FAQ's
1. Why is R-Lipoic Acid more effective than Alpha Lipoic Acid?
2. What are free radicals and how can antioxidants help?
3. Are all of your products truly all-natural?
3. Are naturally-based products safer than commercially manufactured products that use mostly synthetic ingredients?
4. What is the shelf-life of your products?
5. Where is the best place to store moisturizers and creams?
6. Is La Vie Celeste R-Lipoic Facial Cream effective for rosacea?
7. Is La Vie Celeste good for eczema?
8.
Are La Vie Celeste products good for oily skin types?
9.
Is La Vie Celeste only good for aging skin?
10. Are the La Vie Celeste products suitable for men?
11. Do any La Vie Celeste products contain sunscreen?
12. Can sensitive skin types use La Vie Celeste products?
13. How long will it take for my products to ship?
Q: Why is R-Lipoic Acid more effective than Alpha Lipoic Acid?
A: Lipoic Acid is a powerful antioxidant that the body produces in small amounts at a cellular level. It is known for its ability to reduce oxidation and damage more than other antioxidants, due to its unique water and fat soluble properties. Lipoic Acid is healing and regenerative, and a “must” for anti-aging skincare.
Conventional Lipoic Acid or “Alpha Lipoic Acid” is the form typically used in cosmetic preparations and supplements for internal use. It’s a 50/50% mixture of the natural Lipoic Acid and an artificial form.
Research indicates that R-Lipoic Acid is the most effective, natural and powerful form of Lipoic Acid available. R-Lipoic Acid is considered the only form of Lipoic Acid capable of reducing inflammation (inflammation is the number one cause of aging). However, due to its molecular structure, R-Lipoic acid destabilizes quickly, rendering it unusable by the body.
La Vie Celeste has been able to obtain a form of R-Lipoic Acid that will not disintegrate or destabilize. In fact, our face and eye creams contain what we believe to be the purest, most natural and stable form of R-Lipoic Acid found in any anti-aging skin care products on the market.
Q: What are free radicals and how can antioxidants help?
A: Free radicals are microscopic/invisible molecules that are highly destructive and can cause damage to cells and tissues in your body, and even DNA. Free radical damage can result from toxic chemicals, excessive sun exposure, stress, smoking, poor diet, pesticides and even excessive exercise. Because the skin is the largest organ in the body, it can be particularly vulnerable to free radical damage. Protecting your skin is critical since it provides a barrier to protect your body from environmental assaults.
Antioxidants provide superior protection from free radical damage. They act as scavengers that neutralize free radicals so that optimal health can be restored. Applying potent topical antioxidants can help protect, reverse and restore your skin to a more youthful and vibrant state. The La Vie Celeste collection provides powerful antioxidant properties.
Q: Are all of your products truly all-natural?
A: While we strive to use only all natural and organic ingredients in our products, sometimes it is necessray to use a non-toxic synthetic ingredient when no equivalent can be found in nature. For example, while R-lipoic Acid can be found in small amounts in some plants, there isn't enough of it availabe for use in topical treatments or internal supplements. Therefore, it must be synthesized in a lab. R-lipoic Acid is referred to as the "natural" form of lipoic acid because it more closely mirrors what our own bodies produce versus the more commonly known Alpha lipoic Acid.
Additionally, it is often necessary to use a non-toxic synthetic preservative in order to effectively prevent a product from going bad. Many preservatives come from plant derived sources, but they must undergo a chemical process to convert them into a viable and effective compound strong enough to protect your products from harmful mold and bacteria. Some companies use a combination of essential oils, but in order for them to be effective, they would need to be used at very high levels which may be harmful. One of the preservatives we use is Cosmocil-CQ. Cosmocil-CQ is a safe and non-toxic broad spectrum preservative which has been used in the contact lens industry and in baby wipes for over 20 years. It is paraben free and does not release formaldehyde. Even if a product is labeled 100% all natural, it does not necessarily mean that it is 100% safe, particularly if it is not properly preserved. It might be OK for short term use such as 1-2 weeks if kept refrigerated.
