Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Vivéa® different from other skincare brands?  

Vivéa® Skincare is specially developed for women navigating the skin changes that come with perimenopause and menopause—blending science-backed formulas with the power of New Zealand botanicals.
We combine high-quality natural ingredients with scientifically proven ingredients to support both skin and emotional well-being during this transformative phase.
Vivéa® is more than skincare: it's a nurturing embrace for women navigating the new and challenging stage of their lives.

What skin types are Vivéa® products suitable for?  

Our products are developed for all skin types, but especially for skin during perimenopause and menopause - sensitive, dry, or reactive skin- but the Vivéa® range is gentle enough for all skin types.

What unique benefits or results does they provide?  

Vivéa® has been specifically designed to help and support women as early as the age of 40 up to 60+ and beyond, who are going through peri-menopause, menopause, and post-menopause.  
Not only offering anti-ageing surface-level results, this new range also supports well-being and emotional challenges (mood swings, irritation, etc) due to its unique formulations. 

​Targeting menopausal skin concerns like, ageing, dryness, and elasticity, with botanicals, actives and bio actives to prevent signs of ageing, reduce inflammation, and leave the skin smooth and refreshedHigh-quality ingredients and powerful antioxidants to nourish, hydrate and firm the skin, improve skin texture, and helps fade uneven skin tone.  ​​Cooling and hydrating actives providing instant relief for hot flushes and discomfortUnique fragrances that play a functional role in enhancing comfort, balance, and quality of life during menopause on physical and emotional levels.Combining natural ingredients and scientific innovation backed by clinical studies and dermatological testing.

Are your products suitable for sensitive skin?  

Yes, our formulations are gentle, natural, and created with sensitive skin in mind. We avoid harsh chemicals and prioritise soothing, calming ingredients to care for delicate skin.

Do your products help with hot flushes?  

Our Cooling Day Gel Cream, Hand & Body Cooling Gel Cream, Hydrating Cooling Mist Spray, and Cooling Night Gel Cream are specially formulated to provide instant relief from hot flushes, leaving your skin feeling cool, calm, and refreshed.
It is worth noting that this is not a hormone-based skincare, but rather a soothing support.

When should I start using menopause skincare?  

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Are Vivéa® products suitable for those who are not in menopause?  

Although this range was designed for menopausal skin, Vivéa® Skincare products are suitable for women of all ages with sensitive skin, because our formulations are gentle, natural and created with sensitive skin in mind. 
We avoid harsh chemicals or prioritise soothing, calming ingredients to care for delicate skin.

What results (and when) can I expect from using Vivéa® Skincare?  

Vivéa® Skincare is thoughtfully formulated to support your skin through the unique changes of perimenopause and menopause—helping to relieve dryness and calm the feeling of heat. It leaves your skin feeling cool, refreshed, and ready to face the day with confidence.
While everyone’s skin is different, many notice a boost in hydration and comfort within the first week of consistent use.

Can I use these products alongside prescription skincare or hormone therapy?  

Our products are generally safe to use with other treatments, but we recommend checking with your healthcare provider or dermatologist if you’re on specific prescription skincare or medications.

Are your products natural?  

Our formulas are over 90% natural, depending on the product. We prioritise clean, plant-based ingredients that are kind to the skin and safe for daily use.
Some include synthetic fragrances. However, the fragrances have been specifically selected and chosen for their specifically developed uniqueness for menopausal skin.

Are Vivéa® products vegan?  

Yes, all Vivéa® products are 100% vegan-friendly and cruelty-free.
Our products are never tested on animals. We are committed to cruelty-free skincare and do not test any of our products or ingredients on animals.

Are there any certifications or testing results done on the range?  

Yes, dermatological testing and clinical trials have been done and approved. 

What is Totarol, and why is it used in your products?  

Totarol is a powerful natural antioxidant derived from the native New Zealand Totara tree. It’s known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits, making it ideal for maintaining healthy, balanced skin.

Where are your products made?  

Our products are proudly developed and made in New Zealand, using sustainable and ethically sourced ingredients sourced from renown local and global suppliers.

What is so special about fragrances in Vivéa® products?  

Some Vivéa® products include fragrances, and some no fragrance at all.
We have been highly selective in choosing only those specifically developed for the unique needs of menopausal skin.
Our fragrances were designed by French perfumers using advanced fragrance technologies that:
Contain low allergens to reduce the risk of irritation for sensitive, hormonally affected skin.
Are enriched with a technology that supports emotional well-being and restful sleep.
Are crafted to support a healthy skin microbiome during menopause.
Promote a positive emotional state and holistic well-being.
These carefully chosen scents don’t just smell beautiful: they play a functional role in enhancing comfort, balance, and quality of life during menopause

What are the fragrances incorporated in your products?  

