A Carbon Peel (face) costs £130 per session. If we agree that a course makes sense, we will tell you how many sessions we would suggest and the total cost before you commit. All prices are per session, and your final plan and price are confirmed at consultation.
If laser is not right for you, there are other routes to clearer-looking skin. A hydrating HydroFacial is gentler and suits sensitive or dehydrated skin, while exfoliating microdermabrasion offers mechanical exfoliation at £70. For an overview, see our clinical facials menu.
Getting to us from Bayswater, Lisson Grove and Little Venice
ZARA is at 304 Edgware Road, about 50 metres from the Bakerloo line entrance at Edgware Road station, so it is effectively next door to the Tube. From Bayswater the Circle and District lines run to the Chapel Street station, a two to three minute walk away. Residents of Lisson Grove and the Church Street Market area and Little Venice can usually walk over in about 8 to 14 minutes, depending on where you start.
We are open Monday to Saturday, 10:30am to 8pm, and Sundays and bank holidays, 1pm to 5pm. Our Google rating is 4.8 from over 100 reviews. To book a consultation, send a WhatsApp to 07479 973309, call 020 4619 8781, email us or request an appointment online.
Carbon laser peel: your questions answered
What is the difference between a carbon peel and a chemical peel?
A chemical peel uses an acid solution to loosen the outer layer of skin. A carbon laser peel uses a carbon lotion and laser energy instead, with no acid involved, and most people do not visibly peel afterwards.
Can I go back to work after a carbon peel facial?
Most people do. You may look a little pink for a few hours. An evening appointment is a good choice if you would rather the redness settle overnight, and we are open until 8pm Monday to Saturday.
Is a carbon laser peel suitable for darker skin?
It can be, but it needs careful assessment because lasers interact with pigment. We will look at your skin, ask about any history of dark marks, and only go ahead if we think it is appropriate. In some cases we may suggest a test patch first.
Should I stop any skincare before my carbon peel?
We usually ask you to pause retinoids and exfoliating acids for a few days beforehand and to avoid sun exposure and fake tan for around two weeks. We will confirm exactly what applies to you when you book.
How many carbon peel sessions will I need?
It depends on your skin and what you want to improve. Courses of three to six sessions spaced a few weeks apart are common, but some people are happy after one or two. We will give you an honest recommendation at consultation.
Can I have a carbon peel in summer?
Yes, as long as you are not tanned or sunburnt and you are prepared to wear SPF daily and avoid strong sun afterwards. If you have a beach holiday coming up, it is better to book after you return.
Does the carbon lotion stain the skin?
No. The carbon is broken up by the laser and any residue is cleansed away before you leave. Occasionally a trace can be left near the hairline, which washes off at home.