Some organizations such as the Natural Ingredient Resource Center (NIRC) considers a product "all natural," if it contains at least 95% of ingredients which fit their criteria for natural ingredients. The other 5% may come from ingredients that do not meet their criteria for natural, but do not contain synthetic fragrances, artifiical colors, or ingredients from petrochemicals. Rest assured, the La Vie Celeste product range does meet this criteria. Therefore, we can ethically state that our products are "all natural."
Q: Are naturally-based products safer than commercially manufactured products that use mostly synthetic ingredients?
A: Research indicates that many synthetic ingredients used in skincare products may be potential carcinogens. La Vie Celeste skin care products contain a powerful blend of antioxidants that work synergistically for the overall health of your skin. They are completely free of harmful sulfates, petrochemicals such as mineral oil and propylene glycol, peg-compounds, fragrance, colors and toxic preservatives.
Q: What is the shelf-life of your products?
A: Because La Vie Celeste uses only gentle, safe and non-toxic preservatives, our products do not have a shelf-life of two to three years like many synthetically produced products found in drug and department stores which often use potentially toxic preservatives. However, our products will last up to 18 months when unopened.
Once opened, we do not recommend using creams longer than six months, no matter who manufacturers them. Our cleanser and toner may last a bit longer, but always use the six-month mark as a general guide for opened products.
Q: Where is the best place to store moisturizers and creams?
A: While not absolutely necessary, we recommend storing creams in the refrigerator as opposed to the humid environment of your bathroom. Heat and moisture provide breeding grounds for yeast, fungus, and bacteria to develop. Keeping creams cool will not only keep them fresher longer, but will also feel great on your skin. Note: always use the little spatula we provide for applying your creams. If you choose to apply by putting your fingers in the jar, please make sure your fingers are clean.
Q: Is La Vie Celeste R-Lipoic Facial Cream effective for rosacea?
A: While we cannot make medical claims regarding La Vie Celeste and rosacea, Lipoic Acid has been shown to reduce the redness associated with rosacea. In fact, some of our clients have reported excellent results when using La Vie Celeste to help relieve their rosacea. We always recommend you discuss your options with a physician regarding any medical condition.
Q: Is La Vie Celeste good for eczema?
A: While we cannot make medical claims regarding the use of La Vie Celeste and eczema, our La Vie Celeste Day and Night Restorative Face Cream with R-Lipoic Acid can help relieve the dryness associated with eczema. As a result, skin may feel softer, smoother and more moisturized. We always recommend you discuss your options with a physician regarding any medical condition.
Q: Are La Vie Celeste products good for oily skin types?
A: Yes, all La Vie Celeste products are excellent for all skin types. Our creams are non-greasy, absorb quickly and are non-comedogenic ( less likely to cause blackheads or whiteheads) .
Q: Is La Vie Celeste only good for aging skin?
A: While La Vie Celeste contains ingredients that have powerful anti-aging properties, all age ranges can benefit. It’s an effective regime for preventing the future signs of aging. Teens and women in their early twenties have reported that La Vie Celeste Day and Night Restorative Face Cream with R-Lipoic Acid beautifully softens their skin, as well as provides a wonderful “canvas” for applying make-up. In fact, our entire collection is great for all ages and skin types.
Q: Are the La Vie Celeste products suitable for men?
A: Absolutely! We encourage the whole family to use our La Vie Celeste products .
Q: Do any La Vie Celeste products contain sunscreen?
A: Currently none of the La Vie Celeste products contain a sunscreen or sunblock. We highly recommend the use of a good sunblock on a daily basis, regardless if it is sunny or not. Apply your sunscreen after using the La Vie Celeste products in the morning.
Q: Can sensitive skin types use La Vie Celeste products?
A: Yes. We’ve taken special care to use only ingredients that are gentle, soothing and healing. Our cleanser, toner, facial cream and exfoliator are all fragrance free. Our eye cream contains Rose Hydrosol which is much more gentle than full strength essential oil.
Q: How long will it take for my products to ship?
A: Your order will ship within 48 hours.