Pigmentation - Expert Insights & Latest Updates

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26 Aug 2026

A cover image for The Late Late Aesthetics Show With Vanessa Lana Brown from VL Aesthetics in Carlisle (Cumbria)

Why Pigmentation Is So Difficult to Treat: Melasma, Dark Spots, SPF and the Treatments That Actually Matter

Pigmentation can be stubborn, but understanding the cause is the first step to treating it effectively. Discover expert advice on melasma, dark spots, SPF, skincare ingredients and professional treatments for clearer, more even-looking skin.

22 Jan 2025

A woman treating acne, pigmentation, and wrinkles with the Hydrafacial at VL Aesthetics in Carlisle (Cumbria)

Hydrafacial® Over Time: The Secret to Long-Term Skin Health

Hydrafacial® treatments are a cornerstone for achieving and maintaining radiant, healthy, and rejuvenated skin. Discover how often to schedule sessions, the long-term benefits of consistent care, and how to adjust your personalised skincare routine for seasonal changes or age-related needs.

21 Jan 2025

A woman targeting acne, pigmentation, and wrinkles with the Hydrafacial at VL Aesthetics in Carlisle (Cumbria)

Hydrafacial® Basics: What to Know Before Your First Session

If you’re considering a Hydrafacial® treatment but feeling uncertain about what it involves, you’re not alone. Known for its instant, visible results and zero downtime, this advanced skincare treatment is your first step to achieving radiant, healthy, and rejuvenated skin. Here’s what to expect at your appointment.

20 Jan 2025

Hydrafacial® Explained: Steps, Benefits, and Why It Works

In the world of skincare, Hydrafacial® has earned its outstanding reputation as a truly transformative treatment. Combining advanced technology with a gentle touch, it effectively addresses concerns like acne, pigmentation, and ageing. Designed for all skin types, it’s a multi-step facial that delivers remarkable results.

“I had a lovely experience here today. Relaxing environment and friendly professional staff. I was extremely pleased with the results of the procedure I had and would definitely recommend VL Aesthetics to my family and friends.” Read Reviews

Google Rating

4.9

Based on 403 reviews

VL Aesthetics

4.9

Wendy Mcdonald

14:55 25 Jun 26

I can’t say enough good things about the VL Aesthetics in Carlisle! From the moment you walk in, every single member of the team, especially the reception staff, is so warm, friendly, and helpful. And Dr Awfa —he is truly incredible. He’s the only person I would ever trust with any work on my face. His professionalism and care are just next level. I can’t recommend them highly enough!

Wattie Cook

11:41 12 Jun 26

Professional, friendly, informative, relaxing

patsy shackleford

08:24 17 May 26

I am a regular user of injectables. The team at VL Aesthetics provide a first class medical sympathetic service that meets all my needs. Professional and friendly team.

Claire Saunders

16:37 23 Apr 26

Awfa Paulina

16:37 22 Apr 26

Richard Weir

14:44 18 Mar 26

A really welcoming, comfortable and smart, modern place. Staff are friendly and very knowledgeable, great flexibility in providing a very short notice booking too.

Lynne Orvis

19:26 26 Feb 26

Very pleased with my deep tissue massage today with Joanne. Lovely greeting and made to feel very welcome. Friendly atmosphere and the premises were very clean and tidy inside. Already booked my next appointment.

Patsy Davies

15:43 09 Feb 26

I have been attending VL Aesthetics for over 12 months now and I honestly couldn’t be happier with the service I receive. From my very first consultation to every treatment since, the care has been exceptional.The consultant who treats me is extremely professional, knowledgeable, and always makes me feel comfortable and well informed. The level of aftercare is outstanding, with follow-up messages, helpful advice, and reminders for future appointments, which really shows how much they value their clients.The post-treatment products available are also excellent and have really helped me with healing and results. The clinic itself is welcoming, professional, and run to a very high standard.I would highly recommend VL Aesthetics to anyone considering laser treatment or aesthetic care. If you’re looking for expert treatment with genuine care and professionalism, I would definitely encourage you to book a consultation. Five star treatment every time.

