A comprehensive guide to achieving a glowing complexion!
Skin Care

How To Get Glowing Skin In a Few Simple Steps

Who doesn’t want glowing skin? It’s why many of us spend countless amounts in skincare and makeup products every year. While it is a goal that many of us strive to achieve, the steps required to reach that goal are unclear. How does on get that glow? Here's how...
@paiskincare

Who doesn’t want glowing skin? The word ‘glow’ is probably one of the most popular terms in the beauty industry. Everyone wants their skin to glow. It’s why many of us spend countless amounts on skincare and makeup products every year. While it is a goal that many of us strive to achieve, the steps required to reach that goal are unclear. With different sources offering up different answers, how does one get that glow?

We’re here to steer you in the right direction towards achieving that Gigi Hadid glow you’ve always wanted! Keep reading to discover the steps!

VITAMIN C

Vitamin C, like SkinCeuticals’ Phloretin CF or CE Ferulic, are a must in everyone’s skincare routine. This antioxidant protects your skin against free radical damage, all the while improving hydration and increasing collagen production in the skin. It’s also known for its brightening properties. The word brightening is another hugely researched word in the beauty industry. Bright rhymes with glow. Well, not really, but you know what I mean! Use a few drops of this antioxidant on in the morning after your cleanser and let it do its magic!

HYDRATION

Keeping the skin moisturized is key to achieving a glow. Two ingredients you want to look for are Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin. Both aid in locking moisture into the skin. There’s a common misconception that you can only get hydration from a moisturizer. While face creams are a great way to boost the skin’s hydration, other products can do just as good a job! In fact, many turn to hydrating serums, such as the HA Intensifier Multi-Glycan from SkinCeuticals to boost their skin’s hydration. Others turn to hydrating toners such as PCA’s Hydrating Toner, or even face oils like Pai Skincare’s Viper’s Gloss Age Confidence Echium & Amaranth Face Oil. If your moisturizer isn’t doing enough, it may be a good idea to incorporate another hydrating product!  

EXFOLIATION

A dull, lacklustre complexion can be a sign that you need to exfoliate. In fact, exfoliation is a process that helps you get rid of the dead skin cells at the surface of the skin, helping you reveal a fresh, glowing layer beneath. With time, continued exfoliation can smooth rough patches, fade acne scars, dark spots, reduce redness and brighten the overall complexion. Exfoliation also helps your skincare products absorb better into the skin by unclogging your pores. I think it’s pretty clear why this step is a must in achieving that sought-after glow. Start by exfoliating once a week and slowly increase to 2-3 times a week, depending on how your skin reacts.

MASKS

Face masks are a great way to give your skin a quick boost! Not only can they help you maintain a glowing complexion by providing consistent hydration and/or exfoliation, but they can’t help you achieve an instant glow as well. For example, Consonant’s HydrExtreme Charcoal Sheet Mask delivers high concentrations of Hyaluronic Acid to reveal a soft and luminous complexion immediately. Environ’s Focus Care Youth+ Tri-BioBotanical Revival Masque uses a unique combination of acids to rejuvenate the skin, revealing a younger, fresher and glowing complexion. Discover our wide range of face masks to get your glow!

FACIALS

Facials are always a good idea. If you feel like your products aren’t doing enough, it may be time to seek the help of professionals! In our boutique, we offer a wide selection of facials that aid in boosting the skin’s natural glow. Among these options, you will find our Brightening HydraFacial and our Tata Harper Instant Glow Peel. Both designed to tackle uneven skin tone and texture to reveal a fresh, smooth, glowing complexion. There are also more in-depth treatments that can be done in a medical clinic, like microneedling treatments and resurfacing lasers.

CONSISTENCY IS KEY

To maintain a healthy glow, it goes without saying that you have to put in time and effort over time. A consistent skincare routine is part of that. Making sure you double-cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize and use an SPF daily is crucial to attaining a glowing complexion. Trust me, put in the work and your skin will reward you.

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

I know it’s cliché but you are what you eat. In fact, your lifestyle shows up on your face. If it hasn’t yet, it will in the long run! A healthy lifestyle means eating well, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep. Oh, and drinking lots of water! How you live now sets the tone for how your skin will look later.

