Last updated: May 21, 2026
Aerolase NeoClear, medical-grade peels, and microneedling protocols that calm inflamed acne — without the long-term hit of accutane or oral antibiotics.
How we treat active acne at Bar Beauty
Active acne — inflamed papules, pustules, cysts — responds well to in-office laser, peels, and topical protocols when stacked properly. Our standard active-acne protocol pairs Aerolase NeoClear laser sessions every 2 to 3 weeks with medical-grade chemical peels and a cleaned-up at-home routine using SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective and NOON aesthetics’ AcNo Complex. Most patients see meaningful clearing within 4 to 6 weeks.
Aerolase NeoClear mechanics
NeoClear is a 1064nm laser pulse that targets P. acnes bacteria, calms inflammation in the sebaceous glands, and reduces oil overproduction. Three to six sessions get most cases of inflamed acne under control. Safe across all skin tones — no PIH risk like with some other acne lasers.
Medical-grade peels for acne
Salicylic acid peels (20% to 30%) clear pores, reduce sebum, and brighten post-acne marks. We layer them between Aerolase sessions. For patients with a lot of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, we add a NOON Aesthetics peel from our NOON line that combines acid blends with anti-inflammatory complexes.
What we don’t do
We don’t sell you a 12-month accutane prescription on day one. We’re not a dermatology practice — we’re a medical aesthetics clinic. If your acne is severe nodulocystic, scarring, or hormonal in a way that needs systemic treatment, we’ll refer you to a dermatologist. For everything else (mild to moderate inflammatory acne, hormonal flares, post-pill rebound), we have effective in-office options.
Acne scarring after the active phase
Once active acne is controlled, we move to scar work — microneedling with exosomes for boxcar and rolling scars, Morpheus 8 RF for ice-pick scarring, and Aerolase tone work for post-inflammatory marks. Plan on 4 to 6 sessions for visible scar improvement.
Book your free consultation
Speak with a licensed Bar Beauty injector or laser tech. We’ll review your goals, walk through options, and give you a clear plan — zero pressure.
46 Fort York Blvd, Toronto · 416-923-1200 · Open 7 days
Why patients across Toronto choose Bar Beauty
Every treatment is performed by a licensed nurse, doctor, or laser tech — never an aesthetician. We’re transparent about pricing, honest about what works for your specific case, and we won’t sell you a package you don’t need. Our clinic at 46 Fort York Blvd is closer than you think — see our contact page for directions and parking, or browse our journal for the science behind every protocol.
What It Actually Does (Mechanism Without the Marketing)
Active acne involves four mechanisms: (1) follicular hyperkeratinization (cells clogging the pore), (2) sebaceous gland overproduction (often hormone-driven), (3) Cutibacterium acnes proliferation in the anaerobic follicle, and (4) inflammation. A medical-grade plan addresses all four: topical retinoids (tretinoin, adapalene) normalize keratinization; benzoyl peroxide reduces C. acnes; salicylic acid clears the follicle; oral options (spironolactone, isotretinoin, oral antibiotics for short courses) address the upstream driver; device-based options (Aerolase Neo at 1064 nm targets the sebaceous gland and reduces inflammation; LED blue/red modulates oil and reduces C. acnes load; in-office extractions and salicylic peels reduce comedone load). The 2026 plan is sequential, not throw everything at it at once.
Understanding the mechanism matters because it tells you what the treatment can and cannot do, which side effects are biologically plausible and which are marketing fiction, and why some patients respond and others do not. We always walk patients through the mechanism in plain language before discussing dose or price.
Who Is and Is Not a Candidate
Good candidates
Adolescents and adults with comedonal, inflammatory or hormonal acne who are willing to combine in-office treatment with a daily at-home regimen and to attend follow-up at week 6 and 12.
Borderline candidates we will treat with caution
Patients with significant scarring already developing (need accelerated medical management), patients with PCOS or thyroid disease (require parallel medical workup), pregnant patients (use a modified pregnancy-safe protocol).
Patients we will decline or refer elsewhere
Patients requesting in-office device treatment in lieu of needed medical management of severe nodulocystic acne; we refer to dermatology for isotretinoin candidacy first.
If we decline to treat you, we will explain why in plain language and recommend a more appropriate provider, treatment or pathway. A clinic that treats everyone is not screening properly.
How This Treatment Evolved from 2025 to 2026
What the 2025 protocol looked like
Most clinics led with monthly facials and hoped for results. Patients waited 6 months to escalate to medical management.
What changed in 2026
We now stratify on visit 1: comedonal-only, inflammatory-papular, nodulocystic, or hormonal-pattern. Each goes onto a different track, with measurable check-ins at week 6 and week 12. Aerolase has become a workhorse for inflammatory acne in Fitzpatrick III to VI where oral options are slow or contraindicated.
