Product Questions  I am new to L'ATHENE.  What are the best products for me to start with? Is it possible to obtain a brochure and some samples of your skin care regimen? Where do you get your ingredients? Do your products contain sunscreen? What is the difference between sunscreen and sun block? Are there sunscreens that L'ATHENE recommend? Which make-up should I use with L'ATHENE? Which brands of mineral make-up should I use? How much product should be using? Can I use L'ATHENE with Retin-A? Can I use L'ATHENE if I have sensitive skin? I have rosacea? What should I use? Do you have any products that help with eczema? How do your products work for those who are prone to allergies? I cannot use Retin-A. Do you have any recommendations? I get pimples/breakouts and blackheads. What do you recommend? I have oily or combination skin.  What should I use? What products would you recommend for vertical lines around the lips? Do you have a lip treatment or cream? I am pregnant and would like to know if I can use L'ATHENE? Do your products help with psoriasis? Company Questions Does your company test on animals? Is it safe to use my credit card for purchases from your web site? What payment methods does L'ATHENE accept? Can I return an item?   1. I am new to L'ATHENE.  What are the best products for me to start with? Getting started with L'ATHENE Pure Nutrient Skin Treatments is simple!  Start with the SR-3 Skin Rejuvenation Starter Kit - an easy-to-use complete daily system to address the skin's basic daily needs of cleansing, nourishing and protecting the skin.  The kit will last you about 3 months.  Each kit comes with 3 products - PRIMESSE Essential Facial Cleanser (non-detergent cleanser, toner and eye make-up remover), VITAPURE Antioxidant Serum and one of two moisturizers depending on your skin type.  The SR-3 Kit comes in two formulas based on your skin type.  For combination skin, you need the SR-3 RESTORE KIT.  For dry skin, you need the SR-3 ULTRA Kit.  A Great Easy Way to Create Radiant, Healthy Skin!  Click here for more about SR-3 Kits. 2. Is it possible to obtain a brochure and some samples of your skin care regimen? Yes, we have a brochure, but there is much more information on our website about our products. As for samples, you actually need more than 1-2 samples to help correct and restore your skin. For this reason, we designed a Trial Dose Sampler Kit to provide you with an ideal amount of six products to experience the effectiveness of these treatments for several days. This is a much more effective way to sample L'ATHENE skin treatments. L'ATHENE products are pure-nutrient skin treatments, medically-recommended for the needs of challenged and anti-aging skin. Once you finish your Trial Kit, you can decide then your next step and either order L'ATHENE SR-3 Daily Starter Kit, or you can order individual products. All L'ATHENE Pure-Nutrient Products were designed to work synergistically (together) to create visible positive changes in skin plus minimize effects of aging and other challenging skin conditions. 3. Where do you get your ingredients? L'ATHENE Pure-Nutrient Skin Treatments are made from the purest and finest natural ingredients found throughout the world. These pure nutrientrs are organic and naturally wild crafted which are hand-picked to ensure the ingredient freshness and potency. L'ATHENE products are made in small batches by chemists in our FDA approved labs in the USA. Our products are free of harsh chemicals and other skin irritants such as sodium lauryl sulfate, propylene glycol, parabens, dyes, alcohols, etc. Click here to read more about safe, effective product formulations. 4. Do your products contain sunscreen? L'ATHENE products are Pure-Nutrient Skin Treatments.  To maintain the purity of our formulations, we do not add sunscreens. Sunscreens are chemically-based, can be very harsh and can cause skin sensitivities.  They are appropriate for blocking sun, but are not there to restore and rejuvenate skin.  L'ATHENE Treatment Products are pure nutrition to fortify the skin to powerfully balance, restore, correct and promote maximum skin health for aging and challenged skin.  Once your skin is nourished with L'ATHENE Pure-Nutrients, we then recommend you add a sun block on top of your skin (as would a complexion makeup).  Find a sunscreen/sun block as a separate product to assure adequate protection (not one combined in a moisturizer or foundation) that works for you, has an SPF of 30 and re-apply as indicated.  Remember to re-apply during the day.  We have found that it is very unlikely that people will apply their sunscreen foundation or their sunscreen moisturizer during the day, so it is a better habit to apply sunscreen as a separate product. Always put your L'ATHENE treatments on first, then your sunscreen/sun block. Keep your sunblock with your skin care so you are always reminded to apply it. 5. What is the difference between sunscreen and sun block? Sunscreens contain chemicals and are referred to as 'chemical sunscreens'.  