Bob Evans

18:03 28 Jan 26

Had a Deep Tissue Massage, Treatment by Leah was perfect, very professional and friendly from the moment i walked through the door until the moment I left, will definitely be returning!

Susan Temple

13:00 24 Jan 26

Had a brilliant experience with the laser nurse, so warm & welcoming, reassuring & very knowledgeable, would definitely recommend ❤️

Gurpreet Kaur

13:55 23 Jan 26

Julie Norman

16:23 13 Jan 26

Joanne is a credit to your company. Always friendly and helpful. I wouldn't go anywhere else

Karen Austin

15:22 13 Jan 26

A wonderfully thorough and expert treatment. Very happy with the results.

Lana Brown

18:26 08 Jan 26

Dr Awfa is a very skilful and experienced doctor. Thank you.

Jan Tupper

13:47 07 Jan 26

Absolutely wonderful, Certainly felt so much better after my treatment with Joanne. Am most definitely back for more treatment

Victoria Barker

13:44 06 Jan 26

Andrea Thomas

14:04 26 Sep 25

Lovely staff and happy with the work I have had done so far x

chris johnston

14:38 19 Sep 25

Leah and her colleagues have been wonderful from my very first visit, right through to the end of my treatment. I can’t recommend them enough.

Amalia Ortiz

09:15 19 Sep 25

kayleigh lesser

18:26 18 Sep 25

I took advantage of the wellbeing offer and had 25minutes balancer pro and dermal triwave. I would highly recommend this service, the whole experience was very relaxing and the team are wonderful, everything is well explained and they check you are happy with the pressure etc, very happy customer

Abi Wolf

12:21 12 Sep 25

Very happy with the service, I had an amazing deep tissue massage with Vicci, have booked to go again! Thank you

San G

16:14 25 Jul 25

Seen vicci who quickly identified the knot on my back and got to work on it...hoping it's done the trick ! Kept well informed what the problem was..I'll be back

Karen Johnstone

20:23 18 Jul 25

I have been having facial treatments with Leah, she’s is very professional & I would highly recommend I have noticed a difference in my areas of concern.

Chris Johnston

13:01 26 Jun 25

Leah has been wonderful right from the start. She makes you feel extremely at ease and explains everything very clearly. Just at the start of 8 treatments but seeing results already. Very happy and looking forward to seeing my end results.

David Glencross

17:43 13 Jun 25

Today I had my first massage at VL, both Kate and Leah were very welcoming, I really enjoyed it, I will be booking again very soon. Thank you

Rosalind Cahill

12:46 10 Jun 25

The treatment I received was first class, I was made to feel so relaxed throughout the whole experience.

eil Smile

16:40 05 Jun 25

fabulous staff and divine treatmentsFab staff and treatments, always feel welcome and at ease they even have a machine to show your skin analysis I.e sun damage, age etc and where needs improving or helped, wouldn’t go anywhere else.

Stacy Hucker

10:12 27 May 25

Always a relaxing, professional but friendly atmosphere. Amazing treatments

Denise Sanderson

12:56 15 May 25

On my first visit to VL Aesthetics there was a warm greeting, and a short wait before Leah invited me through for my appointment. She was friendly but professional in her explanation about my proposed treatment.I was very impressed by what what I saw and heard, and am now looking forward to the first of several treatments.

Mike Moscrop

22:01 21 Mar 25

Always a nice reception from all staff at VL who make you feel welcome and relaxed, any procedures are explained to you before commencement and always carried out in a professional manner, would definitely recommend them .

Gina Thomlinson

12:15 16 Feb 25

I found my experience very good. Will be back. Regards Gina

John Webster

12:46 11 Feb 25

Very good

Alison Ross

14:09 02 Feb 25

Bianca dulaney

15:04 01 Feb 25

Krissy Mann

16:09 28 Jan 25

From the time I arrived to the time I left, I was made comfortable and aware of the procedure from start too finish. Each time I visited, I got the next level to proceed too.