If you were treated under a 2025 protocol and have not been reassessed, book a no-charge re-evaluation. The settings, layering sequence and aftercare on your chart may already be a generation behind what we use today, and small changes in technique often produce noticeably better results without changing the device.
Why protocols change year over year
Medical aesthetics is a fast-moving field. New device firmware, peer-reviewed clinical studies, refined dosing curves and post-market surveillance data feed back into the protocols clinics use every quarter. A clinic that is still doing things the same way it did three years ago is, in most cases, behind. We track manufacturer technical bulletins, peer-reviewed journals (JAAD, Dermatologic Surgery, Lasers in Surgery and Medicine) and Canadian regulatory updates and we update our internal protocols at a minimum of every six months.
How This Compares to Alternative Treatments
Acne treatment in Toronto ranges from grocery-store cleansers to physician-managed systemic medication. Here is the honest comparison.
| Treatment | Best for | Downtime | Typical Toronto cost (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical-grade in-office plan | Inflammatory and resistant acne | 0 days per visit | $180 to $2,180 per plan |
| Aerolase Neo for inflammatory acne | Papules and PIH on Fitzpatrick III-VI | 0 days | $280 to $420 per session |
| Topical Rx (tretinoin + clindamycin) | Mild to moderate acne | Initial irritation 4 to 8 weeks | $30 to $90 per month |
| Oral spironolactone (Rx) | Adult hormonal acne | Slow onset over 8 to 12 weeks | Variable, often covered |
| Isotretinoin (Rx, dermatology) | Severe nodulocystic acne | Months of treatment | Variable, often partially covered |
No single line in this table is “the right answer” for everyone. A consultation lets us match your concern, Fitzpatrick type, budget, downtime tolerance and lifestyle to the right combination.
Five Real Patient Cases from Our Toronto Practice
These five patients each presented for a structured medical-grade plan for active inflammatory and comedonal acne at our Toronto clinic during 2025 and 2026. Names are changed and ages rounded for privacy; treatments, sequencing and pricing are reproduced from real chart notes. We share these because abstract claims are not very useful when you are trying to decide whether to invest. These are five real patterns we see often.
Aisha, 23 — Toronto
Concern: Inflammatory papular acne, Fitzpatrick V, scarring as she breaks out
Plan we built: Aerolase Neo x6 (2-week intervals) plus topical tretinoin plus clindamycin plus benzoyl peroxide wash plus 3 salicylic peels at week 4, 8, 12
Investment: $2,180 device plus medical
Outcome at the marker visit: Inflammatory lesion count down 80 percent at week 12, scarring risk reduced, transitioned to maintenance
Ryan, 19 — Mississauga
Concern: Moderate inflammatory acne unresponsive to OTC
Plan we built: Coordinated isotretinoin start with his physician; supportive medical facials and lip care; no device while on isotretinoin
Investment: $0 to $80 supportive care; Rx costs separate
Outcome at the marker visit: Clear by month 6 of isotretinoin; transitioned to maintenance Aerolase after 6-month washout
Priya, 31 — Vaughan
Concern: Adult hormonal acne along the jawline
Plan we built: Spironolactone evaluation with her family doctor plus topical retinoid plus 4 hydrafacial-clear protocol sessions
Investment: $680 device; meds separate
Outcome at the marker visit: 80 percent clearance at month 4; on maintenance
Jordan, 22 — North York
Concern: Comedonal acne (blackheads, whiteheads) only
Plan we built: Tretinoin plus monthly extractions plus 3 salicylic peels – no expensive devices recommended
Investment: $520 across 4 visits plus Rx
Outcome at the marker visit: Significant clearance by week 12; honest plan, no over-treatment
Sara, 28 — Etobicoke
Concern: Cystic flare during stressful season
Plan we built: Intralesional cortisone for the 3 active cysts (same day), oral antibiotic short course, Aerolase x2 for inflammation, plan re-evaluation at 6 weeks
Investment: $280 cortisone plus device; Rx separate
Outcome at the marker visit: Cysts resolved within 7 days; no new ones during the 6-week window; long-term plan structured around hormonal triggers
None of these patients is a perfect match for your situation, but you will likely see your concern represented in at least one of them. Bring this list to your consultation and ask which pattern is most similar to your case.
Combination Plans: How This Treatment Stacks With Others
Most patients see better results from a thoughtful combination than from a single treatment escalated to its maximum dose. The most common combinations involving this treatment at Bare Beauty are:
- Aerolase + topical tretinoin + benzoyl peroxide: The 2026 workhorse plan for inflammatory acne in Fitzpatrick III to VI.
