An Aesthetician’s Honest Perspective from Ottawa HydraFacial-style treatments are everywhere. They’re heavily marketed, widely recognized, and often one of the first treatments people search for when looking for an advanced facial in Ottawa . Prices typically start around $200  and can reach $450+ per session , depending on the clinic and add-ons. As a licensed aesthetician and clinic owner, I want to share an honest, professional perspective  on why I chose not to bring a branded HydraFacial machine into my clinic... and why I believe clients deserve more value for what they’re paying . The Appeal of HydraFacial-Style Treatments There’s no denying it... HydraFacial-style treatments are popular for a reason. They’re known for:     •    Immediate glow     •    Deep cleansing and hydration     •    A comfortable, non-invasive experience For many clients, they’re a great introduction to technology-based facials , and the results can feel satisfying in the moment. The issue isn’t that these treatments don’t work. The issue is how much you’re paying for what’s actually being delivered . How HydraFacial Pricing Is Commonly Structured In many clinics, HydraFacial-style treatments are marketed in tiers. The base treatment often starts around $200 , with additional costs added for:     •    A targeted booster     •     LED light therapy , often limited to 15 minutes     •     Lymphatic drainage , typically reserved for the top-tier “Platinum” option By the time all of these elements are included, pricing often increases from $350 to $450+ per session . While each of these add-ons can be beneficial, the core treatment structure often remains largely the same ... with the main differences being what’s added on , rather than how the treatment itself is adapted. My Honest Take on Lymphatic Drainage as an Add-On Lymphatic drainage is frequently marketed as the defining feature of the highest-tier HydraFacial-style treatments, and I want to be very clear about this: I don’t dislike lymphatic drainage. In fact, I genuinely enjoy it, both for relaxation and for its sculpting benefits. Lymphatic drainage can:     •    Help reduce puffiness     •    Encourage fluid movement     •    Support facial contouring     •    Feel incredibly calming and restorative That said, lymphatic drainage is most effective when done consistently . In my professional opinion, it’s not something that delivers long-term results as a one-and-done  add-on during an occasional facial. When the price jumps by $100 or more  simply for the inclusion of lymphatic drainage, I believe it’s important for clients to understand that the real benefits typically come from regular treatments , not a single session. Where the Value Often Falls Short Even at the highest tier, many HydraFacial-style treatments still include:     •    The same base protocol     •    A short LED session     •    One booster     •    One lymphatic drainage session While these elements can enhance the experience, the depth and adaptability of the treatment often don’t change enough to justify the significant price increase ... especially when customization remains limited. This is where many clients begin to feel that they’re paying more for branding and structure  than for a truly expanded treatment experience. A Note on Experience & Perspective Before I explain why I chose a different approach for my clinic, it’s important to share where my perspective comes from . Before opening Barry Beauty Aesthetics, I worked hands-on with the HydraFacial machine for over three years  and completed full certification. During that time, I personally performed thousands of HydraFacial treatments  on a wide range of skin types and concerns. My perspective isn’t based on marketing, assumptions, or what I’ve seen online... it’s based on direct, in-practice experience  using the machine day in and day out. Through that experience, I also learned that while the HydraFacial system can be effective for surface-level cleansing and hydration, it often does not fully replace manual extractions . In many cases, I still needed to go back in with hands-on techniques  to achieve deeper, more thorough extractions... especially for congestion-prone or acne-prone skin. This experience reinforced my belief that technology should support the treatment, not replace professional skill or customization . Why I Chose a Different Approach for My Clinic When I opened my own clinic, I made a very intentional decision: I wanted clients to receive a service that truly reflects what they’re paying for... not just a well-marketed name. That meant choosing technology that allows:     •     Multiple handpieces  in one treatment     •    Flexible sequencing based on skin needs     •    More ways to address hydration, congestion, sensitivity, and absorption     •    A customized experience rather than a rigid protocol Instead of investing in a single branded system, I chose a multi-modality hydro facial system  that gives me the ability to adapt every treatment to the client in front of me. Marketing vs. Meaningful Results Let’s be honest — marketing plays a huge role in aesthetics . HydraFacial has been marketed extremely well. The name is recognizable, trusted, and associated with luxury. But strong marketing doesn’t always equal best value . As professionals, it’s our responsibility to look beyond the name and ask:     •    What technologies are actually being used?     •    How customizable is the treatment?     •    Does the experience justify the price?     •    Is the client getting substance , or just recognition? A More Thoughtful Alternative This philosophy is what led to the creation of the Gemstone HydroSkin Rituals  at Barry Beauty Aesthetics. Rather than relying on a single delivery method with add-ons layered on top, these treatments combine multiple skin technologies within one cohesive session , allowing for:     •    Greater customization     •    More adaptable treatment flow     •    Better alignment between price and experience     •    A focus on long-term skin health , not just instant glow The goal isn’t to compete with a brand... it’s to offer real value, real care, and real results . Final Thoughts HydraFacial-style treatments aren’t “bad.” But they’re not always the best investment  — especially when pricing increases without meaningful changes to how the treatment is performed. If you’re paying premium prices, you deserve:     •    A treatment that adapts to your skin     •    Technology that does more than one thing     •    An experience that reflects the cost     •    Transparency from your provider At the end of the day, skincare shouldn’t feel like you’re paying for a name. It should feel like you’re paying for care, intention, and results . Looking for a HydraFacial-Style Alternative in Ottawa? If you’ve tried HydraFacial-style treatments and felt the value didn’t fully match the price, the Gemstone HydroSkin Rituals  offer a more customizable, results-driven approach. 👉 Learn more about our advanced HydroSkin Rituals and book online .

Chemical peels are one of the most effective treatments for improving texture, brightness, and overall skin clarity — but if you’ve never had one before, it’s normal to feel unsure about what actually happens during the appointment. As a licensed medical aesthetician in Ottawa, I’m breaking down everything you need to know before booking your first peel. What Is a Chemical Peel? A chemical peel is a professional exfoliating treatment that uses safe, controlled acids to remove dead skin cells and stimulate healthier, fresher skin. At Barry Beauty Aesthetics, I offer both gel-based peels and ethanol-based peels , allowing me to customize the strength and depth based on your skin type and concerns. Chemical peels can help improve: Acne + congestion Hyperpigmentation and dark spots Melasma Rough texture Dullness Fine lines Mild scarring Your Consultation: The Most Important Step Before applying any peel, we’ll assess: Your current routine Skin sensitivity Breakout patterns Past reactions Lifestyle triggers (stress, sleep, hormones, etc.) Medications or products you're using This ensures the peel is safe, effective, and customized to your skin. What Happens During the Treatment? A typical chemical peel appointment includes: 1. Cleanse + Prep Your skin is cleansed to remove makeup, SPF, and oil. A prep solution is applied so the peel can absorb evenly. 2. Peel Application The solution is layered onto the skin. You may feel: Tingling Heat Slight tightness These sensations are normal and temporary. 3. Neutralization Some peels deactivate on their own; others require a neutralizer. 4. Soothing + Hydration Professional serums and moisturizers are applied to support healing and barrier repair. What to Expect After Your Peel Your skin may experience: Mild redness Tightness Light flaking (depending on the peel strength) Extra sensitivity Peeling is not required for results — even no-peel peels can create incredible brightness and clarity. Aftercare Tips Avoid heat, sweating, and heavy workouts for 24 hours No exfoliating for 5–7 days Use gentle cleansers + hydrating products Wear SPF daily Do not pick at flaking skin Who Is a Good Candidate? Chemical peels are ideal for clients with: Acne Hyperpigmentation Sun damage Texture Early signs of aging Dullness If you have highly sensitive skin , a custom medical facial or Rezenerate NanoFacial may be better. Ready to Experience a Chemical Peel? If you're looking for chemical peels in Ottawa that are customized, safe, and results-driven, I’d love to help. ✨ Book your peel and start your skin transformation today . ✨