Sunscreens absorb sun's rays and can cause more skin sensitivities. Sun blocks contain Zinc Oxide and/or Titanium Dioxide, natural minerals, and are called 'physical sun blocks'.  Sun blocks 'block' the sun's rays and are less likely to cause a skin reaction. 6. Are there sunscreens that L'ATHENE recommends? L'ATHENE does not endorse products.  We prefer that our clients use sun blocks as opposed to sunscreens, especially on the face.  Sun blocks that we have had clients report to us that they have had good results with are: Blue Lizard Sensitive Skin Formula (at CVS or online) and Ocean Potion for the Face (at Wal-Mart and most mass retailers).  In addition to wearing a sun block, wearing a wide brimmed hat or visor provides additional protection.  Remember to frequently re-apply. All sun protection products can be pore-clogging.  This is due mainly to the barriers they have to use to keep the product water resistant.  During the months of highest exposure of sun, it is recommended to use CLARIFIQUE Purifying Clay Mask to deeply cleanse and detoxify pores and keep skin clear. 7.  Which make-up should I use with L'ATHENE? By using L'ATHENE, you are providing your skin with the best nutrients possible for skin health and radiance.  So, overall, you will notice that when you are happier with your skin, you tend to use less make-up.  However, when you want to use make-up, we prefer that you use the mineral make-up lines.  These lines are not usually totally chemical-free, but they do usually contain less chemicals than the other brands.  Also, the minerals are natural and can help with decreasing the redness of skin and cause less allergic reactions.  You do not need to switch right away to mineral make-up.  Just choose one product a time to replace.  If you can minimize your use of standard liquid foundations, this is helpful to the skin to minimize problems with the pores clogging. 8.  Which brands of mineral make-up should I use? Mineral make-up has become very popular and now there are numerous brands sold in retailers from the mass chains to high-end department stores.  In choosing a brand, we feel it is best to choose one that is easy to get and has a good return policy.  Take it home and try it.  If you don't like it, you can always exchange or return it.  Our clients have reported good results with all the various types of mineral make-up, from the less costly to the most expensive.  A very important factor is 'how the powder is applied'.  Most of our clients are in the 'anti-aging' group, so using a firm packed powder and applying it to the skin with a sponge wedge will produce a more even look.  Loose mineral powders can 'accent' the facial lines. 9.  How much product should I be using? L'ATHENE Pure-Nutrient Skin Treatments are 2 times concentrated... so a little goes a long way. When you buy a L'ATHENE product it is like 'getting two of any other skin care product' because they last twice as long. However, you need to use L'ATHENE products differently. In order to get the maximum usage length out of these precious treatments, always start out with less than you think you will need. While the surface area of each face and the condition of each person's skin is unique, we cannot predict exactly how much will be the correct amount for you. Click here for more about 2X Concentrated Skincare. Below are guidelines of how much product to use: PRIMESSE Cleanser: one full pump; always apply to dampened skin VITAPURE Serum: 1/2 of a pump; spread it fast and far on dampened skin; if you need more, add in 1/2 pump increments; spread with forefinger and middle finger RESTORE & ULTRA Moisturizers: one full pump; avoid T-Zone area, if oily NUTRIAGE Eye Creme: 1/4 pea sized amount is all that is needed for both eyes, tap above and below lid REJUVENATE Night Creme: 1/2 to 1 pea sized amount for entire face; if treating neck, add more MINERAL DERMA-SCRUB: 1/2 pea sized amount for entire face; divide the amount between four areas of the face—the forehead, cheeks and chin WRINKLE TREATMENT: 1/2 pea sized amount for entire area to be treated CLARIFIQUE Mask: enough for light film over areas to be treated TIP for VITAPURE Serum: In the beginning, when you first start using VITAPURE Serum, you may notice that your skin requires more than the recommended amount, depending on the overall condition of your skin. This is due to the fact that your skin is out of 'antioxidant balance'. As we get older, or are under stress, we go through changes in our life cycle and our antioxidant level in our skin declines. VITAPURE Ultra Antioxidant Serum is rich in antioxidants (including Vitamins A, C, E and Selenium) and your skin will absorb it quickly. Your skin may even require more than the recommended amount for a while. This usage will lessen overtime as you continue to use VITAPURE Serum twice daily. Start off with a 1/2 pump and spread it fast and far on dampened skin. Add 1/2 pump at a time, until you feel you have covered your entire face. Ideally, you will not need to exceed two half pumps. Then, once your bottle is so low on serum, invert the bottle and carefully remove the pump, and tip the bottle, taking out a very, very small amount. Do this for several more treatments. Then, once the serum no longer flows out, tap the bottle into your hand to get a few more applications. Then, when it looks like it is all gone, add a few DROPS of pure bottled water to the bottle, keeping in mind you will need to use a little more when spreading since is it diluted. This will give you every drop of this wonderful serum! 