Celebrity Facialist Reportedly Surrenders Licenses Months After Client Accused Her of Disfiguring Her Skin with a Chemical Peel

**Celebrity Facialist’s Licences Surrendered Following Lawsuit Over Skin Scarring Claims**

Victoria Nelson, a former client of celebrity facialist Sonya Dakar, has achieved a significant milestone in her long-standing legal battle, resulting from a chemical peel that allegedly caused permanent damage to her skin. The surrender of Dakar’s esthetician and establishment licences has been confirmed and will take effect on 22 July 2026, following a settlement related to Nelson’s lawsuit.

The dramatic turn of events unfolded after Nelson posted a TikTok video in August 2025, detailing the adverse effects she experienced from a treatment administered by Dakar in April 2021. Nelson began receiving treatments from Dakar in 2019 while seeking solutions for her acne. Over the years, she became quite close to Dakar and reportedly spent approximately £30,000 on various beauty treatments.

Nelson’s troubles began when she received a chemical peel that left her skin feeling as if it were “on fire.” Despite her concerns, Dakar reportedly reassured her that the fiery sensation was temporary and assured that subsequent treatments would resolve the issue within a month. However, after 18 treatment sessions in 2021 and another 12 in 2022—including aggressive micro-needling—Nelson found herself still struggling with burns on her face.

According to details relayed by Nelson through social media, the settlement not only results in the loss of her professional licences but also includes financial penalties. Reports indicate that Dakar is ordered to pay Nelson £70,972.27 in restitution, in addition to £17,731.25 for the costs associated with the investigation and enforcement of the complaint.

In her statement, Nelson expressed mixed emotions about the outcome, stating, “I think I had braced for disappointment for so long that I didn’t quite know what to do with the alternative.” Although pleased with the settlement, she acknowledged that it does not negate the ongoing physical and psychological difficulties she faces as a result of the treatment. Nelson currently attends dermatology appointments twice a week to manage her skin condition and is still grappling with the emotional toll of her experience.

Reflecting on her journey, Nelson remarked that it was a prolonged ordeal, punctuated by moments of despair where she doubted whether anyone would take her concerns seriously. However, she commended the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology for investigating her complaint and taking action against Dakar. In her own words, she had felt a sense of relief in finally speaking up, and she encouraged others who have suffered similar experiences to consider doing the same.

While the specifics of the settlement appear to favour Nelson, she expressed dissatisfaction with not being able to directly communicate with Dakar or hear her side of the story. She noted, “I wish it had happened earlier in her career based on her former complaints prior to me meeting her.” This hints at a broader pattern of concerns regarding Dakar’s professional conduct, which has been the subject of previous disciplinary actions.

Notably, a history of issues surrounding Dakar’s professional practice paints a troubling picture. Documents submitted in Nelson’s complaint revealed an incident in 2008 where she allegedly assaulted a board inspector, which inhibited the completion of an inspection. Additionally, the California Board had previously revoked Dakar’s licence in 2011, placing her on three years of probation due to earlier infractions.

As this case progresses, Nelson has stated her intention to focus on her ongoing civil lawsuit, which aims to secure further justice and compensation. She intimated that while this recent settlement was crucial, it remains separate from her ongoing pursuit of justice in her civil case, which asserts claims including fraud and unfair competition.

Ultimately, Nelson finds solace in her newfound opportunity to seek redress. “The Board’s process was about making sure she couldn’t do this to anyone else. The civil process is about what I’m owed. I intend to see both through,” she conveyed. As the beauty industry faces increased scrutiny, her story resonates as a pressing reminder of the need for transparency and safety in beauty treatments.