If you’re trying to decide between Microneedling and the Rezenerate NanoFacial , you’re not alone — both treatments are incredibly popular but serve very different purposes. Here’s a clear, simple guide to help you choose the right treatment for your skin. Microneedling: Best for Long-Term Skin Remodeling Microneedling uses tiny sterile needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This triggers collagen production and improves the skin’s overall structure. Microneedling is ideal for: Acne scars Fine lines and wrinkles Texture irregularities Mild laxity Enlarged pores What to Expect: Numbing cream is applied Minimal downtime (redness 24–48 hours) Results improve over 4–6 weeks Microneedling is perfect if you want visible transformation with long-lasting results. Rezenerate NanoFacial: Best for Instant Glow + Zero Downtime Rezenerate uses a nano-technology tip to create microscopic channels on the skin’s surface — increasing product absorption by up to 50% . Rezenerate is ideal for: Dehydration Dullness Sensitivity Pregnancy-safe treatments Clients wanting immediate radiance What to Expect: No numbing No downtime Skin looks plump and radiant instantly Rezenerate is perfect before events or when you want a hydrating, gentle boost . MICRONEEDLING Deeper skin penetration Stimulates collagen + elastin Best for scars, wrinkles, texture Requires numbing 1–3 days downtime Moderate product absorption Every 4–6 weeks Not event friendly Strong dermal remodeling REZENERATE NANO-FACIAL Surface-level nano-channeling Instant hydration + radiance Best for dryness, sensitivity, glow No numbing required Zero downtime Up to 50% serum absorption boost Every 2–4 weeks Perfect pre-event Gentle epidermal conditioning Which One Should You Book? Choose Microneedling if: ✔ You want structural skin improvement ✔ You struggle with scarring or deeper texture ✔ You want long-term collagen stimulation Choose Rezenerate if: ✔ You want a no-downtime treatment ✔ You’re sensitive or reactive ✔ You want boosted hydration + glow ✔ You need event-ready skin Most clients end up doing both at different points in their skin journey. Still Unsure? Let’s Customize Your Plan During your consultation, we’ll map out your goals and skin needs to choose the treatment that will benefit you most. ✨ Book your consultation today — your best skin starts here . ✨

Corrective skincare, custom facials, chemical peels and microneedling in Ottawa. Barry Beauty Aesthetics delivers personalized, results-driven treatments. Book your consult today. Personalized corrective skincare, professional treatments and homecare designed around your skin - not a one-size-fits-all protocol. START WITH A CONSULTATION already a client? VIEW TREATMENTS Licensed Medical Aesthetician · 6+ Years Experience · 5.0 ★ Google Reviews · Ottawa, Ontario You don't need to know what to book. That's my job. NEW TO BARRY BEAUTY AESTHETICS? Good skin doesn’t come from choosing treatments at random. During your consultation, we’ll talk about your concerns, current routine, skin history and goals. From there, I’ll build your personalized treatment and homecare plan — so you don’t have to figure it out alone. BOOK YOUR CONSULTATION WHAT CAN I HELP YOU WITH? ACNE & BREAKOUTS Calm active breakouts and support clearer, healthier skin. PIGMENTATION & MELASMA Address uneven tone and stubborn discoloration with a personalized corrective approach. TEXTURE & SCARRING Improve the appearance of uneven texture and support collagen remodeling. REDNESS & SENSITIVITY Support compromised, reactive and redness-prone skin. HEALTHY REJUVINATION Support collagen, firmness, texture and long-term skin health. EXPLORE SKIN CONCERNS I don't sell treatments. I build treatment plans. Your skin isn’t a menu. Depending on what I see, your plan may include professional homecare, custom facials, chemical peels, microneedling, advanced modalities — or a combination of them. Every recommendation has a reason behind it. real skin. real treatments. PRIMARY CONCERN: Pigmentation + Uneven Tone THE APPROACH Professional homecare + Corrective Treatments TIMELINE 12 MONTHS VIEW SKIN JOURNEY PRIMARY CONCERN: Acne + Post-inflammatory Pigmentation THE APPROACH Corrective Homecare + Personalized Treatment Plan TIMELINE 6 MONTHS VIEW SKIN JOURNEY PRIMARY CONCERN: Rejuvenation + Skin Quality THE APPROACH Professional homecare + Corrective Treatment Series TIMELINE 8 MONTHS VIEW SKIN JOURNEY

This Quiz will help determine which membership will best suit your skin type and concern, click me to find out! Unsure on what your perfect membership looks like? Take our membership quiz below to determine which one would best fit your concerns and needs!