Jane Horn

20:52 18 Jan 25

The staff at VL are welcoming and warm. I just wonder if the treatments offered should be based on time in the clinic. As I attend for cryo it is a very short treatment but is quite expensive. Just a thought !

Alex Boustead

09:39 20 Dec 24

I love the results from my hydrafacial! Family are commenting on how shiny my skin looks

Vicky Heptonstall

12:29 16 Dec 24

Had my first consultation and can't thank the lovely ladies who were professional throughout listened to my needs and made me feel at ease. Blonde receptionist was lovely an Leah was amazing I have started my treatment and can't wait to see the results. 😊 all part if my wedding gift from my husband to be to make me feel special on the day ❤

S B

13:22 15 Dec 24

Excellent service! Very good results

Karen Ferrell

09:24 29 Nov 24

Excellent staff , very friendly, my personal experience is amazing thank you VL 🌟

Wayne Johnston

14:53 22 Nov 24

Always a great experience visiting VL Asthetics. The staff are so so friendly and helpful and make you feel welcomed. The clinic is modern and very clean and tidy. Always a pleasure meeting different members of staff.

Simon Bell

09:26 16 Nov 24

Excellent service from beginning to end. Relaxed atmosphere with friendly staff. Everything explained in full detail at initial consultation and best options for me on treatment suggested. Procedure was comfortable, not rushed and everything explained to me before it happened. Reception staff really friendly and knowledgeable. Ample parking outside and easy to find. Will use again and again. Highly recommend.

david scott

14:55 07 Nov 24

Excellent staff who were very knowledgeable in their field of work .I had suffered neck pain for some years and visited various physio therapists and doctors , a MRI scan showed wear and tear to discs in neck and lower back .After experiencing head aches which I thought was muscle related I booked a appointment with yourselves and the results were staggering/head aches gone and not now experiencing discomfort so will visit once a month now to keep it under control .I recommend VL AESTHETICS,

Anne Reid

15:38 03 Nov 24

The staff are very friendly and make you feel so welcome. I'm very happy with my visit.

Craig T

14:22 28 Oct 24

Great, efficient, friendly helpful staff

Shaun Ayre

12:11 28 Oct 24

Very professional and helped me

Amelia Talichová

12:55 26 Oct 24

Great consultation with Susan, who explained everything thoroughly and was extremely lovely and kind. Looking forward to my first treatment to get rid of the broken veins on my face. Thank you!

Jean Thompson

06:33 23 Sep 24

Absolutely brilliant. I feel so much better after my massage. Thank you Vicci, you worked wonders!

Rachel Wills

10:42 13 Sep 24

So welcoming and professional.Kate, and her colleague, on reception were fantastic.Sue is brilliant at her job and a very lovely, warm person too.Fantastic.Thank you

Kitty Quinzell

09:29 12 Sep 24

I’ve had the pleasure of going to this amazing place a few times now, both for the massages and the state of the art facial treatments.Every time I go, I feel important as soon as I walk through the door, always greeted with a smile (and the best of hot chocolates!)The treatments themselves are fantastic, relaxing but with great results and you can tell that what you are getting is a high quality service, that’s what keeps me going back!If you haven’t already, pay them a visit - Your body/face will thank you!

Roy and Jane Atkins

12:33 06 Sep 24

I was treated really well at VL Aesthetics and having gone about some warts on my fingers, I was impressed that the practitioner advised me to go to my GP and did not just take the opportunity of making business out of my condition. The set up seemed very professional.

