Skincare Advice Archives - Etiket Journal

Skin Care

How To Transition Your Skincare Routine for Fall

September 19, 2025 by Natalie

Keep your complexion radiant and resilient through the season ahead.

As fall settles in, the skin’s needs inevitably change. Cooler air, lower humidity, and indoor heating can leave it vulnerable to dryness and imbalance. Refining your routine with richer, more protective formulas now will keep your complexion radiant and resilient through the season ahead.

WHAT TO USE IN FALL

1) A Richer Moisturizer

The air gets drier, especially with indoor heating. Choose a cream that contains humectants, emollients, and occlusives to lock in moisture.

Crème Riche
**TATA HARPER**

Tata’s richest moisturizer is formulated with sixteen sources of hydration and twelve sources of age-defying botanicals that lift, plump, and volumize the look of the skin.

Nourish Crème Riche Face Cream
**SAHAJAN**

A little is all you need of this rich formula, based on the 5000-year-old practice of Ayurveda, a clinically proven cream for glowing, ageless skin.

2) Gentle Non-Foaming Cleansers

Avoid overly aggressive cleansers. Choose formulas with a pH close to that of the skin (≈ 5.5) to preserve the skin barrier.

Daily Cleansing Oil
**PCA SKIN**

Gently dissolve makeup, oil, and other impurities with this lightweight pre-cleansing oil, formulated with emollient moisturizers and potent antioxidants.

Gentle Cleanser
**PRO-DERM**

This cleanser, with an optimal acid pH of 4,5, maintains the skin’s integrity. It contains 40% aloe barbadensis extract, allantoin and is enriched with lavender essential oil.

3) Gentle Weekly Exfoliation

To remove dead skin cells and revive your complexion’s radiance, use a gentle exfoliator once a week.

Retexturing Activator
**SKINCEUTICALS**

This oil-free serum is formulated to simultaneously exfoliate skin and replenish moisture for a smooth, radiant complexion.

Olive Oil & Lotus Exfoliant
**WONDER VALLEY**

A nutrient-rich blend of botanical powders activates with this oil cleanser to provide a deep yet gentle facial exfoliation to decongest and remove dead skin cells, revealing soft and radiant skin.

4) Moisturizing & Antioxidant Serums

Apply a moisturizing serum under your cream to boost hydration. Antioxidants such as vitamin C, resveratrol, and niacinamide help fight free radicals and pollution.

Kine-C
**VIVIER**

An advanced oil-free anti-aging Vitamin C serum specifically formulated to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as to reduce further signs of aging.

Antioxidant Serum
**PRO-DERM**

Combining two powerful antioxidants, ferulic acid and resveratrol, this serum neutralizes the damaging effects of free radicals on the skin’s structures, allowing to prevent and correct signs of aging.

5) Nourishing Nights Masks

Apply a repair mask once or twice a week to strengthen the skin barrier and soothe irritated skin.

Overnight Sleeping Mask
**THE GREY**

A multi-active face mask that strengthens, replenishes and restores the skin while you sleep—supercharged with a 24-hour “chronoactive” active to protect the epidermal lipids.

Ultimate Sleep Mask
**SAHAJAN**

Apply a generous layer to cleansed face and neck avoiding the eyes. Sleep, rinse off in the morning and enjoy your beautiful skin. For extra nourishment, apply after or instead of moisturizer.

6) Sun Protection

Even though the sun is less intense, UV rays are still present. Continue to use light sunscreen.

Clear Daily Soothing UV Defense SPF 50
**SKINCEUTICALS**

A soothing multi-protective SPF 50 with calming Tripeptide technology and bisabolol. Suitable for sensitive and redness-prone skin.

Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50 | 4 Colours
**COLORESCIENCE**

Provides mineral powder protection against UVA/UVB pollution and other environmental aggressors.

7) Targeted Lips & Eye Contour Care

These areas are particularly sensitive to cold and wind. Use nourishing balms and specific creams.

Lip Karma – Vanilla
**SAHAJAN**

Sahajan’s luxe Lip Karma blends feature castor, rapeseed and argan oils to offer deep hydration and just the right amount of shine.

Restorative Eye Crème
**TATA HARPER**

A refillable, multi-correctional eye cream that brightens, smooths, de-puffs, and hydrates to rejuvenate signs of aging and fatigue. Best for fine lines, dryness, under eye bags, and dark circles.

What To Avoid

– Textures that are too light (ie, gels, summer lotions) – they are no longer sufficient to properly moisturize the skin

– Aggressive exfoliants or too frequent exfoliation can irritate skin already sensitized by the cold

– Foaming or sulphate-based cleansers, which are too harsh for this season

– Forgetting SPF. Even in the fall, UV rays continue to damage the skin

Skin Care

Retinol FAQ

August 27, 2025 by Natalie

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

October 1, 2025January 6, 2025 by Natalie

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

September 19, 2025July 26, 2023 by Natalie

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.