What is a laser facial?
A traditional facial works largely on the surface of the skin, cleansing, exfoliating and hydrating. A laser facial goes further. By using medical laser and light devices, it treats the skin at depth, targeting concerns that topical facials cannot address: pigmentation within the skin, the blood vessels responsible for redness, and the collagen that influences firmness and texture. The result is both immediate — with visibly brighter, smoother skin — and cumulative, with ongoing improvements in tone, texture and overall skin quality over the days and weeks that follow.
| Traditional facial | Laser facial |
|---|---|
| Works largely on the surface of the skin | Targeted treatment within the skin |
| Cleansing, exfoliation and skin hydration | Targets pigmentation, redness, collagen and skin texture |
Who laser facials are for?
Laser facials suit a wide range of goals, from a single pre-event refresh to an ongoing programme of skin maintenance. They are particularly well suited to:
Dull or tired-looking skin
Restore radiance and improve overall skin clarity.
Uneven tone and pigmentation
Address sun damage and superficial pigmentation.
Redness and rosacea-prone skin
Help reduce flushing and visible redness.
Fine lines and texture
Early lines, loss of glow and rough texture
Skin maintenance
Maintenance between more intensive treatments, to protect and prolong results.
Special occasions
A popular choice a wedding, shoot or event where you want skin at its best.
The four signature laser facials
Each facial is named for its effect, but defined by the device behind it. Below is what each one does, the technology it uses, who it suits best and what to expect.
PhotoFabulous Laser Facial
For pigmentation, redness and overall rejuvenation
Technology
IPL + Stellar M22 ResurFx
What to expect afterwards
Treated pigment may darken and flake over the following week.
The PhotoFabulous Laser Facial is a combination treatment that pairs Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) with the Stellar M22 ResurFx non-ablative fractional laser in a single session. The IPL component targets pigmentation and redness — lifting sun spots, evening out tone and calming visible vessels — while the ResurFx component stimulates collagen to refine texture and soften fine lines.
Because it addresses pigment, redness and texture together, PhotoFabulous is the most comprehensive of the four: a genuine "all-rounder" for skin that has several concerns at once. It is ideal for sun-damaged or ageing skin where tone and texture both need attention. Expect a warm, snapping sensation from the IPL and a prickling warmth from the ResurFx, both eased by cooling. Treated pigment may darken and flake over the following week.
BabyFace Facial
For radiance, clarity and hydration
Technology
Lutronic LaseMD Ultra
What to expect afterwards
Short-lived redness and light flaking.
The BabyFace Facial uses the Lutronic LaseMD Ultra, a gentle non-ablative laser, to resurface the skin while simultaneously driving active ingredients deep into it. The laser creates fine micro-channels that trigger collagen renewal and, at the same time, allow serums — antioxidants, growth factors and hydrating actives — to penetrate far more effectively than they could when simply applied to the surface. This is known as laser-assisted drug delivery, and it is what gives the BabyFace its signature plump, dewy, refined finish.
BabyFace is the facial of choice for radiance, smoothness and hydration — the kind of subtle, healthy glow that reads as "great skin" rather than "had a treatment." It is a popular pre-event option and is generally well tolerated, with short-lived redness and light flaking.
Clear & Smooth Facial
For redness, pigmentation and even tone
Technology
Lutronic Derma V
What to expect afterwards
Usually a brief flush that settles within hours to a day.
The Clear & Smooth Facial uses the Lutronic Derma V vascular laser to target redness and pigmentation while stimulating collagen for smoother, more even skin. The Derma V's wavelengths are absorbed by the blood vessels behind facial redness and by excess pigment, fading both, while its advanced cooling makes treatment comfortable and suitable across a broad range of skin types.
Clear & Smooth is the best fit for skin where redness is the headline concern — flushing, broken capillaries or rosacea-prone complexions — as well as uneven tone. Downtime is minimal, usually a brief flush that settles within hours to a day.
3D MIRACL
For brightening and refined tone and texture
Technology
UltraClear cold-ablative fibre laser
What to expect afterwards
A few days of redness and light flaking
The 3D MIRACL is a resurfacing facial powered by the UltraClear cold-ablative fibre laser. It works by fractionally removing the outermost layer of the skin — approximately the top 10 micrometres — helping to lift superficial pigmentation and improve skin tone and texture. The result is brighter, smoother and more even-looking skin, with softening of fine lines. Because the UltraClear delivers this highly precise resurfacing with minimal heat transfer to the surrounding tissue, it provides a genuine resurfacing effect with relatively little downtime.
Of the four laser facials, the 3D MIRACL provides the greatest degree of surface renewal. It is particularly well suited to patients concerned by superficial pigmentation, dullness, uneven texture and early signs of skin ageing, especially those seeking a resurfacing treatment without the prolonged recovery associated with deeper ablative lasers. Most patients experience a warm sensation during treatment, followed by a few days of redness and light flaking as the skin renews. As with any resurfacing procedure, suitability and treatment settings are assessed carefully, particularly in skin of colour, and diligent sun protection afterwards is essential.
Which laser facial is right for me?
