The custom facial is our most-booked facial. Sixty minutes built around what your skin is actually doing today, not what worked last month. Cleanse, exfoliate, optional extractions, a custom mask, targeted serums, and massage. Tell us your concern and we build the protocol live, with no template and no upselling. For current pricing, see our price list.
What the custom facial is
The custom facial is a personalised skincare treatment that starts with a proper skin analysis to assess your concerns, whether that is ageing, acne, hyperpigmentation, or sensitivity. Every step is then tailored: professional-grade cleansers, the right enzyme or chemical exfoliant, and targeted extractions if needed. The treatment can include modalities such as LED light therapy or microcurrent, a customised mask, and a relaxing facial massage, finishing with serums, moisturiser, and SPF chosen for your skin and your goals. Treatments run about 45 to 60 minutes depending on your needs, and your facial is performed by our Glow Specialist and skincare team.
To book a no-pressure consultation, call 416-923-1200 or use the contact page.
What the custom facial actually does
The custom facial differs from our more specialised protocols (Extract and Decongest, Advanced Decongest, Aerolase Custom Facial) in one key way: it is built live, based on what your skin is doing on the day. The first ten minutes are a real skin analysis, where we assess hydration, oil, congestion, sensitivity, pigment, inflammation, barrier health, and your recent treatment history. From that, we build the protocol.
- Cleanse appropriate to your skin: gentle and hydrating for dry or sensitive skin, gel-based salicylic for oily or congested skin, or an oil-based double cleanse if makeup needs removing first.
- Exfoliation chosen for your skin status: enzyme for sensitive skin, lactic for hydration plus mild exfoliation, mandelic for darker skin tones, salicylic for oily or congested skin.
- Optional extractions if congestion is present and your skin tolerates them.
- Targeted treatment phase: LED, mask, serum infusion, or massage depending on your goal.
- Mask chosen for the day: clay, hydrogel, sheet, or hydrojelly.
- Serum and moisturiser targeted to your concerns: niacinamide, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, or peptides.
- SPF 30 or higher to finish.
The custom facial is the right choice if your skin shifts (with your hormonal cycle, the seasons, or stress), if you are new to professional facials and want a flexible introduction, or if you use facials for relaxation alongside skin maintenance.
Is the custom facial worth it, and how does it compare to a HydraFacial?
If you want a treatment that meets your skin where it is on the day, yes. A HydraFacial follows a fixed machine-based sequence that is genuinely good for a quick cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate, while a custom facial is tailored by hand to your specific skin and goal on the day, with the exfoliant, mask, and serums chosen for you. Neither is universally better; the custom facial wins when your skin changes often or you want a hands-on, adjustable treatment. We will happily tell you if one of our more targeted protocols, or a different treatment entirely, would serve you better.
How we build your protocol
Every custom facial uses the same planning framework: identify your skin status today (oily, dry, balanced, inflamed, sensitive, congested, or dehydrated), identify your main goal for the visit (clarity, hydration, brightness, relaxation, or event prep), check for anything that should change the plan (recent retinoid use, active infection, recent injectables in the area, or pregnancy), then build from a library of cleansers, exfoliants, treatments, masks, and serums that fits both. This is why two people booking the same custom facial can receive very different treatments: the framework is consistent, the execution is personalized. We note what we used at each visit in your file so the next visit can build on it rather than start from scratch.
Skin-type specific protocols
Oily and acne-prone skin
Salicylic gel cleanser, gentle salicylic exfoliation, optional extractions if congestion is present, a kaolin clay mask, niacinamide serum, a light gel moisturiser, and mineral SPF. We avoid heavy occlusive products and over-exfoliation.
Dry and dehydrated skin
Cream cleanser, lactic acid exfoliation, a hyaluronic acid mask or hydrojelly, peptide serum, ceramide moisturiser, and mineral SPF. We avoid foaming cleansers and salicylic acid.
Sensitive and reactive skin
A gentle non-foaming cleanser, enzyme exfoliation only, no extractions, a calming hydrogel mask, niacinamide and centella serum, a fragrance-free moisturiser, and mineral SPF. We avoid retinoids and strong acids in-treatment.
Combination skin
Zone-specific care: salicylic in the T-zone, lactic on the cheeks, with targeted masking (clay in oily zones, hydrating in dry zones).
Mature skin with anti-ageing goals
Cream cleanser, lactic or mandelic exfoliation, peptide and growth-factor serums, a hydrating mask, an optional microcurrent add-on for tone, vitamin C serum, and mineral SPF. Frequent maintenance facials work better than occasional intensive ones.
Darker skin tones
Mandelic acid as the main exfoliant (gentler than glycolic), careful extractions only when needed, niacinamide and azelaic acid to even tone, and daily SPF that is non-negotiable. We avoid aggressive acids that can trigger pigmentation.
Custom facial versus our other facial options
When we choose the custom facial
As the first option for skin that shifts session to session, for anyone new to facials, for anyone wanting flexibility, and for anyone combining maintenance with relaxation.
When we choose the Aerolase NeoSkin Custom Facial
For anyone wanting laser plus a facial in one visit, which adds real depth for pigment, redness, and acne.
When we choose Extract and Decongest or Advanced Decongest
When the main concern is congestion or active acne, since these are more extraction-focused.
When we add the Noon 30 peel
When you need deeper exfoliation than an enzyme or acid alone, combined into a longer session.
What to expect at your first visit
Arrive about ten minutes early to complete intake paperwork covering your medical history, current skincare, allergies, recent cosmetic procedures, and skin concerns. Your provider does a ten-minute skin analysis under good light with a magnifying lamp, and we take baseline photos with your consent. The treatment runs 45 to 90 minutes depending on the protocol chosen. At the end we explain what we did and why, what to expect over the next two weeks, and what home care will support the result, and you leave with written aftercare notes and a suggested interval for your next visit.
Recovery, day by day
Day 0
Skin looks glowing right away, with mild pinkness for 30 to 60 minutes if extractions were done.
Day 1
Skin feels hydrated and looks refreshed.
Days 2 to 7
Continued glow, with possible mild flaking if exfoliation was on the stronger side.
Week 4 to 6
A good time for your next session.
Red flags, when to walk out of a facial consultation
- An identical “custom” protocol used for everyone. A real custom facial varies by skin status.
- No skin analysis at the start. Custom requires assessment.
- Heavy product upsell pressure. Recommendations should be honest, not high-pressure.
- A refusal to defer extractions on inflamed skin. Extracting over active cysts raises the scarring risk.
- SPF skipped at the end. Freshly treated skin is more sensitive.
- No discussion of home care. Facials work better paired with a consistent home routine.
- Pressure to pre-pay a large series with no trial. First-timers should pay for one session and see how their skin responds.
What the custom facial will not do
- Clear severe inflammatory acne. For that, see Advanced Decongest or a dermatology referral.
- Erase deep static wrinkles. Those need Botox, filler, or resurfacing.
- Lift sagging skin. For tightening, see Forma or Morpheus 8.
- Replace daily home skincare. Consistency between sessions noticeably improves results.
- Replace SPF.
The skincare lines we use
We use professional skincare in-treatment and recommend it for home care, choosing lines for clinical evidence, ingredient transparency, and Canadian regulatory compliance. These include SkinCeuticals, SkinBetter Science, and NOON Aesthetics. You do not have to buy home products to book a facial, though sticking to a basic home regimen does meaningfully improve results over time.
Combining the custom facial with other treatments
With Botox or filler
On separate visits. Schedule your facial before injectables, or wait about two weeks after injectables for a facial.
With the Noon 30 peel
A same-day combination is possible for deeper exfoliation.
With Morpheus 8
On separate weeks, since Morpheus 8 has a couple of days of downtime.
With the Aerolase Custom Facial
Alternate the two every other session for a compound effect.
Financing and tax
The custom facial is a cosmetic treatment. Some group Health Spending Accounts reimburse it, and we provide itemized receipts on request, though purely cosmetic facials generally do not qualify for the Medical Expense Tax Credit. For larger plans, Affirm financing is available so you can split the cost into monthly payments, and checking your rate does not affect your plan.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best facial to get?
The best facial is the one matched to your skin and goal. For most people whose skin changes with the seasons or their cycle, a custom facial is the most versatile choice because it is adjusted each visit. If you have a specific concern like active congestion or pigment, one of our targeted protocols may suit you better, and we will guide you.
Is a HydraFacial or a custom facial better?
A HydraFacial is a quick, consistent machine-based cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate. A custom facial is tailored by hand to your skin on the day. If you value a hands-on, adjustable treatment, the custom facial is usually the better fit.
How much does a custom facial cost?
It depends on the duration and any add-ons. We publish current pricing on our price list.
How often should I get a custom facial?
Every four to six weeks suits most people, or monthly if skin maintenance is your focus.
Does it hurt?
Generally not. If extractions are part of your session, they can be mildly uncomfortable, but nothing more.
Is there downtime?
None. You may have mild pinkness for 30 to 60 minutes if extractions were done.
Can I wear makeup after?
Yes, right away, though mineral SPF is the priority.
Can I exercise after?
Yes. Wait 24 hours for hot yoga or a sauna.
How soon will I see results?
An immediate glow, with compounding benefit across a maintenance schedule.
Is it safe for darker skin tones?
Yes, with the right product selection, which is exactly what the custom approach allows.
Can I have a facial while pregnant?
Yes, with a modified protocol that avoids high-strength acids and retinoids. Let us know at booking.
Should I get a series or single sessions?
For a specific goal such as clearing, brightening, or prepping for an event, a series produces faster results. For maintenance, single sessions on a monthly or quarterly cadence work well.
Will it reduce wrinkles?
It improves texture and hydration, which softens fine lines. Deep static wrinkles need Botox, filler, or resurfacing.
Why Bar Beauty Medical for your custom facial
We are a nurse-led, physician-supervised aesthetic clinic at 46 Fort York Blvd in CityPlace, downtown Toronto, serving clients across the GTA, including Mississauga, Oakville, Etobicoke, North York, Vaughan, and Markham. Bar Beauty Medical has cared for clients since 2018, and our work is reflected in 222 reviews. Facials are performed by our Glow Specialist, Julia Barabas, and skincare team, with our wider medical team and Dr John David Henneberry-Fudge, MD, providing oversight of the clinic.
Cancellation and rescheduling
We ask for 24 hours notice to cancel or reschedule. Same-day cancellations or no-shows are charged 50 percent of the session price. If you are running late, please call ahead, since sessions starting more than 15 minutes late may be shortened or rescheduled. Series and packages do not expire, but unused sessions are not refundable.
Book your custom facial
Call or text 416-923-1200, or book through the contact page. For current pricing, see our price list.
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