In short: the Four Layer Facial is Repechage's signature professional treatment, created by the brand's founder Lydia Sarfati in 1980 and called by Repechage "the ultimate seaweed lifting facial". Four layers go on in a set order: a seaweed serum, a hydrating cream with a long massage, a freshly mixed seaweed mask, and a mineral mask that sets over it. It was hailed as "the best facial of the century" by Cosmopolitan UK. JB Skincare is the exclusive authorized importer and distributor of Repechage in India and supplies and trains the professionals who perform it.

What the Four Layer Facial does

Repechage describes the facial as one that:

• helps reduce visible signs of aging caused by years of environmental exposure
• deeply moisturizes the skin
• helps stimulate the surface of the skin
• leaves skin feeling softer and smoother
• purifies and deep cleanses

It has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Allure, Harper's Bazaar, Vogue, CNN and TODAY. Results vary from person to person.

Before the layers: cleansing

The professional first cleanses the skin with Repechage Gentle Face Cleanser, which comes in a single-use packet in the facial kit, and removes it with damp cotton. Some spas add extra steps before the first layer, such as an exfoliating mask (Biolight Luminex, with glycolic acid, fruit acids, seaweed and kaolin clay) removed with an ultrasonic skin spatula, or a light, radio frequency and muscle stimulation device. These are optional; the four layers are the heart of the facial.

The four layers, in order

1. Layer 1: C-Serum Seaweed Filtrate (about 5 minutes). The serum is applied to the face, throat and décolletage and massaged in with three classic massage movements (effleurage, petrissage and tapotement) until it is absorbed, which takes about five minutes. Repechage says C-Serum contains 18 amino acids, 12 vitamins and minerals and 42 trace elements from Laminaria digitata seaweed, and that it helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and improves overall skin texture. You can use the same serum at home: C-Serum Seaweed Filtrate.Layer 1: C-Serum Seaweed Filtrate is massaged in. Image: Repechage
2. Layer 2: Hydrating Cream and a 10 minute massage. Repechage Hydrating Cream (there is one for dry skin and one for oily and combination skin) is applied with upward and outward strokes on the face and downward strokes on the throat and décolletage. The professional then gives a full 10 minute massage that takes in the back of the neck, the shoulders (trapezius) and the décolletage. The extra cream is left on the skin. Repechage says this step helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
3. Layer 3: Seaweed Treatment Mask (5 to 7 minutes). A seaweed powder and a seaweed gel are mixed fresh in a bowl until smooth and spread over the face and throat with a spatula. Tissues frame the face, and eye pads go over the closed eyes. The mask feels cool and stays on for 5 to 7 minutes; it is not taken off before the next layer. Repechage says it delivers freshly mixed seaweed to help skin look toned and firm.Layer 3: the freshly mixed seaweed mask. Image: Repechage
4. Layer 4: Mineral Mask (about 15 minutes). A mineral powder and a mineral gel are stirred together for about a minute and applied over the seaweed mask, on the face only, stopping at the jawbone. It is never applied to the neck. The mask warms as it sets and stays on for about 15 minutes, until it has cooled completely.Layer 4: the mineral mask sets over the seaweed mask. Image: Repechage

Taking the masks off

The professional tears away the tissues to loosen the seal between the two masks, then holds the mineral mask at both sides of the jaw, rocks it gently and lifts it off in one piece. The seaweed mask underneath is loosened at the edges and peeled away, any residue is wiped off with damp cotton, and the face is sprayed with Algo Mist. A little Hydrating Cream goes back on, followed by Mineral Face Shield as a protective finish. The facial ends with a look in the mirror.

The mineral mask lifts off in one piece. Image: Repechage

Why the layers are applied in this order

Each layer prepares the skin for the next. The serum goes on first, closest to the skin, and is massaged in. The cream and the long massage relax the face, neck and shoulders and leave the skin supple under the masks. The fresh seaweed mask sits on the skin, and the mineral mask is set over it, so the client feels cool seaweed against the skin and a warm mineral layer on top. The professional waits until the mineral mask has cooled before lifting both masks off.

What seaweed brings to the facial

Seaweed is the thread running through all four layers. Repechage works mainly with Laminaria digitata, a brown seaweed from shallow coastal waters that contains minerals such as calcium, potassium and iodine, along with mannitol, proteins and vitamins, and Repechage cites research showing it is highly hydrating and antioxidant. Repechage says its seaweed is harvested sustainably in spring and summer and air-dried under a covered roof rather than in the sun, to keep more of its nutrients. Read more in What does seaweed do for your skin? and on the Science of Seaweed page.