- Spironolactone + topical retinoid + monthly facial: For adult hormonal acne; co-managed with the patient’s family physician.
- Isotretinoin (Rx) + supportive medical facials + lip care: For severe nodulocystic acne; device-based treatments are paused during isotretinoin.
Sequencing matters. The wrong order can compound bruising, swelling and downtime; the right order respects healing biology and lets each treatment do what it is best at. We map this on your initial chart so each visit fits into a larger 6 to 12 month plan rather than being a one-off purchase.
Aftercare: Hour-by-Hour and Day-by-Day
Your result is shaped as much by what happens in the 72 hours after treatment as by the treatment itself. Use this timeline as your at-home protocol.
| Time after treatment | What to do |
|---|---|
| Hour 0 to 24 | Gentle cleansing; mineral SPF; resume topical actives the next morning. |
| Day 1 to 3 | Avoid heavy makeup; do not pick or extract; expect mild dryness. |
| Week 1 | Continue at-home routine consistently; second salicylic peel if scheduled. |
| Week 4 | Visible lesion count reduction; pigment changes monitored on photography. |
| Week 6 | Formal reassessment with photographic comparison. |
| Week 12 | Decision point: extend, maintain, or escalate. |
If anything in this timeline does not match what you experience, call us. Aftercare deviations are usually minor and easily corrected if we hear about them within 24 to 48 hours.
Red Flags: When to Walk Out of the Consult
The fastest way to avoid a bad outcome in Toronto medical aesthetics market is knowing when not to book. If any of the following happens during your consultation, leave and find another clinic. These are not minor warning signs; each one materially raises the probability of an unsatisfactory outcome or a real complication. Trust your gut, ask follow-up questions, and remember that a reputable clinic welcomes a second opinion or a slower decision.
- Try this facial for 6 months and we will see on cystic acne: Nodulocystic acne scars. It needs aggressive medical management early, not 6 months of facials.
- No discussion of co-management with a physician for moderate-severe acne: Spironolactone and isotretinoin require a prescriber. A clinic that will not coordinate with a doctor is limiting your options.
- Selling expensive light devices for mild comedonal acne: Mild comedonal acne usually resolves on tretinoin plus benzoyl peroxide. Pushing expensive light treatments first is overselling.
- No follow-up cadence: Acne plans are measured at 6 and 12 weeks. A clinic that does not book follow-ups is not measuring outcomes.
A clinic that earns your trust will write down what they recommended, what they did not recommend and why, and the dose, depth, settings or product brand used. If you cannot get any of that in writing, you cannot meaningfully compare quotes or escalate care if a complication arises.
Hidden Costs Nobody Quotes You
The number on the price list is almost never the number you pay end-to-end. Here is the honest line-item breakdown patients at Bare Beauty actually see across a typical treatment course in Toronto. Use this as a checklist when you compare clinics in Yorkville, Forest Hill, North York, Mississauga, Vaughan and beyond.
| Line item | Typical Toronto range (CAD, 2026) | Often forgotten? |
|---|---|---|
| Topical prescriptions (tretinoin, clindamycin) | $30 to $90 per month, sometimes covered | Yes |
| Benzoyl peroxide wash plus moisturizer plus SPF | $95 to $180 onboarding | Often |
| Oral medication (spiro/isotretinoin) costs | Variable, often partially covered | Often unquoted |
| Bloodwork for isotretinoin or spiro monitoring | Usually OHIP covered | Sometimes |
| Maintenance treatments after clearance (every 8 to 12 weeks) | $180 to $420 per session | Yes |
When you compare quotes between Yorkville, Forest Hill, North York and Mississauga clinics, ask each provider to confirm in writing which of these line items are and are not included in their headline price. Two clinics quoting the same treatment can differ by 30 to 45 percent once these are added. We publish itemized estimates so there are no surprises at the till.
The biggest source of patient frustration is not the headline cost; it is the third or fourth surprise charge that appears later in the treatment plan. Ask up front for a 12-month total cost of ownership, including consumables, maintenance and the products required between visits.
Paying for Treatment: HSA, Beautifi, Medicard, OHIP and the CRA
Health Spending Accounts (HSA)
If your employer offers an HSA through Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield or a third-party administrator, medically indicated treatments may be reimbursable. Cosmetic-only treatments are generally not eligible, but treatments tied to a documented medical concern (such as hyperhidrosis, scarring, or chronic dermatologic conditions) often are. We provide itemized receipts coded for HSA submission and we will, on request, draft a brief letter of medical necessity that your administrator can use to evaluate the claim.
