Frequently Asked Questions

Your skin questions,

answered.

Everything you want to know about our treatments, products, and policies

— all in one place.

Treatments and skin

  • Spa facials prioritize relaxation and self-care. Medical-grade facials combine science-backed products and technology to achieve real results on your skin.

  • Microneedling is a minimally invasive skin treatment that uses tiny needles to create controlled micro-channels in the skin, triggering your body’s natural healing response. This process stimulates collagen and elastin production, improving skin texture, firmness, and tone over time. At Local Skin Bar, we use the SkinPen — the first FDA-cleared microneedling device — to deliver safe, effective results

  • Microneedling is one of the most versatile skin treatments available. Benefits include reduced fine lines and wrinkles, improved skin texture and minimized pore size, fading of acne scars, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation, and overall skin rejuvenation. Results continue to improve over several weeks as new collagen forms, and most clients see visible improvement after just one to three sessions.

  • Most clients experience redness and mild sensitivity for 24 to 48 hours after microneedling, similar to a mild sunburn. You can typically return to your regular routine within one to two days. We recommend avoiding direct sun exposure, heavy makeup, and active skincare ingredients like retinol for a few days post-treatment. Our aestheticians will walk you through a full aftercare plan before you leave.

  • ZO Skin Health is a physician-grade skincare line developed by renowned dermatologist Dr. Zein Obagi. It’s formulated to address a wide range of skin concerns — from acne and hyperpigmentation to anti-aging — using science-backed ingredients at clinical concentrations. At Local Skin Bar, ZO Skin Health is our trusted product of choice in treatment and available for retail, so your results don’t stop when you leave the clinic.

  • Red light therapy uses low-level wavelengths of red light to penetrate the skin and stimulate cellular energy production. It supports collagen production, reduces inflammation, and improves overall skin tone and texture — making it a popular tool for skin health maintenance. At Local Skin Bar, we carry the Omnilux red light device for home use, so you can support your skin between appointments.

  • Yes — we offer a Sensitive Skin Facial specifically designed for clients with reactive, rednessprone, or easily irritated skin. Our licensed aestheticians assess your skin before every treatment and tailor products and techniques to your individual needs. We always prioritize skin health first, which means we’ll never recommend a treatment that isn’t right for you.

  • For dark spots, acne scarring, and hyperpigmentation, SkinPen Microneedling and chemical peels are two of our most effective options. Microneedling stimulates collagen remodeling to fade scars and discoloration over time, while chemical peels accelerate cell turnover to reveal brighter, more even-toned skin. The best approach depends on your skin type and goals — we’re happy to create a personalized plan during your visit.

  • Yes — our Beaches Mama facial is designed specifically for pregnant and breastfeeding clients. We use only pregnancy-safe products and avoid any ingredients or techniques not recommended during pregnancy, so you can relax and be cared for without worry. It’s a wonderful way to support your skin and your wellbeing during this time.

  • We typically recommend coming in every 4-6 weeks to keep up with your skin cycle! However, everyone’s skin is different, and this schedule can differ depending on what works best for your skin.

  • If you’re new to skincare, the best first step is a visit with one of our licensed aestheticians. We’ll assess your skin type, discuss your concerns, and recommend a simple, effective routine you can actually stick to. A classic facial is a great starting point — it gives us a chance to deeply cleanse, exfoliate, and nourish your skin while laying the foundation for long-term skin health.

  • We always recommend to consult with a physician prior to your facial if you have any allergies.

    However, we ask that you specify any allergies and skin concerns in your intake form, and your facialist can tailor your facial specifically for your skin.

    If you do have more severe allergies or skin concerns of relevancy, please feel free to send us an email at hello@localskinbar.com so we can ensure that everything is prepared for you.

  • During pregnancy and breastfeeding, we recommend avoiding retinoids, salicylic acid, and certain chemical exfoliants. Our aestheticians are trained to guide you through which products are safe, and we offer pregnancy-safe alternatives for most skin concerns. When you book a Beaches Mama facial, we’ll assess your skin and build a home routine that works for both you and your baby.

Pregnancy & Products

  • Yes — our Beaches Mama facial is designed specifically for pregnant and breastfeeding clients. We use only pregnancy-safe products and avoid any ingredients or techniques not recommended during pregnancy, so you can relax and be cared for without worry.