In Cooling Night Gel Cream: Skin Caring | Floral Green Fruity
Top notes: Fruit Cocktail, Jasmine, Ylang; Middle notes: Muguet, Rose, Tuberose; Dry Down notes: Coconut, Musk, Sandalwood.
This fragrance is a patent-pending technology fragrance that optimises sleep quality, based on the link between fragrance, positive mood states and good sleep. 
In Gentle Creamy Cleanser, Cooling Day Gel Cream,  Hand & Body Cooling Gel Cream, and Hydrating Cooling Mist: Fijian Waterfall | Fruity Floral Musky
Top notes: Green Pear, Rose; Middle notes: Apple Blossom, Freesia, Jasmine, Peach; Dry down notes: Cedarwood, Musk, Sandalwood.
This fragrance was created with an exclusive new technology that aims to help achieve a holistic sense of well-being, a positive impact on the overall state of well-being for a more positive attitude to face the everyday lives, while taking special consideration of the skin’s microflora. 

Questions to Sigrid, Vivéa Scientist

How do perimenopause and menopause affect our skin?  

During perimenopause and menopause, falling oestrogen levels trigger real changes and discomfort in our skin.

What changes can we expect to see?  

Our skin produces less collagen, elastin, and natural oils, making it thinner and less resilient
The skin barrier weakens, leading to increased dryness, tightness, and sensitivity
Fine lines become more pronounced
Redness, irritation, and unexpected breakouts can appear
The skin natural microbiome can shift, making it harder for the skin to stay balanced
Hot flashes produce more sweat, can make pores appear more prominent and create an unpleasant feeling all around the body
The symptoms above create ‘skin stress’ primarily through the release of unwanted hormones like cortisol, leading to issues like acne, eczema, psoriasis flare-ups and dullness. This can also impact the immune response.

Why do these changes occur?  

During perimenopause and menopause, oestrogen levels drop significantly—and oestrogen plays a crucial role in keeping your skin healthy.
Here's what oestrogen does:
Supports collagen and elastin production (the proteins that keep skin firm and elastic)
Helps your skin retain moisture and natural oils
Maintains the skin barrier's integrity
Supports the skin's natural microbiome balance
Influences the skin pigmentation and wound-healing
When oestrogen declines:
Our skin loses these protective benefits.
 It produces less collagen and elastin, oils dry up
Menopause acne can appear - driven more by androgen imbalance than increased oil production alone, and hormonal fluctuations that create acne or acne-like symptoms.
The skin barrier weakens—leaving skin vulnerable to dryness, irritation, and sensitivity.

Think of it like our skin's support system is being reduced. Without that hormonal cushion, our skin becomes thinner, more reactive, and struggles to hold onto moisture.
This is completely normal. Our skin isn't failing—it's simply responding to a major hormonal shift. That's why choosing products that support your skin through this change (rather than stripping it further) becomes so important.

Why Vivéa® was created?  

We personally began experiencing menopausal changes and were surprised by how few products addressed the full skin experience of perimenopause and menopause. Most available options simply said ‘suitable for menopausal skin,’ and related to one product on their range; but they didn’t support the real symptoms women face.
So, we formulated a menopause range using a synergy of scientifically backed ingredients designed to address multiple concerns such as dryness, sensitivity, feel of overheating, disrupted sleep, and skin discomfort.
We created lightweight, cooling gel creams that feel comfortable immediately and support the skin barrier over time. We also selected mood-balancing fragrances to support emotional wellbeing and more restful sleep.
During our development phase, trying all products, we got so excited…yes it works and there is no product on the market in this combination. Vivéa® is NEW and Vivéa® works. This was always the priority during all our development; our products need to work!    

How can we address and treat these changes in skin?  

