Frequently Asked Questions

Aren't teenagers the only people who experience acne?

Most teenagers experience some form of acne, usually beginning from 10 to 13 years of age. However, it is a common skin condition that is not restricted to any particular age group. It can also appear or reappear in adults in their 20's, 30's or even into their 40's or 50's. An acne condition can be improved and eventually controlled with the expert help of a skin care professional and adapted skin care products.

Isn't acne caused by dirty skin?

Many blame acne on poor hygiene. We know that acne doesn't come from dirt. Actually, excessive cleansing will aggravate an acne condition, especially when soaps, strong cleansers and astringents are used.

Is soap the only thing that will clean my skin?

Contrary to popular belief, washing with soap is not recommended. As we have discovered, acne is not due to dirt as so many teenagers and their parents believe, nor will soap remove blackheads. The black surface of blackheads results from oxidation, dried sebum, and dead skin cells that have accumulated in the opening hair follicles. As you see when you extract a blackhead, the matter that makes up the blackhead is mostly white, only the tip of the comedone that reaches the surface is black. It is best to gently cleanse the skin 2 or 3 times a day with a gentle gel cleanser containing no detergent-based soap and no alcohol.

Is it true that for best results I need to use different products from different lines?

All research points to a synergistic model that shows a greater level of effectiveness when products from the same line are used. The rationale is simple...products from the same line were formulated to work together to maximize skin care benefits.

How much cleanser should I use for each application?

Use the amount you feel most comfortable with to do the job. A small amount has been found to be adequate...a very little goes along way.

Do you need to cleanse in the morning if you cleanse at night?

We recommend that you cleanse twice a day for best results. Always cleanse before the application of your moisturizer. Twice a week use Atzen's Biological Cleanser with exfoliating grains, or Purifiante Peeling.

Do all skins really need a mask if they are cleansing and moisturizing every day?

Yes. A cleanser and a moisturizer are designed to be used daily, as a part of an effective regimen. Treatment masks are highly concentrated to be used one to three times a week to revive the skin.

How many different types of masks should I use?

Depending on the formulation one or two may be enough. For problem skin with blemishes, excessive oil and enlarged pores, the Atzen Purifiante Mask will provide intense moisturizing, firming, a calming redness and sensitivity, antioxidant protects and tightening of pores.

When is the most effective time to use a mask?

Whenever you have a convenient time of day to set aside 10 to 15 minutes. To get maximum benefits from the use of a mask make sure that your skin is properly prepared by exfoliating to eliminate dead surface cells.

Can I use a mask around the eye area?

It depends on the action and benefit of the mask. For example, a mask that is formulated to draw oil and impurities from the skin would not be beneficial to the eye area. The hydrating effects of moisture rich Atzen Biological  Modeling Masks are especially effective around the eye area and in reducing dehydration lines and puffiness.

Is it wrong to remove eye make-up with baby oil?

Yes. Eye make-up should only be removed with a product formulated to be used around the sensitive eye area such as the Atzen Biological Tonic Lotion or the Atzen Biological Make-Up Removal Lotion on cotton pads.

If I have allergies or hay fever, can I still use products rich in aromatic oils and plant extracts?

The plant extracts in Atzen products are carefully chosen and tested to prevent allergic reactions or sensitivities of any kind. Allergies to flowers, like hay fever, are usually caused by inhalation of the pollen rather than a contact dermatitis to the actual plant. Natural plant extracts and oils are very well tolerated by even the most sensitive skins.

What do the letters SPF stand for?

SPF stands for "sun protection factor". The number indicates the strength of the sunscreen or sun block and shows how much longer than usual you can expose yourself to the sun before being burned. For example, if you could normally go into the sun and burn after 10 minutes with no protection, an SPF 10 allows you to go in the sun for 10 x 12 minutes (two hours) before being burned. Note that the SPF only relates to Ultraviolet B rays (burning rays) and doesn't indicate which protection you get from Ultraviolet A rays (which cause skin cancer and damage to the skins collagen elastin fibers in the deeper layers of the skin and will with time cause wrinkles and loss of elasticity) and Ultraviolet C rays (which comes through the damaged ozone layer and causes cancer and aging).

Only a sun block containing physical block (such as natural Titanium Dioxide TiO2 or Zinc Oxide) will block UVA, UVB, UVC completely therefore protecting the skin much better. The Atzen Ultra Moisturizing Sun Block SPF 15 gives natural daily protection as a city block in complete security.

Dermatologists recommend the use of an SPF 15 daily - Higher protection is not recommended or needed on a daily basis.

What is the difference between "water resistant" and "water proof" sun protection products?

A product claiming to be water resistant must be effective for up to 40 minutes in water. The term waterproof, indicates that the product is effective for up to 80 minutes in water. Atzen SPF 30 is a water resistant product, non irritating and light in texture - Other products than Atzen tend to irritate the skin and eyes, especially when the SPF is high due to the high concentration of chemicals. Water proof products can clog pores and worsen acne.