Carbon Laser Facials in Hackney – Yes, at a Tattoo Studio

People are sometimes surprised when they find out you can get a facial at Good Times. Fair enough, we're better known for dragons and peonies. But Darren, who runs our laser tattoo removal, also does carbon laser facials, and they've quietly become one of my favourite things happening in the studio.

It makes sense when you think about it. The same laser Darren uses for tattoo removal, a Q-switched Nd:YAG, is the one used for carbon facials. Same skill, same care, very different result.

What is a carbon laser facial?

You might have heard it called the Hollywood peel, because it's what people get before an event when they want their skin looking its best without any redness or downtime.

Darren applies a thin layer of liquid carbon to your face and lets it sit for a few minutes so it settles into your pores. Then he passes the laser over it. The laser heats the carbon, which lifts away along with dead skin, excess oil and whatever's been sitting in your pores. At the same time, the gentle heat reaches the deeper layers of the skin and gives it a bit of a wake-up.

It sounds dramatic. It isn't. Most people describe it as a warm, slightly prickly snapping feeling. No needles, no peeling, no hiding indoors for a week.

Why people love it

The big one is the glow. Skin looks brighter, smoother and fresher straight away, which is why people come in before weddings, birthdays or photos.

It's also quick. A face session takes around 30 to 45 minutes, so you can pop in on your lunch break and go straight back to work. If you want face and neck done, allow up to an hour. You might be a little pink afterwards, but it settles quickly.

Over time, and especially with a course, people notice their pores look tighter, oiliness calms down, and their skin tone evens out. It's great for congested or oily skin, and for anyone who feels their face just looks a bit tired and dull. London air does not help any of us.

The Nd:YAG laser also suits a wide range of skin tones, which isn't true of every laser treatment out there.

One session or a course?

A single session is a lovely treat, and you'll see the glow straight away. If you're after longer-lasting changes to pores, oil and texture, a course spaced a few weeks apart is where you get the real results.

For a full face, a single session is £95, a course of three is £255, and a course of six is £480. Want your neck done too? It's an extra £25 per session, so £120 for a single, £330 for three or £630 for six.

What to expect

Before your first treatment, Darren will chat with you about your skin, what you're using on it, and whether a carbon facial is right for you. If you're pregnant, have a fresh tan or sunburn, or are on certain skin medications, he may suggest waiting.

Afterwards, keep it simple. Wear SPF, go easy on strong actives like retinol or acids for a day or two, and let your skin enjoy itself.

Why here?

Because Darren knows skin and lasers inside out. He's qualified to VTCT Levels 2, 3, 4 and 5, which covers everything from facials through to advanced skin and laser treatments. He works with lasers every day, he's careful, and he's lovely to be around. And honestly, there are worse places to spend 40 minutes than a sunny tattoo studio on Lower Clapton Road with good music on.

Good Times Tattoo 8 Lower Clapton Road, Hackney, London E5 0PD

Get in touch through our contact form or pop into the studio to arrange a time with Darren. No online booking, just proper consultations.

Tattooing East London since 2009.