Beautifi financing
Beautifi is the most common patient-financing platform used by Toronto medical aesthetics clinics. Plans range from 6-month interest-free promos to 60-month structured plans. A soft credit check determines eligibility without affecting your score. Most patients use Beautifi for combination plans in the $1,500 to $6,500 range; the platform is well integrated with our intake workflow and most approvals are returned within minutes.
Medicard
Medicard is the older, established Canadian medical financing provider. Approvals can be faster than Beautifi for larger combination plans (think full acne scar revision packages or multi-syringe filler plans). Both platforms are good options; we will help you compare the effective annualized cost of each before you commit.
OHIP coverage
Cosmetic treatments are not covered by OHIP. Certain medically necessary procedures – for example, surgical scar revision, severe hyperhidrosis treatment after failed first-line therapy, or reconstruction after trauma – may be partially covered when performed by an OHIP-billing physician under specific criteria. Bare Beauty is a private medical aesthetics clinic and does not bill OHIP. If you think your concern may be medically reimbursable, we will help you map a path through your family physician or a dermatology referral.
CRA Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC)
The CRA permits the Medical Expense Tax Credit for procedures that are not purely cosmetic. The 2010 federal budget specifically excluded purely cosmetic procedures from METC eligibility, but treatments performed for a medical purpose (with supporting documentation from a physician or nurse practitioner) may still qualify. Keep itemized receipts and a brief letter of medical necessity if applicable; consult your accountant or a tax professional for your specific situation.
Service Area Across the Greater Toronto Area
Bare Beauty flagship medical aesthetics clinic is in Toronto, and we treat patients commuting in from across the GTA. The majority of our active patient base lives in or works from these eight communities:
- Toronto (downtown core, Yorkville, King West, Liberty Village) — same-day and after-work appointment availability for downtown professionals.
- North York — patients from Bayview Village, Willowdale and Yonge and Sheppard, with easy subway and TTC access.
- Etobicoke — Humber Bay, Mimico, The Kingsway, served by Gardiner and Lakeshore commuters.
- Scarborough — Agincourt and Bridlewood patients regularly schedule combination appointments to reduce trips.
- Mississauga — Port Credit, Square One, Streetsville; many patients combine consultations with downtown work meetings.
- Vaughan — Woodbridge, Maple, Thornhill, with easy access via Highway 7 and 407.
- Markham — Unionville and Cornell families and professionals.
- Richmond Hill, Oakville and Burlington — west and north suburban patients planning combination treatment days to minimize travel.
Patients travelling more than 30 minutes for an appointment can request a combination booking that consolidates consultation, treatment and a follow-up assessment into a single visit, with photography and chart updates so the next visit can be scheduled efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast will my acne clear?
Most patients see meaningful reduction at week 6, with continued improvement to week 12 and beyond.
Will I need to be on medication?
Many moderate-severe patients benefit from a short course of prescription topical or oral medication alongside in-clinic treatment.
Can Aerolase replace isotretinoin?
For some moderate inflammatory cases, yes – particularly in Fitzpatrick III to VI where the oral side-effect profile or pregnancy-prevention requirements are a barrier. For severe nodulocystic acne, isotretinoin is still the gold standard.
Is Aerolase safe on darker skin?
Yes – 1064 nm with 650 microsecond pulse is one of the safest acne devices on Fitzpatrick IV to VI.
Will it leave scars?
Untreated inflammatory acne scars. Treated acne, sequenced correctly, rarely does.
Can I wear makeup during treatment?
Yes, mineral-based and non-comedogenic. We provide brand recommendations.
What about diet?
High-glycemic and dairy can flare acne in some patients. We discuss this case by case.
How long is the typical plan?
12 to 16 weeks of active treatment, then maintenance.
Is treatment covered by OHIP?
Medical aspects (prescriptions, physician visits) may be; device-based treatments are not.
Can I get acne treatment while pregnant?
Yes – pregnancy-safe options include LED, gentle facials, mandelic peels, and certain prescription topicals after physician clearance.
Booking Your Consultation
A consultation at Bare Beauty is 30 to 45 minutes, includes standardized photography, a written treatment plan and a same-visit honest discussion of which options are appropriate for you, which are not, and why. There is no obligation to book treatment at the consultation; many patients take the written plan home and decide later.
If you have already had treatment elsewhere and are looking for a second opinion or a complication review, please bring any prior chart notes, before-and-after photos and product brand and lot information you have. We do not charge differently for second opinions, and we never pressure patients into reversing or repeating prior care unless it is medically indicated.
Call, message or book online. We confirm every appointment with a pre-visit text outlining what to bring, what to avoid (alcohol, blood thinners where applicable, retinoids in the days before resurfacing) and what the visit will involve. If you have any pre-existing health condition, please disclose it during booking so we can confirm safety before you travel to the clinic.