Need help building a routine? Contact our beauty experts by phone or email!

Image source: @paiskincare

A beginner's guide to retinol.
Skin Care

What is Retinol? A Beginner’s Guide to Using This Powerhouse Ingredient.

Retinol is often referred to as a powerhouse ingredient. The reason it’s referred to as such is because it is strong. Its strength is what makes it effective, but also what makes it dangerous. Keep reading to learn how to properly tame this skincare beast.
Photo by Park Street on Unsplash

Retinol: an ingredient heard of by many and understood by few. It’s often referred to as a powerhouse ingredient which makes it all the more mysterious and alluring.

Many of you may be sold on the idea of incorporating it into your routine without actually knowing what it does or how to use it. Although I don’t blame you for quickly jumping on the retinol bandwagon, I can’t stress how important it is to understand this ingredient in its entirety so as not to damage your skin. The reason it’s referred to as a powerhouse ingredient is because it is strong. Its strength is what makes it effective, but also what makes it dangerous. Keep reading to learn how to properly tame this skincare beast.

WHAT IS RETINOL?

Retinol (also known as vitamin A) is an over-the-counter form of retinoid, which is usually prescribed by a doctor. Retinols work by increasing collagen production as well as increasing the rate of cell turnover. New York dermatologist Shari Marchbein, M.D. mentions that retinols ‘also help treat acne, blackheads, and clogged pores.’

Because retinol is an over-the-counter retinoid, it is milder than prescription retinoids which makes it ideal for at-home use. Ideally, one should slowly build up their resistance to retinol and eventually apply it every single night. Key work here is slowly. This is a process, folks. Patience is required.

WHO IS IT FOR?

As mentioned above, retinol serves many purposes. It prevents wrinkles, brightens dull skin, treats acne and fades dark spots. With that logic, retinol can help everyone from mature skin, to acne sufferers and anyone in between! Over time, retinol can help increase the production of collagen and elastin in the dermis. Not only does this ingredient provide short term results, but it also aids in the long-term health and appearance of your skin.

If you have perfect skin with no issues whatsoever, lucky you! In your case, most dermatologists would recommend you start using retinol in your thirties, just as your collagen production begins to slow down. In fact, as dermatologist Mona Gohara, M.D., associate clinical professor at Yale University explains: ‘Up until your early-30s, your cells turn over every 28 days, creating a fresh layer of untouched, pristine skin. But after you hit your mid-30s, your cell regeneration slows down, turning over every 50, 60, or 70 days. Retinol, however, sinks into your skin and speeds up cell turnover, causing your body to churn out fresher, smoother skin again.’

HOW DO I USE IT?

We asked our medical aesthetician, Paule, to inform us on how to properly incorporate this ingredient into our routines. For beginners, she recommends starting off by using it twice a week, every 3 nights for the first 2 weeks. If your skin is tolerating it well- i.e. isn’t too red or irritated, then you can add another night per week to this regimen. As time goes on, you can maintain that same time frame: increasing by one night every 2 weeks until you’re up to using it every single night.

If you’ve been using your retinol every night for a few months, and you feel like you want to increase your retinol strength, you absolutely can. However, be sure to start the process all over again. Using it twice a week, every 3 nights for the first 2 weeks and increasing slowly. I cannot stress how important it is to go slowly, as retinol can burn like no other. Trust me.

If you feel like your skin is dry when using retinol, you can apply your night cream or moisturizer on top of it, 10 minutes after you applied your layer of retinol.

IS IT SAFE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN?

For those of you who have sensitive skin, Paule recommends using retinol with a slow-release system. A slow-release system ensures that the active ingredient is released into your skin in small doses over time and not all at once, which can cause irritation in some people. She also recommends starting at a low percentage. The Pro-Derm Retinol Complex 0.22 and the SkinCeuticals 0.3 are great for beginners with sensitive skin. PCA Skin’s Intensive Clarify Solution: 0.5% pure retinol night and Vivier’s Retinol 1% Night Complex are great options for skin that is more tolerant to retinol. Environ offers two retinols, which are recommended as add-on boosters to daily vitamin A topical replenishment, introduced when the skin is acclimated to medium or high concentrations of vitamin A. Paule mentions that people with sensitive skin should start by using retinol once a week and should add a layer of moisture on top to soothe and hydrate the skin. If you experience any irritation or discomfort, discontinue use.

