50 Frequently Asked Questions of Repechage

QUESTION CATEGORIES

SEAWEED QUESTIONS

Where does Repêchage get its seaweed?

Most of the Repêchage seaweeds are harvested off the Brittany Coast of France. Seaweed harvesting is regulated by the French Government. There are over 800 species of seaweed found off the Brittany Coast and because of the extreme tide, the waters are clean and unpolluted.

What makes Repêchage seaweed different from the seaweed in other skincare lines?

First, due to the unique environment found off the Brittany Coast, seaweed growing there is fresh and abundant. Second, Repêchage processes its seaweed using a proprietary process, which retains the seaweed nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, trace elements and amino acids.

Is Repêchage seaweed sourced from sustainable sources?

Repêchage uses freshly harvested seaweed from the Brittany Coast of France. Seaweed harvesting in France is strictly regulated by the French government ensuring protection and renewability of this natural resource. In addition, the list of ECO CERT ingredients that we are using in our products is growing everyday. Many of our seaweeds are already certified and we are making an effort to continue to use ECO CERT ingredients.

Is the seaweed you use organic?

Yes. Repêchage seaweed is freshly harvested from the sea therefore it is grown without the use of conventional pesticides or artificial fertilizers. Our unique method of seaweed processing retains all the vitamins, minerals, and amino acids and assures that it is processed without ionizing radiation or food additives.

ALLERGY QUESTIONS

I am allergic to shellfish. Can I still use Repêchage products?

Yes. Shellfish allergy is due to a protein produced by animals. We do not use any animal products, we use seaweed based actives. If you can swim in the ocean you can use Repêchage products.

I am allergic to iodine. Can I still use Repêchage products?

Yes. Topical application of the seaweed based products is not known to elicit any such response.

If I have an allergy to almond will I be able to use the Opti-Lift Serum with almond biopolymer?

Yes. Making the biopolymer has changed the molecule into a larger entity so it doesn't behave the same as a simple almond. If in doubt, give yourself a patch test on their arm.

Can Honey and Almond Scrub be used by someone with peanut allergies?

Yes, but if in doubt, perform a patch test.

If I am allergic to Sulfa and/ or Sulfates, can I still receive the Hydra Medic Facial with the Desincrustation Mask?

Yes, the Desincrustation Mask in the Hydra Medic Facial is based on Colloidal Sulfur, which is different from Sulfa and Sulfates.

GENERAL INGREDIENT QUESTIONS

Does Repêchage use animal by-products, and do you do animal testing?

Repêchage does not use animal derived ingredients and we never add any dyes to our products. Also, we never test our products on animals.

Does Repêchage use Parabens?

We realize that some of our customer object to Parabens and at this moment more than 95% of our products are Paraben free.
If you are interested in reading more about Parabens, please log onto to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration homepage and type "parabens" or copy and paste link: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-para.html.

Do any of your products contain the "new" ingredient polyhydroxy acid?

Gluconolactone and the other polyhydroxy acids are derived from, and related to, sugars (e.g., galactose, sucrose and lactose) and to sorbitol. Seaweeds (like Laminaria Digitata found in most Repêchage products) contain sugars along with all of their benefits. In addition, new Repêchage Opti-Firm Eye Contour Treatment contains a sugar mask.

GENERAL REPÊCHAGE QUESTIONS

Does Repêchage have any retail products that do not contain seaweed?

Yes, T-Zone Balance Cleanser and Toner, T-Zone Balance Moisture Complex, Honey and Almond Scrub, Clear Complexion Drying Lotion, Hydra Soleil Lip Shield SPF 15.

Which products are best for men?

All Repêchage products are suitable for men.

Can Repêchage facials be performed on pregnant women?

Yes; however, you should avoid using high frequency.

What is the shelf life of unopened Repêchage products?

Three years.

What is the shelf life of Repêchage products once they have been opened?

The average shelf life after opening is 12 months. All products have a picture of an open jar on the back. Inside the picture is a number and letter. This refers to the length of time it is still good after opening. For example "12M" refers to 12 months. However, storage conditions and use habits also greatly influence the life expectantly and freshness of products. Always use clean implements when removing product from a jar, and close lids tightly after use.

Must I use products from one collection, or may I select from multiple collections within Repêchage?

Depending on your skin's needs, you may select from multiple collections for optimal results. Consult your skin care professional or send us a message asking for advice.

Why don't more Repêchage moisturizers contain SPF?

The higher the SPF, the more chemicals there are in a product. Repêchage tries to keep products as natural as possible. Seaweed acts as a natural sun filter, giving you some protection. For a measurable amount of SPF protection, our Perfect Skin Liquid Foundation has SPF 12, and the Opti Firm Lift Cream has SPF 10.

