We went to a Caryl Baker Visage location in Toronto to try their latest facial treatment: Power Retinol Facial to help repair and rejuvenate.

If you know anything about beauty you probably know these three things. Never EVER cleanse with a basic bar of soap (because it can damage your skin’s barrier and dry out your skin), wear sunscreen every day (even the cloudy days) and the gold-standard in anti-aging ingredients is retinol. 

For those who need a refresher on this power-house active ingredient, retinol is a vitamin-A derivative and is available in a variety of formulations and strengths. Retinol stimulates cell turnover to help skin repair itself which in turn helps diminished fine lines and wrinkles while also bestowing skin with a more even tone.

#Goals: When you use higher doses of retinol it can sometimes cause skin irritation, such as burning, redness, itching, peeling and scaling. This professional treatment uses a triple retinol complex so my goal was to achieve firmer skin and a more even and hydrated complexion with minimal side effects. Even better, no side effects—except of the good variety. 

The Treatment: This facial is labeled safe for all skin types, but it’s especially beneficial for mature skin. I arrived at the end of the day, so it started with a careful removal of my makeup and then a resurfacing peel and cleansing gel duo was applied. The peel part was very gentle and used a combo of low amounts of glycolic and lactic acid that ate away at my dead skin. After it was removed a fine mist was spritzed over my entire face to prep me for the star of the show: the pure concentrate retinol complex. The solution was applied then massaged into my skin for serval minutes. After the retinol fully sunk into my skin the therapist applied organic calendula oil to help heal and control redness that might have been triggered by the retinol. I have reactive skin, so this step was probably necessary to calm my complexion. Then a cooling and soothing amber mask was brushed onto my face, then massaged for a full 15-mind-melting-minutes. Definitely the highlight of the treatment. The final step was a antioxidant moisturized.

The results: Caryl Baker is not set up like a spa, it’s designed for clients to come in and get quick treatments, so I will say it does lack some atmosphere. But what it lacks for in spa esthetic it makes up for in price and connivence. Their locations often welcome walk-ins. My expectations were met and I would say even exceeded. My post facial glow lasted for about a week with no redness, dryness or irritation. 

The cost: The Power Retinol Facial by Skeyndor is $120 for the 60 minute service. Or, buy a pre-paid package of four treatments for $384. Which should last you for the year.