Skin Care

Retinol FAQ

The most frequently asked questions about retinol, answered.

Retinol has earned its place as one of the most researched and effective ingredients in modern skincare. From reducing fine lines and wrinkles to improving texture, tone and breakouts, it offers a wide range of benefits. Yet, because it’s also known for potential side effects like dryness or irritation, many people have questions about how to use it correctly.

In this FAQ, we break down everything you need to know about retinol so you can incorporate it into your routine with confidence.

1. What is retinol?

Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A used in cosmetics for its anti-aging and anti-acne effects and to improve skin texture. It stimulates cell renewal and collagen and elastin production.

2. At what age can you start using retinol?

In general, you can start using it in your twenties to prevent the signs of aging, or earlier in cases of persistent acne. It is especially recommended for people aged 25-30 and above.

3. When should you apply it?

Always in the evening, as retinol can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. In the morning, it is essential to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher).

4. Should you moisturize after using retinol?

Yes! Moisturizing is crucial to limit side effects such as dryness or irritation. Apply a moisturizer after retinol.

5. What are the side effects?

– Redness

– Dryness

– Flaking

– Increased sensitivity

These effects are normal at first and diminish over time. If irritation is too severe, reduce the frequency of use.

6. Can it be used with other active ingredients?

Avoid combining retinol with:

AHA/BHA (exfoliating acids)

Vitamin C (in the same routine)

– Strongly scented or irritating products

You can combine it with:

Niacinamide (soothes and moisturizes)

Ceramides

Hyaluronic acid

7. How long before I see results?

The first results (smoother skin, radiance) appear after 4 to 8 weeks. The deeper anti-aging effects take 3 to 6 months.

8. Should I stop using it in the summer or if I go on vacation?

No, but you should increase your sun protection. If you have very sensitive skin or plan to be exposed to strong sunlight, you can reduce the frequency or take a break.

Shop our retinol products in stores and online at Etiket.ca.

Skin Care

Extreme Cold Skincare Edit

Feeling the chill in the air?

Soothe your skin and turn your routine into a skincare ritual this season with rich creams, hydrating balms and the most indulgent moisturizing masks.

WINTER SKINCARE SAVIOURS

Nourish Crème Riche Face Cream
SAHAJAN
 
A little is all you need of this rich, clinically proven cream for glowing ageless skin. The formula is based on the 5000-year-old practice of Ayurveda and uses natural, plant-based oils to nourish, hydrate and brighten the face and neck.
The Light Fantastic
PAI SKINCARE

A fast-absorbing dry oil to bring instant relief to stressed-out skin while high-performance ceramides help build strong long-term resilience against irritation for all skin types.
Active Botanical Serum
VINTNER’S DAUGHTER

This beloved serum is clinically proven to provide restorative moisture, radiance and nourishment to all skin. Its multi-beneficial results continue to compound with each use, day after day, year after year.
TNS Ceramide Treatment Cream
SKINMEDICA

This product contains TNS®, peptides and a patented ceramide technology to hydrate and help restore your skin’s natural barrier function.
LEXXEL
VIVIER

Enriched with marigold, avocado, vitamin E, and allantoin for added hydration, this unique moisturizer helps alleviate and protect against chapping, cracking, and roughness while helping relieving itching due to dryness.

DISCOVER OUR EXTREME COLD WINTER EDIT

Skin Care

Best Summer Skincare Routine According to Our Aestheticians

We asked some of our aestheticians to share some advice to keep skin looking and feeling healthy this summer. Discover what products and treatments they recommend!

New skincare challenges, such as using sufficient sun protection and maintaining well-hydrated skin, are brought on by the warmer weather. We asked some of our aestheticians to share some advice to keep skin looking and feeling its best this summer. Discover what products and treatments they recommend!


LAURA, Aesthetician at The Etiket Spa

What is your current AM skincare routine?

As a first step, I reach for the Tata Harper Superkind Softening Cleanser which works to gently dissolve buildup and impurities. I then apply the Environ Youth EssentiA Vita-Peptide C-Quence Serum 1. It helps combat the visible signs of ageing to create even, smoother and healthier-looking skin. To moisturize, I use the SkinCeuticals AOX+ Eye Gel both in the AM and PM on my eye contour and the Environ Focus Care Moisture+ Vita Complex Super Moisturiser+ all over my face. I finish with the Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50, a lightweight tinted sunscreen that offers buildable coverage.

What is your current PM skincare routine?

