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.