Everywhere promises you the facial. The go-to. The holy grail. The ‘you’ll never need anything else’ treatment. But how much of this noise should you truly believe and act-on. As an expert, wary of the noise polluting much of the wellness and by default the beauty industry, even I’m not willing to be a guinea pig for my audience on techniques that just aren’t making sense.
Of course, being massaged with a crystal is cool – in the moment – but long term, was that hour well-spent, even in the era of self-care? Living in polluted cities the world over, will that facial really unpack the effects and protect my skin moving forward? Is it necessary, just glam or simply noise?
That was what I really went to uncover when I discovered The Skin Laundry in Dubai’s popular Marina. It wasn;t the first time I heard of The Skin Laundry but I couldn’t really say what they offered.
Fast forward a few WhatsApp messages, a booking confirmation and a hop and a skip in the taxi to Marina, I found myself walking into a bright but truly zen location, quite literally facing the water.
There were no apprehensions from me when I walked into the branch, greeted with a smile, I truly felt comfortable to come in, ask questions about the range of procedures and prepare for the one of my own – The Carbon Facial. When reading up on it (yes I did my research prior too), I felt less overwhelmed by the apparent benefits and more secure in what results to expect.
The Carbon Facial is relatively quick, there is no downtime and you even leave with enough spf to protect your new layer of skin and your recent unclogged pores.
What I love most about Skin Laundry and what I found most distinctive is that the brand doesn’t just sell you a service – it gives you a system.
This facial fits into my long-term plan of achieving glass skin (yes its a trend but its also been my literal goal forever) that enhances my complex and brownness whilst also aligning with my other health and lifestyle vision plus it delivers a short-term reward – bright and balanced in texture skin with zero downtime.
So if you’ve got this far, I take it you are interested, but do you understand what your skin actually needs – or are you open to being sold a fantasy?
The good news is that regardless of your individual skin concerns, The Carbon Facial honestly targets the following (and if you recognise at least one of the following, I would suggest reaching out for a consultation):
- Enlarged pores
- Acne and acne scars
- Pigmentation and hyperpigmentation
- Dull skin
- Blocked pores
- Fine lines and wrinkles
So you’re in the room with your Skin Laundry Therapist (hey Sonia Chiebi), what can you expect?
As you sit down and discuss your why’s for the treatment – a very important mind you. I always feel like this is a great time for your therapist even if its the initial appointment to understand your why’s and for you to gain clarity if this treatment is truly right for you based on your concerns or goals – the lights stay on and you can get comfy on the bed. In my experience, my therapist straight away explained the process – it being two clear steps:
A double cleanse of the skin, because naturally laser and oil build up don’t mix well. Then a layer of carbon (the charcoal-looking mask) is then applied to the skin, where it penetrates deep into the pores. As the carbon dries, it attaches itself to remaining and likely deeper than surface-level dirt, oil or dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. Once dried, the carbon is ready to meet the laser.
Safety goggles provided, a short humming sound begins and yes, as the laser travels across your skin, you will feel a heated sensation but that’s bearable for most, even the most sensitive. What surprised me was the smell of burning, not enough to scare me but the smell was present, alongside a crackling of the laser which when I asked my therapist Sonia what that was, she explained the laser had come across more oil penetrative areas of my skin.
In 30 minutes, my skin cellular turnover was stimulated, and fibroblasts were ignited which helps the skin start regenerating collagen and elastin. Over the next few weeks to months, the regenerative results will continue as do the effects. I get up from the bed feeling softer and smoother than before.
So its glass skin you want?
More good news then! The Carbon Facial results are accumulative, so each carbon facial treatment builds upon the previous one and once the regeneration of cell turnover is started, the best way to keep making improvement to the skin is to commit to a course of treatments. You can do this on your own terms, but you just have to be realistic of said goals.
But the best part, and what most people won’t tell you, is that by getting a Laser facial, you are also achieving albeit minimal, laser hair removal from your face. The laser will pick up the light hairs across your face and without you noticing, either kill the hair follicle completely or bleach it – another win to note and for those who are confident with asking, get your therapist to run the laser over your chin too. To me, this falls into routine and the sustainability part – its a multi-faceted treatment that wins a reaction which I can definitely envision growing over time. Skin Laundry are on to something here – they are answering questions that deeper skincare needs, not with fluff, but with frequency, facts, and feeling.
My Verdict: Would I Do It Again?
Yes, in a heartbeat and what I love is, that its sustainable for me… even in Dubai’s hot summer, once every three months is perfectly fine for topping up the results and if I didn’t explain it before, I left looking fresh faced – no one would guess I have laser run across my face but my face felt a little sensitive – normal – but in all honesty, I went from a dry congested biscuit to an effect aligned with a glazed donut.
I’ve ghosted exfoliation ever since and a harsh bead described as an exfoliator can never sit on my face again. The Carbon Facial cleanses in real time and doesn’t leave scratches. Just remember to use SPF 50 sun cream to protect the areas everyday for at least 1 month after your treatment, as hyperpigmentation can take place. If you are in supply-doubt, buy one before leaving the clinic.
Where to find a Skin Laundry near you?
Skin Laundry is thankfully a global brand with branches across the USA, UK, Hong Kong, and Dubai.