Three times per week, I would use the Tata Harper Superkind Refining Cleanser, a gentle exfoliator that simultaneously nourishes and refines to reveal a nice glow. The Pai Skincare Middlemist Seven Camellia & Rose Gentle Cream Cleanser paired with a damp muslin cloth to remove makeup and sunscreen, followed by a double cleanse using Tata Harper’s Clarifying Cleanser. To finish, I apply the Tata Harper Retinoic Nutrient Face Oil to nourish and strengthen the skin.

How do you prevent pigmentation?

I would recommend any Vitamin C serum and retinoic oil, as well as the Tata Harper Brightening Facial with Multi-Acid Peel treatment (great for glow, pigmentation, acne and scarring). It’s a HOLY GRAIL! 🙂

What facial would you recommend in the summer months? 

The Tata Harper Etiket Signature Facial is suitable for all skin types and is amazing for blood circulation.

What would you change for your summer skincare routine? 

For summer, I like adding a purifying/resurfacing mask weekly. Here are a few options to try!


JORDANNA, Holistic Aesthetician at The Etiket Spa

What is your current AM skincare routine?

To start, I wash my face with the Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser and spray on Pai Skincare’s Century Flower Lotus & Hyaluronic Acid Barrier Support Mist. I follow with two more Tata Harper products: the Rejuvenating Serum and the Refillable Restorative Eye Crème which brightens, smooths, de-puffs, and hydrates to rejuvenate signs of aging and fatigue. To moisturize and brigthen my skin, I apply the Kat Burki Vitamin C Intensive Face Cream and follow with Pai Skincare’s The Light Fantastic, a fast-absorbing dry oil containing ceramides to help build strong long-term resilience against irritation. As last steps, I opt for the Colorescience Sunforgettable GLOW Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50 and their Total Eye™ 3-in-1 Renewal Care, available in 4 colours, to keep my skin protected and my under eye looking rested.

What is your current PM skincare routine?

I first double cleanse with the Tata Harper Nourishing Oil Cleanser, followed by Pai Skincare’s Phaze PHA Clarifying Face Wash which helps clarify congested skin. Next, I apply the Tata Harper Concentrated Brightening Essence, Concentrated Brightening Serum, Superkind Fortifying Moisturizer and Boosted Contouring Eye Balm which leave my skin feeling nice and plump!

How do you prevent pigmentation?

I suggest using nighttime brightening products, sunscreen with SPF 50, and Tata Harper’s Superkind Radiance Mask and Resurfacing Mask.

What facial would you recommend in the summer months? 

Tata Harper’s Sculpting Facial: the anti-gravity skin lift! This lavish treatment pairs green bio-technology with a cupping facial massage technique to firm and lift the look of your skin, and a rejuvenating neck and décolleté treatment helps instantly revitalized the skin with a youthful glow.

What would you change for your summer skincare routine? 

Products with high SPF and a fabulous sun hat! 🙂


MARION, Aesthetician at The Etiket Spa

What is your current AM skincare routine?

In the morning, I wash my face with my Tata Harper Purifying Cleanser, apply my SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF vitamin C serum, followed by my Tata Harper Water-Lock Moisturizer and my Elta MD UV Clear SPF 46 sunscreen.

What is your current PM skincare routine?

In the evening, I do my double cleansing routine to remove makeup with two products from Tata Harper: I thoroughly wash my skin with my makeup remover oil, the Nourishing Oil Cleanser, followed by my Purifying Cleanser. I then apply my soothing SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel, my Dr. Barbara Sturm The Better B Niacinamide Serum, and finally my Tata Harper Water-Lock Moisturizer.

How do you prevent pigmentation?

To prevent the appearance of pigmentation spots, I use a vitamin C serum (SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF) in the morning, followed by sunscreen (Elta MD UV Clear SPF 46).

What facial would you recommend in the summer months? 

The treatment I recommend this time of year is a HydraFacial to deeply cleanse the skin, reveal radiance and plump up dehydrated skin.

What would you change for your summer skincare routine? 

I would recommend using fewer oils and prioritizing more water-based gel textures to continue moisturizing without making the skin greasy, and to exfoliate skin more.


When was you last visit to the Etiket Spa?

Did you know that we now have 4 treatment rooms and 6 aestheticians who offer the best treatments to treat your skin according to your goals and desired results?

Appointments can be made in-person at our boutique or by calling 514.687.3886. To learn more about our spa services, click here.

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Inscrivez-vous à l'infolettre d'Etiket et obtenez 10% sur votre premier achat sur Etiket.ca.