George Crisan

14:54 08 Jul 24

Sue Pigg

15:27 19 Nov 23

Had a very 'positive' visit to VL Aesthetics a couple of weeks ago. The members of staff that I interacted with were friendly and approachable. At no point did I ever feel that I was being pushed into deciding which treatment (if any) I would like. I listened to what was said re my rosacea and decided to purchase 3 items which I was assured would 'help'. 2 weeks on and I can definitely say that there is a marked improvement - so much so that friends are now commenting on how much better my skin looks.After years of attempting to 'cover up' the blemishes I now wish that I had known how to control the condition a lot sooner than I did.Thank you VLI will be back xx

Deborah Waitt

08:34 16 Nov 23

Staff very knowledgeable and told me everything I needed to know and went into great detail going through each step of the treatment required everyone very friendly

Connor Rawson

17:54 15 Nov 23

Excellent service throughout.

Anna Kirkman

17:46 15 Nov 23

Had the most amazing massage with Eta, cannot recommend her enough - felt like a new woman when I walked out. Will definitely to back

Emma James

15:55 15 Nov 23

Great experience during my consultation and initial treatment, staff are friendly, inviting and professional, and I can’t wait for my next appointment!

Stephanie Bradford

16:43 27 Oct 23

Amazing experience. So happy with my treatments and results!

Heather

14:25 22 Sep 23

Really lovely experience .. so calm & lovely people to speak to

mec 92

11:09 18 Aug 23

I had the best deep tissue massage from Eta today. She made sure she knew where my problem areas were and tackled them. She then finished the session off with a relaxing head massage which was perfect. I have had a problem in my shoulder for months and she gave me advice on how to help that outside of massage too. She was so informative and friendly!! Can’t wait for my next one, will be booking in forever. Love VL for every treatment I’ve had, highly recommend. Thank you Eta and all the lovely staff.Molly

Lucy Tyson

12:57 09 Aug 23

I was made to feel very at ease during my consultation. The surroundings are beautiful and very comfortable

David Walters

11:53 09 Aug 23

My visit to VL Asthetics was great. Lovely friendly welcome and received very informative consultation for highly experienced professionals. Couldn’t recommend highly enough.Thank you

Malgorzata Urbanska

11:15 09 Aug 23

Good communication. Looking forward to my appointment

Amanda Graham

11:13 09 Aug 23

The staff were all so welcoming and helpful and my consultant explained all my options abs tailored the treatments to what i wanted. Very happy.

Amie

10:49 09 Aug 23

Great visit to VL Aesthetics ! Wonderful environment and great staff. Made me feel very much as ease.

Sue Cameron

10:47 09 Aug 23

Everyone very friendly, feel at ease. Treatment going well excited to see final result.

Patricia Lilly

07:56 08 Jul 23

Lovely surroundings and the staff are excellent.

Georgia Morgan

14:07 03 Jul 23

My consultation with Martyna was excellent. Everything was covered about the treatment I wanted and even got given a leaflet with extra information included. I left VL aesthetics feeling very happy and will be booking the treatment very soon. Can’t wait to be back

Audrey Carruthers

21:00 14 Apr 23

Kiera Johstone

19:17 14 Apr 23

Having never had my eyebrows tinted and waxed before, I was a little apprehensive. I don't have a lot of eyebrow to work with as I had over done the plucking in my youth. However, everyone from the reception staff to Joanne who did my eyebrows, made me feel at ease and did a great job. Joanne explained everything as she was doing it and we discussed the darkness of the tint. I was very pleased with the results and felt really confident afterwards. It was great to be able to go swimming on a beach holiday without worrying about my eyebrows "swimming off" into the sea!

Maurice Lowrey

18:21 14 Apr 23

Excellent 1st visit experience, staff service very professional and knowledgeable.My wife had a very helpful appointment with Susan , lots of advice and care to help with ongoing treatments.Thank you to all the team .

christine wilson

17:41 14 Apr 23

My experience at VL aesthetics has been very positive. I have had 6 treatments on separate days and every visit I was greeted by very friendly and knowledgeable staff, who make sure everything about your treatment is explained to you, all questions answered and made to feel very welcome and comfortable.

Katie McAvoy

20:45 05 Mar 23

Haven’t been for my consultation yet, however a quick response from my enquiry. Looking forward to my consultation.

