Welcome to Repêchage

101 Frequently Asked Questions

1.	Can VC5 be used on clients with rosacea?
	Yes, but you will need to omit the Phase 1 micropeel step.
2.	Can VC5 be performed on clients using Retin-A?
	Yes
3.	Can VC5 be used on clients with acne?
	No.
4.	Does RapideX need to be removed?
	Yes, at home please neutralize with toner after 15 minutes. When used in the treatment room, please neutralize after 5-7 minutes.
5.	What minerals are in the Layer 4 Mineral Mask of the Four-Layer facial?
	Calcium and Magnesium.
6.	Can Honey and Almond Scrub be used on clients with nut allergies?
	Allergies to almonds are the rarest, if you are in doubt make a patch test.
7.	Will a client with an allergy to almond 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, make a patch test.
8.	My client is allergic to shellfish. Can he/she 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.
9.	My client is allergic to iodine. Can he/she still use Repêchage products?
	Yes. Topical application of the seaweed based products are not known to have elicit any such response.
10.	Is the Vita Cura retail line replacing the Opti-Firm retail line?
	No.
11.	What is the difference between the Vita Cura and Opti-Firm products?
	The Opti-Firm line contains a derivative of vitamin A: retinyl palminate. The Vita Cura anti-aging actives are pentapeptides, red clover, seaweed and hyluronic acid.
12.	Does Repêchage have any retail products that do not contain seaweed?
	T-Zone Balance Cleanser and Toner, T-Zone Balance Moisture Complex, Honey and Almond Scrub, Clear Complexion Drying Lotion, Sunscreen Lotion SPF15, Sunscreen Lip Shield SPF 15
13.	Why don’t more Repêchage moisturizers contain SPF?
	The added chemicals are not beneficial to the skin. Also, seaweed provides some level of natural UV filtration.
14.	Do I have to use a rubber bowl to mix the masks?
	Yes. The rubber bowl is needed to whip enough air into the masks. It also makes clean up easier.
15.	Are the Vita Cura Nutritional Supplements safe for children?
	Yes; however, the nutritional needs of a child are different than for an adult. Consult a physician to ensure correct dosage.
16.	What is the difference between the Hydro Complex PFS for Oily/Combination Skin and the Hydro Complex for Dry Skin?
	The active ingredients are the same in the two formulas, Laminaria Digitata Seaweed and Lactic Acid. The only difference between the two is the oily combination formula is less emollient.
17.	Is Opti-Cleanse safe for contact lens wearers?
	Yes. It is oil free and the same pH as our own tears making it ideal for contact lens wearers.
18.	What makes Repêchage sea stones different from other brands of stones?
	The stones Repêchage uses are hand-harvested for their size, shape and weight. Other brands manufacture their stones.
19.	Will the Phase 2 Cell Renewal Serum from the VC5 facial be launched as a retail product?
	Yes it is now available. Use AM/PM underneath Triple Firming Cream. Pay close attention to the neck and chest area. Penetrates deep in the skin, hydrates and repairs cellular damage.
20.	How often should one receive the Hydra Medic Facial?
	It depends on the acne condition. Ideally the client should receive it once a week for four weeks and monthly for maintenance purposes.
21.	Which products are best for men?
	All Repêchage products are suitable for men.
22.	Why is the travel version of the Hydra Dew Toner available as spray whereas the retail version is available as a pad?
	For use at home, the pre-saturated pad offers more convenience since no cotton needs to be used for application, and the pad is easily disposed of after use. For travel, a spray is more convenient because there is nothing to dispose of.
23.	How deep is the seaweed actually able to penetrate the skin?
	The seaweed Repêchage utilizes in its products is 6-10 microns in size. Furthermore, studies have proven that seawater and therefore seaweed are similar to human plasma. Since our cells recognize this ingredient, and it is of a small molecular size, it is readily absorbed through osmosis into our skin.
24.	Can the Honey Body Polish be used on the face?
	No. Use the Honey and Almond Scrub for the face. The almond in the Honey Body Polish is ground more coarsely than the almond in the Honey and Almond Scrub.
