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THE PHARMLY READING ROOM

How to get acne treatment online in Ontario - no referral needed

For mild acne you do not need a dermatologist referral or a family doctor. An Ontario pharmacist can assess you online and, when appropriate, prescribe treatment.

If you have been cycling through drugstore cleansers and spot treatments without much to show for it, there is a step between "over-the-counter guesswork" and "months-long wait for a dermatologist" that most Ontarians do not know exists: mild acne is on Ontario's minor ailments list, which means a pharmacist can assess it and, when appropriate, prescribe treatment - online.

What a pharmacist can do for acne

A licensed Ontario pharmacist reviews your skin history and what you have already tried (photos help), then builds a plan. When appropriate, that includes prescription treatment for mild acne. Just as valuable, they can tell you what is actually worth using - and what to stop wasting money on.

Is it free?

The assessment is free with a valid Ontario health card. Without one, it is a flat $30. If a medication is prescribed, you pay the usual price for it and your drug plan may cover it.

When acne needs a doctor

Severe or cystic acne, deep painful nodules, significant scarring, or acne that might be linked to another condition should be seen by a doctor or dermatologist. If that is your situation, the assessment will say so honestly and point you in the right direction rather than treating something outside a pharmacist's scope.

How to start

Begin your free acne assessment, or see all conditions we treat. A licensed Ontario pharmacist follows up, within 24 business hours (our average is about 5 minutes) - no appointment, referral, or family doctor needed.

Feel better, faster.

Start your free assessment and a licensed Ontario pharmacist will be in touch within 24 business hours (our average is about 5 minutes).

Start your free assessment*

*Free with a valid Ontario health card. Without one, the assessment is a flat $30.