In practice, the right choice depends on a proper skin assessment. Many patients are best served by alternating facials over a course, or by combining a laser facial with a more targeted laser or light treatment for a specific concern. Dr Phillips will map this out at consultation.
Pigmentation, redness and texture together
PhotoFabulous
(IPL + ResurFx)
Pigmentation, redness and texture together
PhotoFabulous
(IPL + ResurFx)
Pigmentation, redness and texture together
PhotoFabulous
(IPL + ResurFx)
Pigmentation, redness and texture together
PhotoFabulous
(IPL + ResurFx)
Pigmentation, redness and texture together
PhotoFabulous
(IPL + ResurFx)
Radiance, hydration and refined skin texture
BabyFace
(LaseMD Ultra)
Redness, flushing and even tone
Clear & Smooth
(Derma V)
Brightening and surface renewal
3D MIRACL
(UltraClear)
A dermatologist-led approach to laser facials
The defining difference at this practice is that every laser facial is delivered by a Consultant Dermatologist. Rather than a fixed item on a spa menu, the treatment is selected and tailored to your skin type, your concerns and, importantly, your skin tone, with the same medical assessment that underpins any laser treatment. This distinction is particularly important for patients with reactive skin, pigmentation concerns or skin of colour, where the wrong device or settings can do more harm than good.
Your treatment journey
Consultation and assessment
Dr Phillips reviews your skin, history and goals, and confirms which facial (if any) is appropriate for your skin type. For some treatments, particularly in skin of colour, a patch test may be advised.
Preparation
The skin is cleansed; numbing cream is applied where needed, and protective eyewear is worn.
Treatment
The chosen device is used across the area; most laser facials take under an hour, with cooling throughout for comfort.
Aftercare
You leave with clear aftercare guidance and, for the BabyFace, the benefit of freshly delivered actives. Sun protection is essential.
Review and course planning
Results and any follow-up sessions are discussed; many concerns benefit from a short course.
Downtime and aftercare
PhotoFabulous
Treated pigmentation may darken and flake over approximately one week.
BabyFace
Temporary redness and light flaking, typically lasting one to three days.
Clear & Smooth
A brief flush that usually settles within hours to a day.
3D MIRACL
A few days of redness and light flaking as the skin renews.
Aftercare
Diligent sun protection before and after treatment is essential to protect results and reduce the risk of pigmentation.
When will I see results?
Many patients notice an immediate glow, with the deeper benefits — clearer tone, reduced redness, smoother texture — building over the following days and across a course of treatments. For an event, allow a little time for any flush or flaking to settle; Dr Phillips will advise on timing at consultation.
Within a week
Texture and firmness
Improvements continue as collagen rebuilds, with a course providing the most noticeable change.
Over subsequent weeks
Brighter-looking skin
Skin often begins to look brighter as the initial recovery settles.
Within a week
Brighter-looking skin
Skin often begins to look brighter as the initial recovery settles.
Over subsequent weeks
Texture and firmness
Improvements continue as collagen rebuilds, with a course providing the most noticeable change.
Planning for an event?
Allow time for any redness or flaking to settle. Dr Phillips will advise on the most appropriate timing during your consultation.
Suitability and skin of colour
Because each laser facial uses different technology, suitability varies — and this is especially important for skin of colour, where IPL in particular carries a higher risk of pigment change if used incorrectly. Dr Phillips has specific expertise treating skin of colour and will select, adapt or substitute the facial accordingly — for example, favouring the Derma V or a non-ablative approach where IPL is not the safest option. This consultant-led judgement is the single biggest safeguard against an adverse result.
The goal is to clear acne while actively minimising pigmentation risk, using treatment choices, medication selection and laser settings that account for skin tone from the outset, rather than applying a generic protocol and dealing with marks afterwards.
FAQs
What is the difference between a laser facial and a normal facial?
A normal facial works mainly on the skin’s surface, while a laser facial uses medical laser and light devices to treat the skin at depth — addressing pigment, redness and collagen — for results that are both immediate and longer-lasting.
Which laser facial is right for me?
It depends on your main concern: PhotoFabulous for combined pigment, redness and texture; BabyFace for radiance and hydration; Clear & Smooth for redness and even tone; and the 3D MIRACL for brightening and surface renewal. Dr Phillips confirms the right choice at consultation.
How often should I have a laser facial?
Many patients have a one-off facial for an occasion, while others follow a short course for cumulative results and then maintain periodically. A schedule is agreed at consultation.
Is there downtime after a laser facial?
Generally minimal — a short-lived flush that settles within hours to a day, with light flaking after the BabyFace and possible pigment flaking over about a week after the PhotoFabulous.
Are laser facials suitable before a wedding or event?
Yes — they are a popular pre-event choice for radiance. Allow a little time beforehand for any flush or flaking to settle, and ideally start a course well ahead of the date.
Are laser facials safe for darker skin?
Suitability varies by facial and device, so assessment is essential. Dr Phillips has particular expertise in skin of colour and will select or adapt the right option to treat safely.
Can I combine a laser facial with other treatments?
Yes. Laser facials are often combined with targeted laser, light or medical treatments as part of a wider plan, which Dr Phillips will design around your skin.