25.	Can you use either the Purifying and Calming Essential Oils or the Essential Oil of Peppermint be used directly on the skin?
	No. Although the Aromatherapy Oils of Flora is in a soybean base, the Purifying and Calming Essential Oils and the Essential Oil of Peppermint must be mixed into a cream before applying. Alternatively, the Purifying and Calming Essential Oils may be mixed into the Mineral Mask of the Four-Layer Facial. These essential oils can also be mixed in our body cream, hand and foot cream.
26.	What will happen if I’m performing the Four-Layer Facial and I accidentally use 4B in place of 3B and vice versa?
	Each gel sachet contains ingredients in a specified amount to work expressly with its counterpart. No adverse reaction will occur; however, by mixing the wrong gel and powder together each mask may have slightly differing drying times.
27.	The Seaweed Treatment Mask feels so cold. Can I warm up the mask before applying it to my clients’ skin?
	No. The mask is cold in order to be soothing to the skin.
28.	Do you sell the six-function machines you use in your training center?
	Not currently.
29.	What is the difference between Aqua Massage Cream and Herbal Massage Cream?
	The Aqua Massage Cream is water-based while the Herbal Massage Cream is oil-based.
30.	Can I get a copy of the Power Point you used in class today?
	No. But you are welcome to take notes in the catalog or in the notepad provided.
31.	Can I use infrared with the C-Serum for deeper penetration?
	No. Seaweed is protein. Heat breaks down protein.
32.	Can I use galvanic current with C-Serum?
	Yes, but there is no need.
33.	Is the seaweed you use organic?
	Yes.
34.	Why don’t you use hot towels to remove masks during your facials?
	Clients can have skin reactions to detergents and fabric softeners. It is best to always use disposable cotton or sponges.
35.	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.
36.	What is the shelf life of unopened Repêchage products?
	Two years.
37.	What is the shelf life of Repêchage products once they have been opened?
	The exact amount of time will vary due to ingredients and packaging. We have recently added to the back of each new product, a symbol which indicates how many months an open product can be kept before it will expire. The average time to expiration after opening is 6 months.
38.	Can the Repêchage Seaweed Treatment Mask and other masks be used over facial hair?
	Yes. However, if a man has a particularly thick beard or moustache you should avoid the area.
39.	When would you use the Clear Complexion Mask vs. the Mud Face Mask?
	The Hydra Medic Sea Mud Mask is more absorbent whereas the Clear Complexion Mask is more drying/keratolytic/medicated. Another difference is that, ichthyol (an ingredient in the Mud mask) is recommended for Rosacea.
40.	Why doesn’t the SPF15 contain Thermus thermophilus?
	The enzymes of Thermus thermophilus work in direct proportion with the temperature – in higher temperatures, they are more protective. SPF 30 is recommended for the hotter summer months in which you may be in the sun for more extensive periods of time, and needing greater DNA protection.
41.	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.
42.	Can I perform a Four Layer Facial immediately after or in conjunction with microdermabraison?
	The Layer 2 massage as well as the anti-aging ingredients found in the hydrating cream in the four-layer facial may be even more sensitizing to aggressively exfoliated skin. It is better to opt for the Hydra 4 Facial or the Après Soleil Boost to soothe and rehydrate the skin.
43.	Do your body washes contain sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate?
	No. Our body washes are soap free.
44.	Why has the Hydro-Moisture Mask changed color?
	Azulene is an unstable ingredient extracted from the essential oils of Matricaria and Chamomile flowers, which has superior soothing properties. It is naturally blue in color, but due to its unstable nature may turn green over time. In the new formulation of this mark, the Azulene was given greater stability.
45.	Which product is most effective in combating hyperpigmentation?
	RapideX is great for hyperpigmentation. Also the Hydra Refine One Minute Clarifying Mask brightens the skin because of the active brightening ingredients from Kojic Acid, Licorice & Mulberry Extracts.