Explore our detailed service menu to discover the perfect solution for your skin needs. Trust us to provide you with the finest skincare treatments, backed by expertise and a commitment to helping you achieve your skin's optimal health and glow! OUR CONSULTATION Where your journey to radiant skin begins BOOK YOURS HERE Our consultations are a great place to start for clients who are ready to kickstart their skincare routine and get serious. We're here for you, and we're ready to help you achieve glowing, radiant skin. Please note: Consultations are non-refundable and mandatory for clients looking to achieve their goals. Our Services Our Custom Facials are tailored to meet your unique skin care needs, whether you're a newcomer or seeking a more advanced treatment. We offer a variety of options based on exclusive product lines and the strength of peels, with specific attention to potential downtime and peeling effects. Discover a personalized approach to achieving your best skin while embracing our commitment to ethical, results-driven care. ESSENTIAL FACIALS Read More If you're ready to take your skin to the next level, this is the ultimate experience for you. Crafted to revitalize and renew, our advanced facial treatments go beyond the ordinary, using cutting-edge techniques, specialized methods and products. Feel the difference as this treatment reinvigorates your skin, leaving you with a radiant, rejuvenated glow that speaks volumes. If you're seeking a facial treatment that surpasses expectations and delivers remarkable results, this is the choice for you ADVANCED FACIALS Read More At Barry Beauty Aesthetics, we specialize in microneedling, an innovative treatment that rejuvenates your skin by promoting collagen production and improving texture. Our ethical, results-driven approach ensures a personalized experience, tailored to enhance your natural beauty. Reveal a radiant complexion with our expert microneedling services designed for all skin types. MICRONEEDLING Read More Revitalize your skin with our rejuvenating chemical peels at Barry Beauty Aesthetics! Designed to exfoliate, brighten, and improve skin texture, our targeted treatments cater to your unique needs while promoting a radiant complexion. Experience the transformative power of our ethical, results-driven approach to beauty and reveal your healthiest skin yet! CHEMICAL PEELS Read More Why a consult? Unsure of where to begin on your skincare journey? We understand. Navigating skincare can feel overwhelming, which is why we require all new in-person clients to book a consultation and treatment before scheduling additional services with Keila. This allows us to thoroughly assess your skin, understand your concerns and goals, and create a personalized treatment plan designed specifically for you. For returning clients who have not been seen in a year or more, we kindly request a new consultation so we can reassess your skin and tailor an updated treatment plan based on your current needs. Our commitment goes far beyond a one-time appointment - we believe healthy, lasting skin is achieved through a collaborative approach. During your consultation, we’ll create your client profile, review your medical history, current medications and supplements, lifestyle factors, and discuss your skin concerns in depth. At Barry Beauty, every recommendation is thoughtfully curated for your unique skin. Together, we’ll build a customized treatment plan and professional homecare routine using products hand-selected by Keila to help you achieve healthy, long-term results. Consultation Investment: $150 Your consultation includes a comprehensive skin analysis, personalized recommendations, and a customized treatment and homecare plan. If you choose to move forward with the personalized skincare routine recommended during your consultation, $75 of your consultation investment will be credited toward your recommended homecare regimen. BOOK YOURS HERE MICRONEEDLING Collagen induction therapy, also known as microneedling, dermarolling, or skin needling, is a cosmetic procedure that involves repeatedly puncturing the skin with tiny, sterile needles. BOOK NOW CONSULTATIONS Dive into a tailored skin journey where Keila analyzes your skin's unique needs. Receive comprehensive advice, customized routines, and expert tips to address concerns effectively. BOOK NOW CUSTOM MEDICAL FACIALS These facials are motivated to address your specific concerns and help you achieve glowing, radiant skin! Come Experience a personally tailored treatment that will leave your skin glowing! BOOK NOW KERATIN LASH LIFT Looking for a damage free way to laminate your lashes? Let’s build those keratin bonds the right way and throw away your lash curler! BOOK NOW DERMAPLANING Dermaplaning is a procedure that exfoliates your skin and gets rid of the vellus hair, better known as “peach fuzz.” This service will help your skincare to work more effectively and your makeup application will be flawless! BOOK NOW BROW LAMINATION Are you always combing up or filling in your brows? Looking for a more low maintenance routine? Look no further, let’s sculpt those brows! BOOK NOW CHEMICAL PEELS Bid farewell to dullness, and embrace the renewed vibrance and smoothness of your skin. Dare to reveal your natural beauty with each peel session! BOOK NOW BROW SHAPING Say goodbye to unruly brows and hello to a polished, defined look that frames your face flawlessly! BOOK NOW BIOREPEEL The innovative peel formula helps to exfoliate your top layer of the skin by dissolving the bonds between old, dead, or damaged cells and promoting regeneration. BOOK NOW