What to expect

• Time: the four layers take about 35 to 40 minutes (about 5 minutes for the serum, 10 for the massage, 5 to 7 for the seaweed mask and 15 for the mineral mask). Cleansing, mask removal and finishing add to that, so ask your spa how long to allow in total.
• How it feels: a relaxing massage, a cool seaweed mask, then a warm mineral mask that slowly cools. It is not a peel.
• Afterwards: skin looks and feels hydrated, soft and refreshed. Results vary by skin.
• How often: Repechage's professional facials are usually recommended about once a month.

Which version is for you

Repechage makes the Four Layer Facial in two versions: one for dry skin and one for oily and combination skin. The difference is the Hydrating Cream used in Layer 2. Each professional box holds four complete treatments in single-use packets: C-Serum tubes, Hydrating Cream, seaweed powder and gel, mineral powder and gel, Gentle Face Cleanser packets and a spatula, so every client gets a freshly opened treatment.

The Four Layer Facial professional kit. Image: Repechage

If your main concern is something specific, a professional may suggest another Repechage facial instead: the Biolight Miracle Facial for dark spots and uneven tone, or the Vita Cura 5 Phase Firming Facial for mature skin. Both start with a peel, which our guide to enzyme peel vs glycolic peel explains. A trained professional will recommend the right facial after looking at your skin. Ask for a free skin consultation, or see the Signature Facial Treatments.

Keeping the results at home

After a professional facial, a simple home routine keeps skin at its best until your next visit about a month later. The Hydra Blue Starter Kit carries the same seaweed filtrate in starter sizes: Sea Cleanse Foaming Seaweed Cleanser, Algo Mist, C-Serum, Hydro-Complex PFS Moisturizing Cream for dry skin and Opti-Firm Eye Contour Cream. For other skin types and concerns, see all the Repechage Starter Kits.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Repechage Four Layer Facial?

It is Repechage's signature professional facial, introduced in 1980: four layers (C-Serum seaweed serum, Hydrating Cream with a full massage, a fresh seaweed mask and a mineral mask) applied in order.

Who created the Four Layer Facial?

Lydia Sarfati, the founder and CEO of Repechage and president of CIDESCO Section USA. Her method is taught to estheticians around the world.

How long does the Four Layer Facial take?

The four layers take about 35 to 40 minutes. Cleansing, mask removal and finishing add to that; your spa will tell you how long to allow in total.

Is the Four Layer Facial a peel?

No. The four layers hydrate and soothe rather than peel. Some spas add a gentle exfoliating step before the first layer; if you want a peel, ask about the Biolight Miracle Facial or the Vita Cura 5 Phase Firming Facial.

How often should I have it?

About once a month is the usual recommendation for Repechage's professional facials. Your professional will advise you.

Is it suitable for sensitive skin?

There is a Repechage professional facial for sensitive skin. Tell your professional about any sensitivity, and patch test any home products.

Where can I get it in India?

Through salons, spas and clinics supplied and trained by JB Skincare. Ask for a free consultation and we will point you to a professional near you.

In short: exfoliating means removing the layer of dead cells that builds up on the skin. You can do it with a scrub (physical), with an acid such as glycolic or lactic acid (chemical), or with an enzyme such as papain (enzymatic). Most skin does well with gentle exfoliation once or twice a week; sensitive or dry skin needs less. Here is how each type works, how to do it step by step, and which Repechage options fit.

Why exfoliate at all

Skin renews itself, but dead cells do not always shed evenly. They can leave skin looking dull and rough, make tone look uneven and stop creams from absorbing well. Regular, gentle exfoliation helps skin look smoother and brighter.

The three kinds of exfoliation

• Physical (scrubs). Tiny particles lift dead cells as you massage. Gentle scrubs are fine; harsh ones can scratch the skin.
• Chemical (acids). Alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid and lactic acid loosen the bond between dead cells. They work evenly and can sting if too strong. Lactic acid is the gentler of the two. Daily sunscreen is a must.
• Enzymatic. Enzymes such as papain from papaya digest the protein in dead cells. This is the mildest route and a good start for sensitive skin. See our guide to the enzyme peel vs glycolic peel.

How often to exfoliate

• Normal and combination skin: once or twice a week.
• Oily skin: up to two or three gentle sessions a week.
• Dry or sensitive skin: once a week or less, with the mildest method.
• After a professional facial or peel: follow your professional's advice and wait before exfoliating again.

