In the heart of downtown Toronto, where modern science meets timeless beauty, The Face Lab is redefining what it means to feel comfortable and confident in your own skin. Founded by Joanna Auguste, a Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner with over 17 years of varied experience, the Face Lab has become a destination for those seeking natural, radiant results. And it’s Joanna’s inclusive and evidence-based approach that sets her and the team at the Face Lab apart within the deeply saturated marketplace of skincare and beauty providers.
From the warm and inviting waiting room, professional and welcoming staff and an interior that balances state of the art equipment with an upscale yet homey vibe, it’s clear that The Face Lab isn’t just another medical aesthetics clinic. Its mission is to empower people of all backgrounds and skin types, and that mission is deeply rooted in Joanna’s own story. With a background in psychiatric and mental health care, Joanna brings a unique perspective to her practice, one that recognizes the profound link between how we feel inside and how we see ourselves on the outside.
“My entry into aesthetics was deeply personal,” Joanna shared. “After having my child, I struggled with cystic acne that left me feeling uncomfortable in my own skin. As a nurse heavily involved in research and quality improvement, I knew there were science-backed solutions beyond just covering up the problem. That experience sparked my interest in medical aesthetics and led me to pursue advanced training. I realized I could combine my clinical expertise with my passion for holistic, patient-centered care — helping others find confidence in their skin the same way I did.”
The foundation of The Face Lab has been always been a balanced formula of lived experience, education aspiration. But building a clinic that challenged industry norms came with more than its fair share of challenges. In the early days, educating both patients and providers on the importance of science-backed, inclusive care wasn’t always easy. “There was resistance to moving beyond trend-driven treatments toward ethical, evidence-based protocols that delivered natural, lasting results for all skin tones,” Joanna recalled. “It took persistence to prove that a clinic could thrive without fear-based marketing or unrealistic beauty standards.”
Despite the trials she encountered along the journey, Joanna’s perseverance has paid off. Today, The Face Lab stands as a trusted institution for advanced, non-invasive technologies like Sofwave, Aerolase, and Tixel skin resurfacing. Joanna’s expertise has also earned her national recognition: she’s a Key Opinion Leader for Sofwave in Canada, a featured Skin of Colour expert for Tixel, and a frequent speaker at industry conferences. For Joanna, every accomplishment is a reminder that change is possible when it’s rooted in integrity and compassion. “These achievements show that we can reshape the industry,” Joanna said, “to be more focused on skin health and quality, while being truly inclusive and science-driven.”
When asked what inspired her to create The Face Lab, Joanna’s answer is simple but powerful. “I recognized a gap in Toronto’s medical aesthetics industry — very few clinics were offering safe, effective treatments for all skin tones, or empowering patients instead of capitalizing on their insecurities,” she says. “I wanted to build a clinic based on ethics, integrity, and results.” That vision grew into what The Face Lab is today — a bright, welcoming space that combines innovation and warmth in equal measure. “What really sets us apart is our patient experience,” Joanna adds. “We create customized protocols, deliver natural results across all skin tones, and live by our six core values: Intentional Innovation, Comfort, Diversity in Beauty, Integrity, Going Against the Grain, and Community.”
As a woman of colour, Joanna understands firsthand why inclusivity in aesthetics is so essential. “For a long time, patients of colour were excluded from studies, marketing, and even safe treatment options,” she notes. “At The Face Lab, diversity isn’t an afterthought — it’s foundational. Every protocol, every product, every decision is made with inclusivity in mind.”
When it comes to treatments, Joanna applies her expert opinion to highlight her current favourites. “It’s a tie between Sofwave and Aerolase,” she shared. “Both are non-invasive and safe for most skin types. Sofwave delivers amazing skin tightening and collagen stimulation with no downtime, while Aerolase is incredibly versatile — treating everything from acne to pigmentation to overall rejuvenation. Together, they form the backbone of many of our protocols, especially when paired with biostimulators or injectables like SkinVive and neuromodulators. It’s all about combining science and artistry to achieve results that feel authentic and natural.”
Looking ahead, Joanna’s vision for The Face Lab extends far beyond skin-deep transformations. “My ultimate goal is to keep redefining what a medical aesthetics clinic can be,” she reflects. “I want The Face Lab to remain a place where science meets inclusivity — where patients feel genuinely cared for. I also hope to grow it as an educational hub that mentors the next generation of providers. By setting new standards for integrity, diversity, and innovation, I want to leave a lasting mark on the industry and continue helping people connect their inner confidence with their outer beauty.”
When visiting the Face Lab and meeting its intrepid founder, it’s clear that Joanna Auguste is more than a practitioner — she’s a pioneer, redefining aesthetics through empathy, science, and self-acceptance. At The Face Lab, beauty isn’t about transformation for transformation’s sake; it’s about feeling at home in your own skin. In Joanna’s hands, rejuvenation becomes something far more meaningful — a reflection of care, confidence, and the quiet power of embracing who you truly are.
To learn more about the Face Lab, check out their website and social media below.
Nadia Elkharadly
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