Question: How do I determine my skin type?

Answer:  Knowing your skin type is an important element in ensuring that you're using the best line of products to meet your skin's particular needs. Like a fingerprint, we are all unique. Elysee's Skin Type Finder helps take the hassle out of determining your skin type and what products you should choose.  You can view this under our "Tools" link on the Elysee Home Page. By using Elysee's Skin Type Finder, you'll learn the correct products to use for achieving a smoother, more radiant complexion.

Question: Do I really need to cleanse my face? I've heard soap and water work just as well, or even just splashing my face with water.

Answer:  A beautiful skin begins with a clean canvas.  Cleansing is essential to maintaining a healthy skin long-term as it helps to draw out dirt and debris, which can lead to bacteria and breakouts, dull, lifeless skin and slow down cell renewal.  Soap is not recommended for facial use as it can strip the skin's lipid barrier which helps to protect it from elemental damage.  We recommend using a gentle cleansing product twice a day.

Question:  What would you recommend that I use on my skin if I have symptoms of rosacea?

Answer: First and foremost, we would recommend seeing a dermatologist to help assist you in the treatment of your Rosacea.  Rosacea can be a combination of symptoms ranging from redness in the face and flushing to the presence of acne and surface irregularities. Rosacea symptoms are usually alleviated by using products to help regulate oil production and helping to calm and soothe inflamed skin.  Our most requested product by other customers with Rosacea include Elysee's Firmance Pycnogenol Firming Serum, YouthSpan Facial Resurrection Serum, and Time Out RJJ Mineral Moisturizer.

Question: Why are so many products needed to achieve results?

Answer: I love this question because I think we all would like less products and a quicker regime. We all want instant gratification; however, our skin ages for many reasons. Different formulas with different ingredients and delivery systems deliver different results.  For best results, for younger-looking skin always starts with the lightest products and those with liposomes, then layer with Hyaluronic Acid, which is quickly absorbed into the skin, then follow with lotions and creams.  It’s like building a house; you need a solid foundation (antioxidants, vitamins) to begin with, the frame (collagen, elastin optimizers) to hold everything together and a roof (moisturizers, primers) to keep everything safely inside.

Question: Can any treatment product be used around the eyes and help with issues such as dark circles and lines?

Answer: Over time, the skin around the eye area becomes thinner and more susceptible to showing dark circles and fine lines. This is because underlying capillaries become more visible in the under-eye area, and the lack of support structure results in fine, eye-area lines.  Elysee’s Eternal Youth Eye Serum, Wrinkle-Control Eye Cream & Wrinkle-Control Eye Gel, as well as YouthSpan Micro-Firm Eye Cream all contain ingredients specifically formulated to help alleviate these issues as well as others such as puffiness, hooding, and fine, tissue paper-like skin. Each of these has been tested for safety and sensitivity around the entire eye area. It is always important to be careful as to what other products you choose to use around your eyes as certain ingredients could lead to edema (accumulation of fluid) under the eyes.

Question:  Are botanical ingredients gentler than synthetics?  For sensitive skin, which ones are best? 

Answer: “People think natural ingredients are safer than synthetics, but poison ivy is natural.” notes dermatologist Wexler.  If you have sensitive skin, avoid irritating botanicals like pure essential oils, tea tree oil and birch bark.  Look for soothing extracts such as aloe, chamomile or calendula.  Another problem with naturals is the extraction process, which could make a natural ingredient ineffective or irritating.  All Elysee’s natural ingredients remain natural, and we receive a Certificate of Analysis, MSDS as well as ingredient verification on each ingredient we formulate with.  This is another reason Elysee manufactures our own products.  We have total control of the quality.