Start with once a week and watch your skin for a few weeks before adding more.

How to exfoliate your face, step by step

1. Cleanse your face and pat it dry.
2. Apply the exfoliator to the face, avoiding the eyes and lips, as directed on the pack.
3. Massage gently (scrub) or leave on for the time on the pack (mask, acid, enzyme). Never scrub hard.
4. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.
5. Moisturize, and use sunscreen in the morning.

The Repechage exfoliation range at JB Skincare

One-Minute Exfoliating Mask: rice bran wax spheres and lactic acid in one step

For the professional peels, see the Repechage Professional range, or ask for a free skin consultation. More products are in the masks and scrubs category.

Mistakes to avoid

• Exfoliating too often. Tight, shiny, red or stinging skin is a sign to stop for a week or two.
• Using two exfoliants in one session, such as a scrub and an acid.
• Scrubbing hard or using rough particles on the face.
• Skipping sunscreen. Exfoliated skin burns and pigments more easily.
• Exfoliating sunburnt, broken or inflamed skin.

Exfoliation and a brighter-looking skin tone

Regular gentle exfoliation helps the skin look brighter, and it works best with a routine built for your concern. If you want to even out the look of tone or dark spots, see the Biolight range, or ask for a free skin consultation.

Frequently asked questions

How do I exfoliate my face at home?

Cleanse, apply a gentle exfoliator once a week, rinse, moisturize and use sunscreen. Start with the mildest option for your skin type and build up slowly.

Is a scrub or a chemical exfoliator better?

Neither is better in general. Gentle scrubs suit many skin types; acids give a more even result but need more care and daily sunscreen. Sensitive skin often prefers an enzyme.

Can I exfoliate every day?

Not with a scrub or an acid. Daily exfoliation can damage the skin barrier. Once or twice a week is enough for most people.

What is lactic acid used for?

Lactic acid is a mild alpha hydroxy acid used to loosen dead cells and help skin feel smoother. The One-Minute Exfoliating Mask combines it with rice bran wax spheres.

Can I exfoliate before or after a facial?

Follow your professional's advice. As a rule, do not use a scrub or an acid for several days before or after a facial or peel.

Where can I buy Repechage exfoliators in India?

JB Skincare is the exclusive authorized importer and distributor of Repechage in India, and the products above are on jbskincare.in.

In short: both peels remove the dull layer of dead cells from the surface of the skin, but they do it differently. An enzyme peel (for example a papaya enzyme, called papain) digests the protein that holds dead cells together and is usually very comfortable. A glycolic peel uses an acid to loosen the bond between dead cells and can sting or tingle while it is on the skin. Repechage has a professional peel of each kind: the Vita Cura Enzymatic Micropeel works at a neutral pH of 7, and the Biolight Glyco-Sea Glycolic Peel uses 30% glycolic acid at pH 3.5.

What a peel does

The outer layer of your skin is made of dead cells. When they build up, skin can look dull, feel rough and look uneven in tone. A peel removes some of this layer so the skin underneath shows: smoother, brighter, and better able to take in the products that follow.

How an enzyme peel works

Enzyme peels use a natural enzyme, most often papain from papaya. Papain breaks down the protein (keratin) in the dead surface cells, so they come away without scrubbing or a strong acid. Repechage's Vita Cura Enzymatic Micropeel is made with papain from the latex of green papaya (Carica papaya) and water, at a neutral pH of 7. Repechage says it gently removes dead skin cells to reveal brighter, younger looking skin. It is the first phase of the Vita Cura 5 Phase Firming Facial, a professional facial for mature skin, and each treatment comes in its own single-use packet. Most people feel little or nothing while it is on, which is why an enzyme peel is a popular first peel and a good choice for skin that reacts easily.

Vita Cura Enzymatic Micropeel: Phase 1 of the Vita Cura 5 Phase Firming Facial, in single-use packets

How a glycolic peel works

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) made from sugar cane. It is the smallest of the AHAs, so it works quickly: it loosens the bonds between dead cells so that they shed. Repechage's Biolight Glyco-Sea Glycolic Peel uses 30% glycolic acid at pH 3.5, combined with Laminaria digitata seaweed extract, fruit acids, carrageenan and soothing plant extracts such as licorice, chamomile, gotu kola, willow bark, aloe and rosemary. Repechage says the seaweed and botanicals make it a gentle exfoliating peel with less irritation, which helps smooth the look of fine lines and diminish the look of age spots and dryness.