  • During pregnancy and breastfeeding, we recommend avoiding retinoids, salicylic acid, and certain chemical exfoliants. Our aestheticians are trained to guide you through which products are safe, and we offer pregnancy-safe alternatives for most skin concerns. When you book a Beaches Mama facial, we’ll assess your skin and build a home routine that works for both you and your baby.

  • We use ZO Skin Health — a science-driven, medical-grade skincare line developed by Dr. Zein Obagi and designed to improve skin health at every stage. Many of our products are also available for retail so you can continue your results at home.

  • We're sorry to hear that. We always recommend doing a patch test before trying any new product. While we're unable to accept product returns as per our policy, please reach out at hello@localskinbar.com and we'll do our best to help find a solution.

  • Definitely, it just depends on timing! Just give us a call at 416-690-9797 and we can help plan it out so you get the best results.

Before your visit

  • We kindly ask that you fill out your intake form before your visit to save time during your appointment. Otherwise, just arrive as you are — we'll take care of the rest.

    For SkinPen Microneedling, we recommend being consistent with a medical-grade skincare routine for at least four weeks prior to your appointment.

  • For our facials (Locals Only, Beaches Mama, Sensitive Skin & Smooth Operator) there is no downtime — your skin will look great right after you leave.

    For our treatments (Chemical Peel & SkinPen Microneedling), your skin may be a bit red and sensitive for 2–3 days following your appointment. Your aesthetician will walk you through full aftercare instructions.

  • We recommend parking on a nearby side street — there's usually street parking on Kippendavie Ave, right off Queen St.

Policies & Practicalities

  • Clients can reschedule or cancel without penalty up to 48 hours before their appointment. Cancellations within 48 hours will be charged 50% of the full treatment price.

  • We offer a 10-minute grace period for all appointments. If you arrive more than 10 minutes late, your appointment will be considered a no-show.

    Missed appointments without notice will be charged the full treatment price, as that time has been reserved just for you and can't be filled on short notice. We totally understand that plans change — just let us know in advance.

  • Yes — we have both physical and digital gift cards available for purchase in-store or on our website. They make a wonderful gift. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

  • Bring either your physical gift card or your email confirmation to your appointment and we'll sort it out in-store.

  • All sales are final — we don't currently accept returns or exchanges. We do carry testers of our products in-store, and we always encourage clients to test before purchasing something new.

  • You can reach us by email at hello@localskinbar.com or by phone at 416-690-9797. You're always welcome to stop by the shop and say hello in person at 1915 Queen St East.

Common Skincare Concerns

  • Fine lines, loss of elasticity, and dullness are some of the most common concerns we see. Our SkinPen Microneedling and ZO Skin Health protocols are designed to stimulate collagen production and restore a more youthful, radiant complexion.

  • Dark spots caused by sun exposure, hormonal changes, or aging can be effectively treated with targeted chemical peels and microneedling. We assess your skin tone and history to build the safest, most effective protocol for visible brightening results.

  • Rosacea requires a gentle, targeted approach. Our Sensitive Skin Facial uses calming, antiinflammatory ingredients to reduce redness and soothe reactive skin, and our aestheticians are trained to avoid any triggers that could cause flare-ups.

  • Whether you’re dealing with active breakouts or the scars they leave behind, we have treatments to help. From deep-cleansing facials to chemical peels and microneedling for postacne marks, we build a plan based on your skin’s current state and history.

  • Microneedling is one of the most effective treatments for softening fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating the skin’s own collagen production. Paired with ZO Skin Health’s medical-grade formulations, results improve progressively with each session.

  • Years of sun exposure can leave behind uneven pigmentation, rough texture, and premature aging. Our chemical peels and microneedling treatments help resurface damaged skin and restore a more even, luminous tone.

  • Hyperpigmentation — whether from sun damage, post-inflammatory marks, or melasma — responds well to a consistent treatment plan. We combine in-clinic treatments like microneedling and peels with targeted ZO Skin Health products to fade discoloration and prevent recurrence.

  • Uneven skin texture, enlarged pores, and rough patches can be dramatically improved with regular microneedling and exfoliating treatments. Our aestheticians customize every session to your texture concerns and track your progress over time.

Still have questions?

We'd love to hear from you.

Come in, or send an email — we're always happy to help.