So there you have it! A beginner’s guide to retinol. As you can see, it’s not hard to see why this ingredient is touted by so many in the industry. There’s no such thing as a miracle ingredient, but this one is pretty close! Discover our selection of retinol products and get a clear, glowing complexion!

Skin Care

EltaMD Skincare Line : Our Newest Obsession.

EltaMD's skincare lineup offers the same no-nonsense philosophy as their sunscreens: sensitivity-free, non-comedogenic and safe for all skin types. We could not be more excited about this addition to our shelves! Let's get you introduced to the products!

Chances are you’ve heard of the brand EltaMD before. In fact, their sunscreens are probably some of the most popular sun care products on the market. They fly off the shelves at Etiket every year and it’s not difficult to see why. EltaMD has formulated their sunscreens to cater to every skin concern. From breakout-prone skin to dehydrated ones, EltaMD has a sunscreen for you. Not only do they protect you from UVAs and UVBs, but they’re also non-comedogenic, sensitivity-free, fragrance-free and paraben-free, which is why they’re beloved by so many.

To pair with their sunscreens, EltaMD has designed a skincare line that has been available in the U.S. and is now avaialble in Canada. The products are the Foaming Gel, AM Therapy Facial Moisturizer, PM Therapy Moisturizer and the Renew Eye Gel. This skincare lineup offers the same no-nonsense philosophy as their sunscreens: sensitivity-free, non-comedogenic and safe for all skin types. We could not be more excited about this addition to our shelves! Let’s get you introduced to the products!

FOAMING FACIAL CLEANSER

This foaming facial cleanser is great for getting rid of any makeup, oil or impurities on the skin. In fact, it’s a great addition to the double-cleanse! Use it as your first or second cleanse, or even as both! The thick, rich foam gently cleanses leaving your skin feeling clean and balanced. True to EltaMD, this product is oil-free, sensitivity-free and pH-balanced. A no-nonsense formula that gets the job done!

AM THERAPY FACIAL MOISTURIZER

The EltaMD AM Therapy is a lightweight moisturizer that quickly seeps into the skin, providing all-day hydration. For anyone who has an oily complexion, this product is ideal! EltaMD claims that the AM Therapy stimulates the skin’s natural water system to moisturize without oil or heavy emollients. The Hyaluronic acid that it contains also helps increase moisture absorption and retention. As expected, it pairs beautifully with the EltaMD suncreens and is oil-free, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and safe for sensitive skin. A great addition to your daytime skincare routine!

PM THERAPY FACIAL MOISTURIZER

The EltaMD PM Therapy is a nighttime moisturizer packed with ingredients designed to moisturize, repair and restore your skin while you sleep. In fact, ceramides strengthen the skin’s natural moisture barrier, while niacinamide and antioxidants work to improve the skin color and tone, while also speeding up the metabolism to maximize the nightly skin repair process. Small rice protein peptides stimulate cell growth and collagen formation, resulting in even more skin elasticity. As it nurtures, revitalizes and oxygenates the skin, wrinkles fade and skin tone improves, resulting in a smoother, fresher appearance. Doesn’t get much better than that, right? It can all sound a bit like a sales pitch but at the end of the day, ingredients don’t lie! And EltaMD is all about their ingredient list.

RENEW EYE GEL

Say bye-bye to under-eye puffiness, dark circles and fine lines and wrinkles with EltaMD’s Renew Eye Gel! This eye gel is packed with peptides, hyaluronic acid and natural extracts designed to support the skin matrix to help prevent and reduce the appearance of skin aging all while generating brighter, healthier-looking skin. This eye gel works great under makeup and helps repair and restore your skin while you sleep! We’re hooked.

Suffice to say, this new addition to the Etiket shelves does not disappoint. Just like with its sunscreens, EltaMD delivers with their skincare products. Simplify your skincare routine with these effective, ingredient-packed products!

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