Sue Maxwell

20:22 05 Mar 23

Lovely salon.All staff very professionalRecommend

Ashley Miles

19:23 05 Mar 23

Friendly staff who were very accommodating

Janet Howie

10:46 19 Feb 23

Very friendly and relaxed atmosphere but most of all very professional. Would highly recommend.

Louise Lambert

22:10 01 Feb 23

A wonderful welcome arriving for my first consultation & throughout. Such detailed advice & no pressure to purchase any treatment.Fantastic information supplied.All staff are efficient & extremely friendly & the clinic is immaculate.I am about to start the emerald package & looking forward to the results.

Paige Robertson

21:33 01 Feb 23

Great service and explain everything fully

Malgorzata Maciejewska

15:54 29 Dec 22

The best in Carlisle. Amazing staff, fabulous treatments. Would highly recommend :))

Paula Hodgson

14:04 01 Dec 22

Jessica Murphy

13:39 01 Dec 22

Agnieszka Saff

12:32 09 Nov 22

I had a really warm welcome at the VL Aesthetics. My consultation was with Susan who was absolutely fantastic. She was very informative about the treatment I enquired about. She made me feel at ease and didn't put me at any pressure about making the decision here and there. I am now looking forward to the next appointment and seeing the changes happen.

Jay Anson

12:36 05 Nov 22

Excellent information, booking and treatment. First visit for deep tissue massage and after a couple of days a definite improvement in mobility and reduced pain. Will be back for further treatment in a few weeks.

Jo Seawright

12:39 03 Nov 22

Very professional, very friendly, put me at ease all the way. I am planning to use again soon.

Leam Barnard

05:29 03 Nov 22

First time receiving treatment and was made welcome instantly. Great service

Imogen McHattie

22:12 02 Nov 22

Louise Collin

21:57 02 Nov 22

Went to VL today for a deep tissue massage after hurting my back,would highly recommend it. The lady that done it was very friendly and helpful, as we're all the other staff. Have rebooked for another.

Rochelle Dixon

11:11 04 Sep 22

had my lashes and brows tinted and brows shaped ! they have never looked better my therapist really took time in doing this and I am so happy the the atmosphere is very relaxing and welcoming can't wait to come back

Joanne Macleod

16:43 03 Sep 22

Had a deep tissue massage by a very welcoming and professional therapist. Exceptionally clean treatment rooms, would highly recommended!

Pauline Bowman

14:11 03 Sep 22

Lovely people from phone calls to appointments and service is great

Joanne Dickenson

13:05 03 Sep 22

After waiting years to have laser hair removal, I did my research and found VL Aesthetics. The staff there are very knowledgeable and put me at ease straight away, after explaining everything in detail :) I’m booked for 6 sessions and after only the 1st one I can see a difference already! I’m very excited for the next session. Definitely recommend

Thenjiwe Mafu

12:20 30 Aug 22

Friendly staff and job well done..

Lucy Elizabeth

08:15 08 Aug 22

A lovely place with a nice atmosphere and really friendly staff, and the massage was incredible as well. Reasonably priced, easy to find just off the main road and plenty of parking out the front. Would highly recommend!

Ellie Palmer

13:31 06 Aug 22

I was made to feel so welcome, everything was explained to me so so well. Everything was really clean and professional

Heidi Abbott

09:45 06 Aug 22

Professional, knowledgeable and personable plus a really clean and comfortable venue!

Mhorag Lawrence

09:42 06 Aug 22

Rebecca Mullen

09:16 06 Aug 22

It was my first visit to VL aesthetics, all the staff were very friendly and welcoming. I loved the sitting area, very clean and tidy. I will book again!

Christian

16:51 03 Aug 22

Friendly, much needed massage would definitely come again next time we visit Carlisle

Linda Ferguson

20:29 25 Jun 22

Professional staff, lovely relaxing treatment centre.

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Vibralife Wellness Ltd T/A VL Aesthetics.
Registered address: Unit 1 Kingmoor Industrial Estate, Kingmoor Road, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 9QJ.
Registered at Companies House: Number 07081130.