Beauty Boss: Lydia Sarfati, CEO & Founder of Repêchage®
Lydia Sarfati.
Our latest Beauty Boss is Lydia Sarfati, CEO & Founder of Repêchage®—the leading professional skincare brand based on seaweed, combining natural ingredients with high tech research and development, utilizing a proprietary seaweed extraction method that yields the highest quality seaweed that is used in all the company's products and treatments.
After working as a lead esthetician in a top NYC spa, Sarfati opened her first spa in 1977 and became the “it” skincare expert to celebrities. She introduced the Four Layer Facial in 1980 and was one of the pioneers in the field of esthetics. Her skincare method is taught in more than 200 schools around the globe and she has won countless industry awards. We chatted with the skincare brand founder, who shared beauty and wellness tips, success secrets, and more.
When was Repêchage® founded? What does the name mean?
Since 1980, Repêchage® has helped people achieve beautiful skin with seaweed-based skincare products that are featured at top spas and salons globally. Repêchage (re-pe-shaj) is French for “second chance”—a second chance for beautiful skin and a second chance for a successful business.
What inspired the creation of the brand?
In 1977, when I opened my first spa in Manhattan right off of 5th Avenue at 53rd Street, socialites, celebrities, and models would frequently visit my spa. They would all complain that when they travelled they could never find a great facial. In fact, they always left looking worse than when they came in. After hearing, “If I could only take you with me, Lydia!” so often, this inspired me to create a facial that everyone could enjoy with perfect results no matter where they went and who performed the treatment.
This idea, combined with the demand of the market, inspired me to develop the first Repêchage® product: the Repêchage® Four Layer Facial®. The Four Layer Facial® was the first “facial in a box” with uni-dose packets to provide consistent and perfect results each time. This seaweed based-treatment featured layer upon layer of deep cleansing, hydration, renewing, and lifting. Today you can ask for a Four Layer Facial® by name in over 50 countries and get perfect results each time.
Does Repêchage® have a hero product?
C-Serum® Seaweed Filtrate, which is actually step number one in the Four Layer Facial®. It was one of the first Repêchage® retail products created in 1980 and our fans still absolutely love it. I like to say it’s like a multi-vitamin for your skin, in that it’s rich in our Laminaria Digitata Seaweed extract—a natural source of 12 vitamins including B12, C, E, K and Beta Carotene, 18 amino acids, and 42 trace elements. All skin types can use C-Serum® and will '“sea the difference!”
What’s your favorite product by Repêchage®?
Picking a favorite is like picking a favorite child—it’s too hard to choose! However, I’m very excited about our new Vita Cura® Gold Collection, which launched recently for professionals. It’s a new line that is clinically-proven, dermatologist-tested, and plastic surgeon-recommended. It’s based on sustainably-harvested seaweed and niacinimide, a form of vitamin B3, along with other powerful age-fighting ingredients. We’ve been working on this line for quite some time, so I’m very excited for our fans to see the results!”
Where is Repêchage® sold?
Repêchage® products and treatments are available at salons in spas in over 45 countries, as well as on www.repechage.com.
The Repechage Vita Cura Gold Collection is a breakthrough in transformative skincare for smoother, younger-looking skin.
Who inspires you?
My husband, children, grandchildren, as well as estheticians, educators, and professionals in the skincare industry who love the industry as much as I do! These people have kept me motivated and inspired for the past 40 years.
Secrets to success?
Let your passion lead the way. Do not be lazy, work hard, know how to communicate, and don’t be afraid of the word “no.” Be tenacious!
Beauty secrets?
Use Repêchage®, exercise, eat well, drink water, get your beauty sleep, and love your friends and family.
Wellness tip?
I suggest setting aside 30 minutes each morning for walking outdoors. This simple act will help you to clear your mind and start your day off right. Regular exercise releases endorphins—the “feel-good” hormones that reduce stress.
Best advice?
My dad used to say me, “What does not kill you makes you stronger,” and these words have always given me strength. It made me understand that there are two options in life: to either be a successful person or not. This is a choice. I chose to be a successful person and I think all can choose to be successful if they choose to fuel their passion.
Favorite ways to relax?
I love to cook for my family and entertain. After that, a glass of champagne, a sheet mask, and some classical music. Let the good times roll!
For more information and to subscribe, visit the brand’s website and follow them on Instagram: @repechage
[Images courtesy of Repechage]
Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk