Acne Facials in Toronto
Our acne facial is built to clear and calm breakout-prone skin. It pairs a professional 30% alpha-hydroxy exfoliation (15% glycolic and 15% lactic acid) with extractions, high-frequency and blue LED light therapy to reduce wrinkles, clear breakouts and help prevent new acne from forming — customised by Katia to your skin in Toronto.
$170
1 hour
Free consultations
Every skin type is different. Katia assesses your skin and recommends what's truly best for you — at no charge.
Free follow-ups
Your care doesn't end at the appointment. Follow-ups are always included so your results stay on track.
Aftercare for every client
Clear, personalised aftercare and ongoing guidance come with every treatment, for every client.
What the acne facial targets
- Active breakouts and congestion
- Excess oil and clogged pores
- Acne-causing bacteria (via high-frequency & blue LED)
- Post-acne marks and texture
- Prevention of future breakouts
A deeper look at each step of the acne facial
A professional acne facial is a multi-step clinical treatment designed to do what at-home products often cannot: deeply decongest pores, calm inflammation, and address the conditions that allow breakouts to keep returning. Rather than relying on a single product, it layers several proven techniques in one visit so each step supports the next.
At Beauty By Katia, the facial brings together four core tools. A 30% alpha-hydroxy acid exfoliation (15% glycolic and 15% lactic) loosens the dead-skin buildup and oil that block pores. Manual extractions then clear the congestion that exfoliation has softened. High-frequency current and blue LED light follow to target the bacteria and inflammation tied to acne.
Each component is sequenced intentionally. Exfoliation prepares the skin so extractions are gentler and more effective, while high-frequency and blue LED work best on freshly cleared skin. Katia adjusts the order and intensity to your skin on the day of treatment, because no two complexions respond exactly the same way.
- AHA exfoliation (30%): dissolves the bonds holding dead cells and oil in clogged pores
- Extractions: manually clear softened blackheads and congestion to relieve pressure on the pore
- High-frequency: a mild oxygenating current that can help discourage acne-causing bacteria
- Blue LED: a wavelength of light commonly used to help calm breakout-prone, inflamed skin
How an acne facial works on breakouts, oil, and bacteria
Most breakouts begin the same way: a pore becomes blocked with excess oil and dead skin cells, creating a trapped environment where acne-causing bacteria multiply and inflammation builds. An acne facial is structured to interrupt this cycle at several points rather than just treating what's already visible on the surface.
The glycolic and lactic acids exfoliate at different depths. Glycolic, a smaller molecule, works to free buildup deeper within the pore, while lactic acid exfoliates more gently at the surface and is generally better tolerated by reactive skin. Together they help clear the congestion that feeds new blemishes and can leave the complexion smoother and brighter.
High-frequency and blue LED address the inflammatory and bacterial side of acne. Results vary from person to person, and a single facial is best understood as one meaningful step rather than a standalone fix.
Who an acne facial helps most (and what it can't do)
Acne facials tend to be most effective for milder, surface-level acne. If your skin is prone to blackheads, whiteheads, clogged pores, occasional inflamed pimples, or oily, congested areas, this treatment is well suited to clearing buildup and helping keep new breakouts from forming. It's also a thoughtful choice for people dealing with dullness and uneven texture alongside breakouts.
It's important to be realistic about scope. Deep cystic or nodular acne, which sits well below the surface, and persistent hormonal acne are typically medical conditions that may need a dermatologist and prescription care. A facial can complement that care but isn't a substitute for it, and it cannot cure acne or guarantee permanent results.
Because every skin type responds differently, Katia begins with a free consultation to assess your acne type and overall skin health before recommending a plan. If a facial isn't the right fit, she'll tell you and point you toward a more appropriate path.
- Well suited to: blackheads, whiteheads, clogged pores, oily and congested skin, mild to moderate breakouts
- May complement: hormonal or inflammatory acne already under a dermatologist's care
- Not a replacement for medical care: severe cystic or nodular acne should be assessed by a dermatologist first
What to expect, step by step
Your first visit begins with a short consultation so Katia can look at your skin closely, ask about your routine and any active ingredients you use, and tailor the treatment to your tolerance. This conversation shapes how strong the exfoliation is and which steps are emphasised.
From there the facial follows a calm, methodical sequence over about an hour, and Katia keeps you informed at each stage so you always know what's happening and why.
- Cleanse and analysis: skin is thoroughly cleansed and assessed under good lighting
- AHA exfoliation: the 30% glycolic and lactic blend is applied and carefully timed to your skin
- Extractions: softened congestion is gently cleared to relieve clogged pores
- High-frequency and blue LED: applied to help support clearer, calmer-looking skin
- Soothe and protect: skin is calmed and finished with appropriate products, plus home-care guidance
Results, timeline, and the routine that supports them
Many clients notice their skin feels cleaner, smoother, and looks more refreshed soon after a facial, though some temporary redness can occur and typically settles within a day. Real improvement in breakout-prone skin tends to build over time rather than appearing overnight, which is why consistency matters more than any single session.
Because acne is an ongoing condition, a series usually delivers better, more lasting-looking results than a one-off treatment. A common starting rhythm is a facial every two to four weeks while the skin is clearing, then spacing visits further apart as it stabilises. Katia personalises this cadence based on how your skin responds.
What you do at home between visits is just as important. A simple, consistent routine, gentle cleansing, suitable actives, daily sunscreen, and not picking, helps protect and extend your results. Katia provides home-care guidance tailored to your skin, and results vary from person to person.
Aftercare, safety, and when to hold off
Good aftercare protects your skin while it recovers. Because AHA exfoliation can leave skin temporarily more sensitive to the sun, daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is one of the most important steps in the days that follow, and keeping the routine gentle for a short period afterward also helps.
There are situations where an acne facial should be postponed or modified for safety, which is exactly why a free consultation comes first. Active prescription acne medications, certain skin conditions, recent sunburn, or current irritation can all affect whether a treatment is appropriate. Always tell Katia about your medications, sensitivities, and any active products you use.
- Apply broad-spectrum SPF daily and limit direct sun after treatment
- Avoid harsh scrubs, strong actives, or extra exfoliation for a few days
- Don't pick or squeeze the treated area, which can worsen marks
- Mention retinoids, prescription acne medication, or a recent sunburn at consultation
Acne facial vs chemical peel vs microneedling for scarring
These treatments serve different goals. An acne facial focuses on clearing active congestion, calming breakouts, and maintaining healthier skin over time, the most comprehensive option for managing breakouts as they happen.
A chemical peel uses a stronger, more concentrated acid application to resurface more intensively, which can help with uneven tone, texture, and certain post-acne marks. Microneedling creates controlled micro-channels to encourage the skin's own renewal, and is generally better suited to deeper acne scarring rather than active breakouts.
For many people the most effective approach is a combination over time: facials to keep breakouts under control, then peels or microneedling once active acne has calmed to address lingering scarring. Katia can map the right path for your skin at your consultation.
Why choose Beauty By Katia in Toronto
Beauty By Katia is a Toronto medical-aesthetics studio led by Katia, a certified medical aesthetician who treats every client's skin as unique. Because no two complexions are the same, she begins with a free consultation to understand your acne type, your skin's tolerance, and your goals before recommending anything.
Care doesn't end when you leave the treatment room. Every client receives free follow-ups and aftercare support, so as your skin changes between visits, you have a knowledgeable point of contact to guide your routine and adjust the plan. This ongoing relationship is what helps clear, comfortable skin actually hold over time.
If you've been searching for an acne facial in Toronto that's genuinely customised rather than rushed, this combination of a free consultation, an expert-led treatment, and included follow-up care is designed to give breakout-prone skin the attention it deserves.
Acne Facial — FAQs
How much does an acne facial cost in Toronto?+
The acne facial at Beauty By Katia is $170 for about a one-hour treatment, including AHA exfoliation, extractions, high-frequency and blue LED therapy.
How many acne facials will I need?+
Acne responds best to a consistent routine — many clients start with treatments every 2–4 weeks alongside a tailored home-care plan, then space out as skin improves.
Will the facial help with acne scarring too?+
Yes — targeted ampoules can address scarring and pigmentation, and treatments like microneedling or chemical peels can be added over a plan for deeper scarring. Katia will map out the right combination at your consultation.
Is the acne facial suitable for sensitive skin?+
Katia adjusts the exfoliation strength and add-ons to your skin's tolerance. Let her know about any sensitivities or active products so the treatment can be customised safely.
Does an acne facial hurt?+
Most clients find it comfortable. The exfoliation may tingle briefly and extractions can cause mild, brief pressure in congested areas, but Katia works gently and adjusts to your comfort throughout. The high-frequency and blue LED steps are relaxing and painless.
Will an acne facial purge or break me out at first?+
Some people experience temporary congestion surfacing in the days after a facial as the skin clears, which usually settles quickly. This isn't the same as the treatment causing acne. Gentle aftercare and not picking helps the skin calm down, and results typically improve with consistency.
Is an acne facial okay for cystic acne?+
Mild to moderate breakouts respond best. Deep cystic or nodular acne is typically a medical condition that should be assessed by a dermatologist, and a facial cannot cure it, though it may support your skin as a complement to medical care. Katia will be honest at your free consultation about whether a facial is right for you.
What should I do at home between acne facials?+
Keep your routine simple and consistent: gentle cleansing, suitable active ingredients, daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, and no picking or squeezing. Katia provides home-care guidance tailored to your skin, and these habits help protect and extend the results of each facial.
★★★★★
5.0 stars on Google
Loved by clients across Toronto — 55+ five-star reviews.
“Katia has been friendly and understanding from the beginning of my consultation to my appointments — my skin and acne scars have truly never looked better in just 3 sessions! Book with her to start your skincare journey.”
“Hands down, this was the best facial experience I've ever had. Katia was incredibly sweet, attentive, and so detailed with every step of my treatment. She made the whole appointment feel personalized and truly tailored to me. I left feeling refreshed and glowing. Highly recommend booking with her for your next skin refresh.”
“My experience with Katia was amazing from beginning to end. I found her on Instagram, sent her a pic of my face, and she correctly recommended the treatment that would best suit me. She is very knowledgeable and honest, and I really appreciate that. She made my first Zena algae peel experience very comfortable and the result is wonderful. I can't wait for my next appointment.”