46.	Which oils are in the Purifying and Calming Essential Oils?
	Lavandin oil, Geranium oil, Bitter Orange oil, Cedarwood oil, Marjoram oil, Ylang-ylang oil, Rose absolute, Soybean oil
47.	Can the Vita Cura Seaweed Bath be used in a Jacuzzi?
	Yes. It won’t clog jets.
48.	What should the ratio be of buttermilk/yogurt to Honey and Almond Scrub or Honey Body Scrub?
	1:1
49.	Why do you recommend the Honey Body Polish instead of the Sea Spa Glow as an exfoliator before applying the Self-Tanning Gel?
	The oils in the Sea Spa Glow, although hydrating, may not allow for a flawless application of the Self-Tanning Gel.
50.	Can pregnant women take the Vita Cura nutritional supplements?
	Pregnant women should always consult their doctor before taking any nutritional supplement. However, our supplements are completely safe; in fact, Lydia’s own daughter took them during pregnancy as her only supplement.
51.	Now that summer is over, I’m noticing more breakouts even though I’m using Hydra Refine. Why?
	The reason is twofold: Many sunscreens used in the summer, especially those with super high SPF and Waterproof bases, are comedogenic. Also, epidermis thickens as a result from tanning. Many people with problem skin think that sun is good for their acne (UV-C is germicidal), however there are repercussions when the UVC is decreased as when they return from vacation in September.
52.	Can someone using Retin-A receive the Four-Layer Facial?
	Yes.
53.	If you are taking Coumadin (Warfarin) can you take the Seaweed and Magnesium Supplement?
	Please consult your doctor before taking this or any supplement when medical conditions exist. A medical professional will be able to advise on the compatibility of the supplements with any medications you may be taking.
54.	Does the Seaweed Treatment Mask contain any latex or adhesives?
	No.
55.	Can you put the Mineral Mask from the Four-Layer Facial on top of the VC5 Phase 4 Firming Mask?
	No. Please perform facials as intended.
56.	Can Repêchage facials be performed on pregnant women?
	Yes; however, you should avoid using high frequency.
57.	Where does Repêchage get its seaweed?
	Repêchage seaweed is harvested off the Brittany Coast of France.
58.	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 more complete and nutrient-rich than seaweed found in other regions. Second, Repêchage processes its seaweed using a patented cold-microburst method called Cryobroyage, which allows the seaweed to retain all of its nutrients, including vitamins and amino acids. Most manufacturers of seaweed-based products use the sun drying or oven drying methods of processing, which process the seaweed at very high temperatures (about 450 degrees centigrade). The seaweed is then microburst-using ultrasound to yield a brown powder from which alcoholic extractions are then made. The final product contains trace elements, but is deficient in vitamins and amino acids.
59.	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) contain sugars along with all of their benefits.
60.	Can you apply the Deep Relief Tea Gel after waxing?
	Yes. It has many ingredients to calm, soothe and comfort inflamed skin.
61.	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 Refine products to prevent breakouts.
62.	Can the 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 face lift” effect.
63.	Will the Phase 1 Micropeel of the VC5 Facial ever be available separately either as a professional or retail product?
	We are going to be incorporating it into another facial for professional treatment, but not producing it as a stand-alone product either professionally or as retail.
64.	How do I become certified to use Repêchage products?
	You can attend a 3-Day Academy or Master Class at our headquarters in Secaucus, NJ; attend a 3-Day Academy on the Road; or visit edu.repechage.com, view the videos and protocols online, and complete the examination.
65.	How can I purchase Lydia’s book “Success at Your Fingertips”?
	You can order the book through Repêchage directly, from www.successatyourfingertipsthebook.com or through the Allured Publishing bookstore online.
66.	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.
67.	Isn’t it bad for the skin to apply foundation after you’ve just given it such a thorough cleansing with a facial?
	Repêchage cosmetics were specifically designed for application immediately after a skin care treatment. They are nonocclusive, noncomedogenic, and enriched with seaweed - bringing all the benefits of our skin care products to our cosmetics. Furthermore, because the Perfect Skin Foundation contains SPF 12 to protect your skin from free radical damage, your skin is better off with the make-up than without!