It is Step 2 of the Biolight Miracle Facial, the Repechage professional facial for brightening, and comes in single-use packets (36 in a professional box). It is used only by a trained professional and stays on the skin for about 5 to 7 minutes. A slight burning or tingling can be felt and passes, which is normal; the professional watches the skin throughout. Because it is an acid, it is the peel to leave to a trained hand, and the skin needs sun protection afterwards.

Biolight Glyco-Sea Glycolic Peel, a professional box of 36 single-use applications

Enzyme peel and glycolic peel side by side

Which peel is right for you?

• Sensitive skin, or your first peel: start with an enzyme peel.
• Dullness, uneven tone or pigmentation: a glycolic peel, as part of a professional facial such as the Biolight Miracle Facial, can be the better fit.
• Mature skin and loss of firmness: the Vita Cura 5 Phase Firming Facial starts with the enzyme peel and follows it with massage and a seaweed mask.
• Not sure: a trained professional can look at your skin and decide. You can ask for a free skin consultation and we will point you to a Repechage-trained professional near you.

Tell your professional if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, taking isotretinoin or using prescription retinoids, or have sunburn, broken skin, a skin condition or a cold sore. Peels are not suitable on skin in any of these conditions.

Gentle exfoliation at home

A professional peel is done in the salon or clinic. Between visits, these JB Skincare products give a gentler version at home. Patch test first and add one at a time.

• Rapidex Marine and Alpha Hydroxy Acid Rapid Exfoliator: a single-use, pre-saturated swab of marine and alpha hydroxy acid exfoliator made for professional-grade exfoliation at home.
• One-Minute Exfoliating Mask: exfoliates with rice bran wax spheres and lactic acid, with seaweed, lemongrass and cucumber.
• Honey and Almond Scrub: a gentle scrub for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Read more in our guide to exfoliation with Repechage.

Looking after your skin after a peel

• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning and avoid direct sun for the first days.
• Moisturize and keep the routine simple: a gentle cleanser and a moisturizer.
• Do not scrub, pick or peel flakes, and do not use another exfoliant for several days.
• Follow the advice of the professional who treated you.

Frequently asked questions

Is an enzyme peel better than a glycolic peel?

Neither is better for everyone. An enzyme peel is milder and more comfortable; a glycolic peel works faster and is often chosen for dullness and uneven tone. The right one depends on your skin and your goal.

How strong is the Repechage glycolic peel?

The Biolight Glyco-Sea Glycolic Peel uses 30% glycolic acid at pH 3.5, with seaweed and soothing plant extracts added to keep irritation down. It is a professional peel, applied and timed by a trained professional, not a home product.

Does a glycolic peel hurt?

You may feel tingling or a slight burning while it is on the skin. It should pass quickly, and the professional can remove the peel at once if it is too strong.

Can I have an enzyme peel and a glycolic peel in the same visit?

That is a decision for your professional. At home, do not combine exfoliants in the same session.

How often can I have a peel?

Repechage's professional facials are usually recommended about once a month. Your professional will set the right interval for your skin.

Are peels safe for Indian skin tones?

Skin that is prone to pigmentation needs extra care: a patch test, a trained professional, and strict sun protection afterwards. Ask your professional to choose the strength for you.

Where can I get a Repechage peel in India?

Repechage professional treatments are available through salons, spas and clinics that JB Skincare, the exclusive authorized importer and distributor, supplies and trains. See the Signature Facial Treatments, which include the Biolight Miracle Facial and the Vita Cura 5 Phase Firming Facial, or read about Repechage's signature Four Layer Facial.

In short: seaweed brings vitamins, minerals and amino acids from the sea into skin care, and it is used to hydrate, soften, soothe and refresh the skin. Repechage has made seaweed the base of its range since 1980. This guide explains what seaweed does for the skin, which seaweeds Repechage uses, and where to find them in the range that JB Skincare, the exclusive authorized importer and distributor, brings to India.

What seaweed does for the skin

Seaweeds grow in cold, mineral-rich seawater and take up vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other natural compounds from it. In skin care, seaweed extracts are used for four main reasons:

• Hydration. Seaweeds such as Ascophyllum nodosum contain alginic acid and fucoidan, which are used in skin care to hold moisture and condition the skin.
• Nourishment. Brown seaweeds such as Laminaria digitata are a natural source of vitamins, amino acids and trace elements.
• Soothing. Some green seaweeds are used to help skin feel calmer and more comfortable.
• A smoother, more luminous look. Others are used to help skin look softer, smoother and brighter.