ESSENTIAL OIL QUESTIONS

Which oils are in the Purifying and Calming Essential Oils?

Lavender oil, Geranium oil, Bitter Orange oil, Cedar wood oil, Marjoram oil, Ylang-Ylang oil, Rose Absolute, Soybean oil.

Can you use either the Purifying and Calming Essential Oils or the Essential Oil of Peppermint directly on the skin?

No. The Purifying and Calming Essential Oils and the Essential Oil of Peppermint are pure essential oils. A few drops can be mixed into a cream before applying. Also, the Purifying and Calming Essential Oils may be mixed into the Mineral Mask of the Four-Layer Facial because it does not come in direct contact with the skin.

OPTI-CLEANSE QUESTIONS

Is Opti-Cleanse safe for contact lens wearers?

Yes. It is oil free and the same pH as a tear, making it ideal for contact lens wearers.

Can you use Opti-Cleanse on the rest of the face?

Yes, it is a mild, yet effective cleanser.

RAPIDEX QUESTIONS

Does Rapidex need to be removed?

Yes. At home after 15 minutes, remove with damp cotton, then neutralize with toner. When used in the treatment room, remove after 5-7 minutes.

How soon will I see results with the Rapidex?

You will notice positive changes in your complexion immediately. The skin will be smoother and brighter after even one application. However, be sure to always wear SPF when using this product, especially if you are treating hyperpigmentation.

HONEY AND ALMOND SCRUB QUESTIONS

What can I mix with the Honey and Almond Scrub if I cannot use buttermilk or plain yogurt due to lack of refrigeration?

Hydra 4 Cleanser is the ideal option in place of buttermilk or plain yogurt. You may also use T-Zone Cleanser or water. Always mix individual amounts as needed. Do not pre- mix the entire jar of scrub.

What should the ratio be of buttermilk/yogurt to Honey and Almond Scrub or Honey Body Scrub?

1:1

VITA CURA QUESTIONS

Do I need to use an eye product in addition to the Vita Cura Opti-Lift Serum for hydration?

The Opti-Lift Serum contains hyaluronic acid, which has the ability to hold 100x its weight in water. Opti-Lift Serum will also help with fine lines and dark circles. Depending on your needs, you can also use the Opti-Firm Eye Contour Cream.

Can the Vita Cura Opti-Lift Serum be applied to the entire face?

Yes. Apply the serum to the entire face, under moisturizer, for all-over anti-aging benefits. Dab onto areas of concern over make-up or moisturizer for the "6-hour lifting" effect. Do not massage in, allow it to dry undisturbed.

What is the difference between the Vita Cura and Opti-Firm products?

The Vita Cura anti-aging actives are pentapeptides, red clover, seaweed and hyaluronic acid. Opti Firm uses Aosa seaweed, Retinyl Palmitate, Echinacea, Gotu Kola, and Gingko Biloba. The Vita Cura and Opti Firm go hand in hand, and can be used together for maximum benefits. The Opti Firm is great for mature skin and for those of us who don't wear make-up, and need SPF protection (through the use of the Lift Cream SPF 10.) The Vita Cura Renewal Toner contains salicylic acid, which is great for those people who are concerned about wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, but also experiencing mild acne or breakouts.

HYDRA MEDIC AND ACNE QUESTIONS

How often should one receive the Hydra Medic Facial?

It depends on the acne condition. Ideally, you should receive it once a week for four weeks and monthly for maintenance purposes. It is important to have your skincare professional monitor your progress, and adjust accordingly.

Can pregnant women use Hydra Medic for Acne Skin products?

Yes, however DO NOT use the Beta Hydroxy Serum that contains a higher level of Salicylic Acid. The Hydra Medic Mattifying Moisturizer can be used at night in place of the Beta Hydroxy Serum. Also, the Clear Complexion Drying Lotion can be used as a spot treatment overnight to clear up blemishes.

When would you use the Clear Complexion Mask vs. the Hydra Medic Sea Mud Perfecting Mask?

Both can be used directly after extractions. The Hydra Medic Sea Mud Perfecting Mask is a great anti bacterial mask which absorbs excess oil, deep cleans, and prevents future breakouts. The Clear Complexion Mask is also anti bacterial, but should only be used when infection is present.

Can you apply the Hydra Medic Clear Complexion Drying Lotion after electrolysis to prevent breakouts?

This product is meant to treat existing pimples. Sooth the area first with Deep Relief Tea Gel or Hydra 4 Mask. Then recommend home care with Hydra Medic products to prevent breakouts.