68.	Can someone in their 20s or 30s receive the VC5 facial?
	The most dramatic results will be achieved with mature, dry, sun-damaged skin types. However, younger clients can benefit if their skin is dry and prematurely aging due to overexposure to the sun. This treatment should not be performed on oily or acne skin conditions.
69.	Is Repêchage make-up mineral make-up?
	Yes. All of our cosmetics are seaweed based. Because seaweed is so rich in vitamins and minerals, our make-up is indeed mineral make-up.
70.	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.
71.	I know that you cannot use steam with VC5’s Phase 1 Enzymatic Micropeel, but can you use steam with the Phase 2 Cell Renewal Serum?
	We do not recommend using steam at any point in this facial. The enzymatic peel will assist in dissolving comedones; however for a client with acne, or who requires extractions, please recommend another treatment for that visit.
72.	Can I use another cleanser with the VC5 facial, to customize to the client’s skin type?
	Please use the cleanser included with the facial. This cleanser will work perfectly with all skin types appropriate to the facial: clients over 40, or clients of any age with dry or sun-damaged skin.
73.	What is the benefit of using the Vita Cura Triple Action Slimming Body Cream over the Crème Active Seaweed Body Cream?
	Although body creams tone and moisturize, the Vita Cura Triple Action Slimming Body Cream also firms and fights cellulite with ingredients including coenzyme A, Chinese herbs, caffeine, 3 mints, and of course seaweed!
74.	What ingredients are in the herbal astringent?
	Grain alcohol, herbs (sage, coltsfoot, horsetail, chamomile, rosemary, balm mint), witch hazel, menthol, and aloe.
75.	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.
76.	The Hydra Dew Nourishing Gel Cream started to ball up as I was massaging it. Why?
	The skin was not thoroughly cleansed or the cleanser not thoroughly rinsed prior to starting the massage.
77.	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.
78.	Do I need to use an eye product in addition to the Opti-Lift Serum for hydration?
	The Opti-Lift Serum contains hyaluronic acid, which has the ability to hold 100x its weight in water. Opti-Life Serum will also help with fine lines and dark circles, making it the only eye product you will need.
79.	Why do my sea stones seem like they’re not retaining heat anymore?
	You must occasionally soak the stones in a solution of salt water to recharge their energy. We recommend once a week.
80.	Why did my Hydra Soleil SPF get watery?
	Exposure to heat may cause products to separate. Do not store SPF in the glove compartment of your car, and take measures to keep your sunscreen cool while outdoors or at the beach.
81.	Can I substitute the Vita Cura Nutritional Supplements for the Daily Supplements I’ve been taking?
	Because these supplements come from a natural vegetable source, as opposed a synthetic supplement, the Vita Cura Nutritional Supplements are actually better utilized by the body than most other nutritional supplements.
82.	Can the Perfect Skin Liquid Foundation double as a moisturizer?
	Although Colour Actif is seaweed-enriched, you will still want to wear a moisturizer underneath the foundation.
83.	Can the Four-Layer Facial be given to clients with sensitive skin?
	Yes. For clients with sensitive skin, use the Four-Layer Facial kit for dry skin.
84.	Will the One-Minute Pomegranate Cran-Apple Hand and Foot Scrub in the Pampered Hands and Feet kit clog Whirlpool pedicure baths?
	As with the Sea Spa Glow, we recommend removing the scrub with warm towels after exfoliation to avoid clogging the pedicure bath.
85.	Does Repêchage use animal by-products, artificial ingredients, or artificial coloring?
	Repêchage does not use animal derived ingredients and we never add any dyes to our products. Also, we use natural ingredients whenever such are available and never do we test our products on animals.
86.	Does the Four-Layer Facial contain sulfur?
	No it does not.
87.	Can the Hydra Soleil SPF 15 and SPF 30 be used on clients with oily or acne skin types?
	Yes. The Hydra Soleil products were developed for all skin types.
88.	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, as is the common commercial method. Ethanol is called "Grain Alcohol" only to distinguish it from "Wood Alcohol", which is Methanol and is not used in cosmetics.