Seaweed skin care is cosmetic: it supports healthy-looking skin and does not treat medical conditions.

Where Repechage's seaweed comes from

Repechage uses EcoCert seaweed that is sustainably grown and harvested from the clean seawaters off the Brittany coast of France and off the coast of Maine in the United States. It is then processed in the United States by Repechage's own method. The brand has worked with seaweed scientists for decades; Professor Charles Yarish of the University of Connecticut, an expert in seaweed ecology, is a member of the Repechage board.

Seaweed filtrate, the base of C-Serum Seaweed Filtrate. Image: Repechage

The seaweeds in the range and what each is used for

• Laminaria digitata (brown seaweed): a natural source of 12 vitamins, including B12, C, E and K and beta carotene, 18 amino acids and 42 trace elements. It is the base of the Laminaria Complex in the Biolight range and of C-Serum Seaweed Filtrate.
• Codium fragile (green seaweed): helps skin appear smoother and softer.
• Ascophyllum nodosum (brown seaweed): rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fucoidan and alginic acid.
• Ulva compressa (green seaweed): helps skin feel more soothed.
• Ahnfeltia plicata (red algae from the coast of Hawaii): helps skin feel soft and smooth.
• Ulva lactuca (green seaweed): a source of marine elastin and an enzyme; helps skin look more luminous.
• Spirulina (blue-green algae): very high in protein, and a natural source of carotene, vitamin E, zinc and essential amino acids.

The full list of twelve is on the Science of Seaweed page.

How seaweed is used in the range

You can build a seaweed routine step by step with these JB Skincare products:

• Cleanse:Sea Cleanse Foaming Seaweed Cleanser, a foaming face wash for all skin types that cleans without drying or tightening. Use one or two puffs, twice a day.
• Refresh:Algo Mist Hydrating Seaweed and Mineral Water Spray, a cooling facial mist you can use as often as you like, including over makeup.
• Treat:C-Serum Seaweed Filtrate, a lightweight, oil-free serum made from Laminaria digitata to hydrate and soften the look of fine lines. Use on the face, neck and chest twice a day.
• Brighten: the Biolight range, built on the Laminaria Complex, for dull and uneven-looking skin.
• Body:Seaweed Body Cream, a lightweight, non-greasy cream with marine botanicals.
• The whole routine in one box: the Hydra Blue Starter Kit brings together Sea Cleanse, Algo Mist, C-Serum Seaweed Filtrate, Hydro-Complex cream and Opti-Firm eye contour cream.

The Hydra Blue Starter Collection: the seaweed routine in one box

In the salon, seaweed is at the heart of Repechage's signature professional treatment, the Four Layer Facial.

Is seaweed skin care right for you?

Most people, including those with oily, dry or combination skin, can use seaweed-based products. As with any new product, test a small amount on your inner arm or behind the ear for a day before using it on your face, and introduce one new product at a time. If you know you are allergic to seaweed or algae, check with your doctor first. For a personal routine, you can ask for a free skin consultation with the Repechage-trained JB Skincare team.

Frequently asked questions

Is seaweed good for your face?

Seaweed is widely used in facial skin care to hydrate, soften and soothe the skin. How well it works depends on the whole formula and on your skin, so choose products made for your skin type and use them regularly.

Can sensitive skin use seaweed products?

Many people with sensitive skin use them, but sensitive skin can react to any ingredient. Patch test first, start with one product, and stop if you notice redness, itching or stinging.

How long does seaweed skin care take to work?

Hydration and softness can be felt after the first few uses. Changes in the look of tone or fine lines need several weeks of regular use. Repechage's professional facials are usually recommended about once a month.

Is Repechage seaweed sustainable?

Repechage states that its EcoCert seaweed is sustainably grown and harvested off the coasts of Brittany, France and Maine, United States.

What is the difference between seaweed in a cleanser, a mist and a serum?

The seaweed is the same family of ingredients, but the product format decides how long it stays on the skin and what it does. A cleanser rinses off, a mist refreshes and hydrates through the day, and a serum stays on the skin to hydrate and soften the look of fine lines.

Where can I buy genuine Repechage products in India?

JB Skincare is the exclusive authorized importer and distributor of Repechage in India. The products on jbskincare.in are imported directly from the manufacturer.