Now that summer is over, I'm noticing more breakouts even though I'm still using Hydra Medic and Hydra Refine products. Why?

The reason is twofold: Many sunscreens used in the summer, especially those with super high SPF and waterproof bases, are comedogenic. Also, prolonged exposure to the sun thickens the epidermis. Once the summer is over, the epidermis goes back to its normal state, and all these dead skin cells will now clog the pores.

HYDRA REFINE QUESTIONS

Does the Hydra Refine Astringent contain any wheat ingredient or ethanol alcohol derived from wheat, barley, oats or rye?

It does not contain wheat, and neither does our Herbal Astringent. Our Ethanol is made from corn. Ethanol is called "Grain Alcohol" only to distinguish it from "Wood Alcohol", which is Methanol and is not used in cosmetics.

Does the Hydra Refine One-Minute Mask exfoliate?

Yes, it contains rice bran wax granules to gently exfoliate skin.

HYDRA DEW

What is the difference between the Hydra Dew Moisturizing Day Cream and the Hydra 4 Day Protection Cream?

The Hydra Dew Moisturizing Day Cream provides intense moisture while the Hydra 4 Day Protection Cream focuses more on soothing and calming.

Can I use the Hydra Dew Illuminating Cream Mask instead of moisturizer?

The Illuminating Cream Mask is meant for use a few times a week, not daily. Please use all products as directed to get the best results.

MAKE-UP QUESTIONS

Isn't it bad for the skin to apply foundation after you've just given it such a thorough cleansing with a facial?

Repêchage Treatment Make-up was specifically designed for application immediately after a skin care treatment. They are non-occlusive, non-comedogenic, and enriched with seaweed - bringing all the benefits of our skin care products to our cosmetics. Furthermore, because the Perfect Skin Liquid Foundation contains SPF 12 to protect your skin from free radical damage, your skin is better off with the make-up than without!

Is Repêchage make-up mineral make-up?

Yes, and it is more than just minerals! All of our cosmetics are seaweed based, and seaweed is rich in minerals, vitamins, trace elements, polysaccharides, and amino acids providing anti-aging and moisturizing benefits.

Can the Perfect Skin Liquid Foundation double as a moisturizer?

Although Perfect Skin Liquid Foundation is seaweed-enriched and hydrating, you still need to wear a moisturizer underneath the foundation. For a light weight moisturizer, try Hydra Medic Mattifying Moisturizer, T-zone Moisturizer or C-Serum.

Do any of your cosmetic products contain talc?

Yes - our Perfect Translucent Powder. There is much misinformation with regard to talc. Talc is a naturally occurring mineral. It will not clog the pores or cause adverse reactions because it is inert. If it did, baby's bottoms would have acne!

BODY QUESTIONS

What is the benefit of using the Vita Cura Triple Action Body Contouring Cream versus the Seaweed Body Cream?

Although the Seaweed Body Cream tones and moisturizes, the Vita Cura Triple Action Body Contouring Cream also firms and fights cellulite with ingredients including Coenzyme A, Chinese herbs, caffeine, 3 mints, and slimming seaweed.

How do I get the best results from the Vita Cura Triple Action Body Contouring Cream?

It is necessary to massage the cream in. We recommend purchasing a Sea Spa Body Stimulator^™ and use it to work the product in for about 10 minutes twice a day. We also recommend pairing the Triple Action Body Contouring Cream with the Vita Cura Triple Action Shower & Bath Gel for optimal results.

BIOLIGHT QUESTIONS

Which product is most effective in combating hyperpigmentation?

Our new Biolight Collection is specifically designed to help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. For more information on the collection, please refer to the Biolight instructional DVD.

GENERAL PRODUCT QUESTIONS

How can your cleansers be a foam/mousse if they contain no soap?

The products' packaging design incorporated a mechanism to create a mousse from a liquid product. Also, there are many other compounds, natural and synthetic, that foam and clean besides soap.

Why are the liquid cleansers soap free? How do they clean?

Soaps are not the only compounds that clean. Soaps have a very high pH, making them alkaline, are very harsh, irritating, drying, and they leave a residue. There are many other compounds we use to effectively clean the skin, which are much more gentle, and non-irritating.

What is the difference between the Hydro Complex PFS for Oily/Combination Skin and the Hydro Complex for Dry Skin? What does PFS stand for?

The active ingredients are the same in the two formulas, Laminaria Digitata Seaweed. The only difference between the two is the oily combination formula is less emollient. PFS stands for Physiological Filtration of Seaweed.