The key is supporting our skin's barrier and keeping our routine simple but effective. Here's how to adapt:
Cleanse gently: Use a non-stripping cleanser that doesn't leave skin feeling tight. The Vivéa Gentle Creamy Cleanser removes impurities without compromising your skin barrier.
Hydrate deeply: This is essential. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalene that lock in moisture. Our Vivéa Cooling Day Gel Cream and Vivéa Cooling Night Gel Cream provide deep, long lasting hydration while supporting elasticity.
Support barrier repair: Use moisturisers with ceramides and natural lipids that strengthen your skin's protective layer—crucial during menopause.
Avoid over-exfoliating: This can worsen sensitivity. Keep it minimal and gentle.
Skip the trends: Focus on skin health over anti-ageing gimmicks. Our skin needs nourishment and calm, not harsh treatments.
Cool and soothe: If you're experiencing heat or flushing, our Vivéa cooling range helps calm overheated skin and ease discomfort, gives an -all-around- fresh feeling during the day and the night.
At this stage, it's about working with your skin's new rhythm, not against it.
Why it matters: This isn't just about looking different—it's about how your skin feels. Many women experience tightness after cleansing, sensitivity to products they've always used, and a general sense that their skin needs different care.
The good news: This is exactly why Vivéa® was created. Our formulations support barrier repair, restore hydration, and calm sensitivity with ingredients designed for menopausal skin. It's about working with your skin's new rhythm, not against it.
Vivéa® addresses all symptoms you can experience during Menopause and will make your skin healthy and happy!

What ingredients work best?  

The best ingredients for menopausal skin focus on hydration, barrier repair, and calming sensitivity:
Hydrating powerhouses :
Hyaluronic Acid – Plumps skin and reduces fine lines by drawing moisture deep into the skin, has film-forming properties to lock in the moisture
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) – Strengthens the barrier, reduces redness, and evens skin tone
Ceramides – Repair and seal the skin barrier to lock in moisture
Nourishing & protective :
Plant oils (almond, borage, linseed, olive) – Deeply moisturise without greasiness
Shea Butter – Rich in vitamins A, E, D, F for soft, supple skin
New Zealand Totarol – A natural antioxidant from the native Totara tree that protects against environmental damage.  Totarol neutralises damaging "free radicals" from UV rays, pollution, and metabolism, protecting cells, reducing inflammation, preventing collagen breakdown, and slowing ageing signs like wrinkles and dark spots, leading to brighter, healthier, and more resilient skin. 
Soothing & calming :
Calendula Extract – Promotes healing and comfort for sensitive skin
Aloe Vera – Cools and hydrates irritated skin
Oat Oil – Offers significant skin benefits, acting as a powerful moisturizer, barrier strengthener, and soother by delivering essential fatty acids, ceramides, and antioxidants that reduce dryness, redness, and irritation, making it ideal for sensitive skin, eczema, and anti-ageing, while also balancing oil production. Its lipid profile matches skin's natural sebum, providing deep hydration and protection without greasiness.  Its anti-inflammatory properties calm conditions like eczema and psoriasis, helping restore the skin's natural resilience. 
Cooling relief :
Menthol – Provides instant cooling comfort during hot flushes
Microbiome support :
Inulin – Acting also a humectant (drawing moisture for hydration), a prebiotic (balancing the skin's microbiome), and a film-former (smoothing skin and protecting against stressors). It strengthens the skin barrier, reduces irritation, calms sensitive skin, and improves product texture, making skin feel softer, smoother, and more resilient. 
Liftonin-Xpert – Derived from the South African plant Bulbine frutescens, acting as an "intelligent" collagen booster to manage skin's natural collagen for anti-ageing, wrinkle reduction, and skin firming, promoting healthy collagen synthesis while preventing breakdown, making it ideal for lifting, plumping to sooth menopause symptoms
All of these are woven through Vivéa® formulations—designed to work together to restore comfort, hydration, and confidence.

Is there anything we should avoid to stop these symptoms exacerbating?  

Yes—during menopause, certain practices and ingredients can worsen skin sensitivity and barrier damage. Here's what to avoid:
Harsh cleansing: Skip stripping cleansers, hot water, and aggressive scrubbing. These strip natural oils and damage your already-weakened barrier.
Over-exfoliating: Limit exfoliation to once or twice weekly, gently. Menopausal skin is more reactive and needs protection, not aggression.
Fragrance overload: Avoid products with high allergen levels or heavy synthetic fragrances—they can trigger irritation and sensitivity. Vivéa® keeps allergens below 10ppm to minimise this risk.
Unnecessary actives: Skip strong retinoids, acids, or vitamin C serums if your skin is already reactive. Save these for when your barrier is stronger.
Skipping moisturiser: Never. Your skin needs hydration more than ever during menopause—skipping it worsens dryness and sensitivity.
Ignoring your skin's signals: If a product stings, reddens, or irritates, stop using it. Your skin is telling you something.
Environmental stressors: Protect from sun damage (UV weakens collagen further), pollution, and extreme temperatures.
The rule: Keep it simple, gentle, and nourishing. Your skin doesn't need trends—it needs support.