89.	Do the Repêchage Hydra Soleil products provide protection against UVA rays?
	SPF is based on UVB only, so a high SPF doesn't necessarily mean better protection. At this point there is no approved protocol for measuring the amount of protection afforded in the UVA range. There are more sunscreen actives on the market that screen at UVB wavelengths, because of historical reasons: During the first decades of sunscreen development people wanted to tan, so narrow spectrum actives were desired, that protected against burns in the UVB range, but allowed tanning in the UVA range. Because of our evolving understanding, we now want broad-spectrum screens that protect not only in UVB but as much as possible in UVA. In the Hydra Soleil line this is achieved by including Titanium Dioxide in the SPF 15, which physically reflect rays and utilizing Oxybenzone in the SPF 30, which adsorbs and transforms UV radiation. Even with the use of sunscreens, free radicals do form, leading to damage to DNA, fibroblasts, cell walls, etc. In the Hydra Soleil line significant additional protection is afforded by the utilization of Vitamins C and E as well as the revolutionary use of the protective organism Thermus thermophilus, from deep-sea hydrothermal vents. The use of the green and white tea complex offers outstanding free radical scavenging antioxidant benefits. We believe that these products used together provide the most outstanding protection.
90.	Does the Hydra Refine One-Minute Mask exfoliate?
	Yes, it contains lactic acid and rice bran wax granules to give both physical and chemical exfoliation.
91.	Will you change the scent of the seaweed bath?
	We do not add any fragrance or perfume to our products. The scent of each product is the scent of the ingredients included in the formulation.
92.	What should I use in place of the Contour Firming Body Gel?
	The Vita Cura Triple Action Sliming Body Cream.
93.	What ingredient keeps your eye and lip pencils from bleeding?
	Fucus vesiculosis – green seaweed.
94.	Why do you recommend rolling the seaweed masks up the face for removal instead of down?
	The client experiences a lifting sensation when the mask is rolled up.
95.	Can you use Opti-Cleanse on the rest of the face?
	If your client is wearing a lot of foundation, you may wish to do a preliminary cleanse with Opti-Cleanse in order to give an effective analysis and consultation.
96.	Can high frequency be used over C-Serum, or must it always be used with Pore Perfecting Serum?
	Yes. The C-Serum is 100% seaweed, and is safe to use with high frequency.
97.	I’ve noticed that the Hydra Dew professional mask is much more cold than the Seaweed Treatment Mask. Can you use it in the Après Soleil Boost instead?
	No. If you are naming your facial “Après Soleil Boost” you must follow the protocol set forth by Lydia Sarfati. Also, the ingredient bearberry in the Hydra Dew mask will be irritating to sunburned skin.
98.	Can I use the Hydra Dew Illuminating Cream Mask instead of moisturizer?
	The Cream Mask is meant for use a few times a week, not daily. You may wish to apply the Perfect Skin Liquid Foundation right over the mask once it’s absorbed when you do use it. However, you will need a separate moisturizer for days you do not use the mask, and for application after your nighttime cleansing.
99.	Do instructional DVDs come with the kits?
	Certain kits do come with an instructional DVD, but not all. Our complete DVD collection is available for purchase, at $25 per DVD. Also, some of our training videos are available online from edu.repechage.com.
100.	I am not seeing a difference in my cellulite with the Vita Cura Triple Action Sliming Body Cream. Why?
	In order for the cream to work, it is necessary to massage it in. We recommend purchasing a Sea Spa Body Massager and use it to work the product in for about 10 minutes. We also recommend pairing the Body Cream with Vita Cura Triple Action Shower & Bath Gel for optimal results.
101.	Does Repechage use Parabens?
	Repechage is made from the best ingredients the earth and sea have to offer. Using natural ingredients, it is imperative to preserve the high quality of the product as well as the safety of our clients by using low levels of preservatives. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) reviewed the safety of methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben in 1984, and again in 2003 (following the controversy) and concluded they were safe for use in cosmetic products at levels up to 25%. Typically parabens are used at levels ranging from 0.01 to 0.3%. Parabens are widely used in foods and medicines. Parabens are the only preservative that is globally approved to date. 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