10.  Can I use L'ATHENE with Retin-A? Retin-A is a prescription skin treatment and we cannot tell you how to use this treatment.  However, we can tell you how clients have used Retin-A, Renova and other similar products wih L'ATHENE.  Most of these creams are applied at night.  After cleansing with PRIMESSE Essential Facial Cleanser, apply VITAPURE Antioxidant Serum. Wait 30 minutes.  This allows the serum to completely absorb, and then apply retinol products.  Retinol products can cause irritation to the skin.  The irritation can be redness, peeling, flaking or blistering.  If this happens, report it to your doctor. 11.  Can I use L'ATHENE if I have sensitive skin? Yes, L'ATHENE is the ideal treatment for sensitive skin.  Many skin sensitivities started due to the harsh chemicals that are in most skincare, even medical brands.  L'ATHENE does not contain these standard chemicals, but instead contain nourishing medical-grade, pure vitamins, minerals, proteins and fatty acids and can actually help sensitive skin look younger and healthier. 12.  I have rosacea.  What should I use? We cannot diagnose or treat any medical condition.  However, we can tell you how many people with rosacea have used L'ATHENE and had wonderful results.  Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes redness and swelling of the skin, mainly on the face.  The tiny blood vessels called capillaries swell up and become more visible. It is important with this skin condition to not 'over stimulate' or 'irritate', therefore avoiding skin products with harsh or irritating ingredients is important.  L'ATHENE SR-3 Skin Rejuvenation Kit is a great way to start. Click here for more about Rosacea/Redness 13. Do you have any products that help with eczema? While we cannot claim that our products treat or cure eczema, we do know that many people with this condition find relief of the symptoms (dry cracks, peeling, itching) with the use of L'ATHENE Pure-Nutrient Products. 14. How do your products work for those who are prone to skin allergies? L'ATHENE is perfect for you! L'ATHENE Pure-Nutrients Products are very effective at calming and soothing skin that is prone to easy irritation. Most allergic responses are caused from over stimulation of skin-drying chemicals, alcohols, fragrances and dyes which are common skin irritants in skincare in addition to petrochemicals and silicones that block the skin’s ability to breathe. L'ATHENE does not use these irritating standard substances... therefore many people who have previously been unsuccessful at using other skin care can use L'ATHENE Pure-Nutrient Skin Treatments. L'ATHENE Trial-Dose Sampler Kit was designed for clients to try more than one product. You can test a small area on your neck and use the products there for 2 or 3 days and see how you do. Then move on to the face. It comes with a complete skin guide on which products to use per skin type and how to use them. 15. I cannot use Retin-A. Do you have any recommendations? Yes, you can use L'ATHENE Pure-Nutrient Treatments if you are retinoid-intolerant. For retinoid-intolerant, sensitive or problem-prone skin, you can enjoy a reduction in lines and wrinkles with L'ATHENE Pure Nutrient Skin Treatments without the side effects of Retin-A type products.  The side effects of Retin-A and Renova may include burning, itching, dryness, redness and flaking. While these side effects are not severe for most people, the individuals with sensitive, dry, rosacea, eczema or other types of problem-prone skin can experience these symptoms and be much more uncomfortable. 