Erbium YAG Laser in London — resurfacing with control, including deeper skin tones
Erbium YAG, often called Cool Laser, removes damaged surface layers with far less residual heat than Fractional CO2. That precision makes it one of the safest resurfacing routes for pigmentation-prone skin when it is delivered by an experienced practitioner.
Available at Blueness King's Cross only
- Skin types
- Fitzpatrick I–VI, with careful settings
- Course
- 3–6 sessions depending on area and depth
- Spacing
- Every 6–8 weeks
- Downtime
- 2–7 days of pinkness and light peeling
How Erbium YAG Laser works
Erbium YAG runs at a wavelength that water in the skin absorbs very efficiently. Tissue is removed cleanly, layer by layer, instead of being heated until it coagulates.
Less heat left behind means a shorter recovery and a lower risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation than deeper ablative resurfacing — the main reason we reach for Erbium before Fractional CO2 on medium and deeper skin.
Depth is adjustable. We can work superficially for tone and glow, or go deeper across a course for scarring and stretch marks on the face and body.
What Erbium YAG Laser treats
- Skin texture and roughness
Surface irregularity smoothed and refined across a short course.
- Acne scarring
Rolling and boxcar scarring softened progressively.
- Enlarged pores
Pore appearance refined as the surface is resurfaced.
- Stretch marks
Mild to moderate striae on stomach, thighs, arms and breasts.
- Hyperpigmentation
Surface pigment lifted, often alongside Pico for deeper pigment.
- Dull, tired skin
Tone and light reflectance restored.
Who it's for
- —Texture, scarring or stretch marks are your main concern rather than colour alone
- —You want resurfacing but have been warned off Fractional CO2 for your skin tone
- —You can plan a few days of visible peeling around your diary
- —You want a plan that can be layered with Pico or microneedling
When it isn't suitable
- —You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- —You have active acne, infection or eczema in the treatment area
- —You have a history of keloid scarring without prior assessment
- —You cannot avoid sun exposure and heat for two weeks afterwards
Your treatment journey
- 01Consultation
Skin typing, scar and texture assessment, and a realistic depth and session plan. Consultations are chargeable.
- 02Patch test
Standard on medium and deeper skin tones before any full-area resurfacing.
- 03Treatment
Numbing cream first, then 20–45 minutes depending on area.
- 04Recovery
2–7 days of pinkness and light flaking. Barrier cream, no actives, SPF 50 and no heat or sweating for the first week.
- 05Review
Reassessed at 6–8 weeks, once new collagen has started to form.
Erbium YAG Laser — your questions
Yes, with the right settings, thorough patch testing and an experienced practitioner. At Blueness we routinely treat Fitzpatrick IV–VI with Erbium and pair every course with pre- and post-care designed to limit post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Where we treat
Available at Blueness King's Cross only.
Blueness by Oceania is a London laser clinic specialising in skin of colour, with VTCT Level 5 qualified practitioners and over a decade of clinical experience across every Fitzpatrick skin type. Read our story or get in touch.
Other laser treatments
Pico Laser in London for hyperpigmentation, melasma, sun spots and acne scarring. Safe across Fitzpatrick I–VI at our Swiss Cottage and King's Cross clinics.
Fractional CO2 Laser at our Swiss Cottage clinic for deep acne scars, wrinkles and stretch marks. Best suited to Fitzpatrick I–IV, assessed at consultation.