16. I get pimples/breakouts and blackheads. What do you recommend? Pimples, breakouts and blackheads are the result of skin that is congested from excess oil, dirt, dead cells and/or hormonal issues. In order to effectively help reduce the likelihood of breakouts and blackheads, CLARIFIQUE Purifying Clay Mask can help. This mask deeply cleanses and detoxifies pores plus helps to reduce bacteria. Used 2-3 times/week, it will help to soften and eliminate blackheads plus help to eliminate breakouts, while minimizing surface oil. Toners do not effectively deeply cleanse pores, which is where the problem originates. If the skin congestion is being caused from hormonal issues, CLARIFIQUE Mask will help make them resolve more rapidly. The ideal cleanser to help with skin congestion issues is CITRUS FOAM Non-Detergent Exfoliating Cleanser. When used twice daily, this foaming cleanser helps to remove dead cells and surface oil. 17. I have oily or combination skin; what should I use? Oily and Combination skin tends to accumulate a shine from excess oil, usually across the forehead, down the nose and on the chin. Also there can be increased pore size as well as breakouts and blackheads. Whether you are age 17, 47 or beyond, breakouts and excess oil are best treated with products that actively work on pores and the oil. Toners and alcohols strip the skin and do not clean out dead cells, clogged oil and dirt from deep within the pores. Also, these highly astringent products can cause hyper-production of oil, actually worsening the condition. Click here for more about Oil / Combination Skin 18. What product would you recommend for vertical lines around the lips? Lip lines are formed from the muscles of facial expression, smoking, pursing for thought (like a habit), drinking from the spouts of bottled water and dehydration. Once the dehydration is remedied, that outcome is about all you can expect—unless the behaviors of facial expression or pursing are controlled. If the lines are there from smoking, it will not resolve. VITAPURE Nutrient Serum is a concentrated antioxidant treatment that will help to rebuild collagen and lessen the lines. However, stopping contributing actions of a repetitive nature will also will help. Additionally, to help decrease the lines caused by facial expressions, the INTENSIVE WRINKLE TREATMENT contains AH-3 (acetyl hexapeptide-3) which was proven in a study to decrease facial line depth caused by facial expressions by ~30%. Additionally, microdermabrasion has been proven to decrease facial lines. MINERAL DERMA-SCRUB is an At-Home Microdermabrasion treatment that works in just two minutes to remove dead cells and promote a less lined look. When used in combination, theses treatments can successfully help lessen the appearance of lines around the mouth/lips. 19. Do you have a lip treatment or cream? Dry lips are the result of lip licking and/or lipsticks. To treat this area, you want to use the most emollient product possible that does not contain drying or irritating ingredients. We recommend NUTRIAGE Eye Repair Creme—this highly emollient creme contains shea butter and jojoba oil as well as pure antioxidants that help to reverse dryness and provide protection. Use it under your lipstick too for additional moisture. Be sure your lipstick is not adding to the problem. All day lipsticks and deep lipstick colors can tend to be drying on the lips therefore use them sparingly. Also, avoid licking your lips to get the best results because it can actually make the dryness worse. Drink water whenever you feel the urge to lick your lips. 20. I am pregnant and I would like to know if I can use L'ATHENE? L'ATHENE Pure-Nutrient Treatments are 99+% chemical-free and hypo-allergenic. When you are pregnant, you want to use the healthiest, most clean natural products for your health and well being. Additionally, pregnancy can be a time when many women experience problems with their skin. Problems such as breakouts, excess oil and stretch marks. L'ATHENE can help to restore the skin back to balanced state. 21. Do your products help with psoriasis? Our products can not be used to treat or cure any medical condition since they are not drugs. However, many people with skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, skin cancers, dermatitis, etc. turn to L'ATHENE Pure-Nutrient Products to soothe and calm the symptoms of their highly irritable skin. Psoriasis is very individualized and can be exacerbated by stress. Company Questions 1. Does your company test on animals? No. L'ATHENE does not do animal testing, nor do we have it done for us by any agency. 2. Is it safe to use my credit card for purchases from your web site? Yes. The L'ATHENE Web site is completely secure. We use SSL (Secure Socket Layer) to protect personal data through a process called encryption before any data goes over the Internet. All your information is encrypted when transmitted over the Web. If you prefer to order over the phone, you can call Customer Service at 1-800-272-5502 from 9am to 4:30pm, Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. 3. What payment methods does L'ATHENE accept? We accept MasterCard, VISA, American Express and Discover. 4. Can I return an item? We hope you enjoy all of the L'ATHENE products you purchase. If you are not completely satisfied with the items that you bought from LATHENE.com, you may return the item(s) within 30 days of purchase. The return instructions will be printed on your invoice. We do not issue cash refunds. If you have a question about your product or return, call 1-800-272-5502.