Questions about our products
What is epigenetics?
Epigenetics studies the impact of a person’s environment on their genes. Pollution, poor diet, continuous sun exposure, smoking, etc. have a greater impact on how a person ages than their own genetic inheritance. This is because the factors a person is exposed to (called the exposome) can inactivate some genes, altering their behavior and preventing the formation of proteins responsible for the youthfulness of skin, such as collagen and elastin, in some cases.
Epigenetic compounds such as marine glycogen help correct these changes by reactivating these genes and ensuring they work properly, thus helping you regain youthful-looking skin.
Wake up your skin
What is marine glycogen?
Marine glycogen is an epigenetic compound, which means that it is involved in the process of reactivating genes that have been switched off as a result of the exposome and it regulates the synthesis of certain proteins that are necessary to keep skin young and smooth.
What’s more, as it is a powerful antioxidant, it provides excellent protection against blue light from screens and sun exposure, and it is a powerful antioxidant that counteracts oxidative stress. Another of its main properties has to do with the process of melanogenesis—the process of melanin production— which helps to reduce dark spots.
Where is marine glycogen obtained from?
Marine glycogen is extracted from a bivalve mollusk. It is obtained from reusing by-products of the food industry, thus helping to reduce waste in this sector.
How does marine glycogen help me against blue light?
Recent studies have shown that blue light generates oxidative stress, which leads to skin inflammation and premature aging.
Marine glycogen is stored inside the skin and it is only used when the skin is subjected to stress, as a result of sun exposure, pollution, blue light, etc. Therefore, its main effects are to protect, repair and regenerate skin.
Why is it necessary to protect the skin using antioxidants?
When you experience prolonged sun exposure or you live in a city with high pollution levels, you’re subjecting your skin to oxidative stress, leading to the formation of free radicals. These free radicals damage the proteins and lipids of the cell layers, also affecting DNA, which can lead to changes in gene expression.
Topical application of antioxidants protects skin from damage caused by UV and visible light radiation by preventing or decreasing oxidative stress and the formation of free radicals.
Antioxidants also prevent certain enzymes from breaking down collagen, thus preventing premature skin aging.
What are the benefits of using ampoules as packaging?
Some ingredients oxidize upon coming in contact with air, which means that they lose their effectiveness and will not produce the desired effect on the skin. To keep this from happening, some Before Time products are packaged in ampoules.
How can I open the ampoules? View video
Why do the ampoules make a popping sound upon opening them? Ampoules are sealed under vacuum so the ingredients are more stable and won’t lose their properties, as well as preventing the appearance of microorganisms. Upon opening the ampoule, the product comes in contact with air, thus making a popping sound.
Are Before Time products tested on animals?
Absolutely not! Our products are made in Europe and testing cosmetics on animals has been completely banned in the European Union since 2013. Since it is banned, there’s no need to state it on the labels as a claim.
Does Before Time use synthetic compounds?
Yes. Everything boils down to chemistry in cosmetics. It doesn’t really matter if the ingredients are natural or synthetic. The skin has no way of distinguishing the source of an ingredient, as chemically speaking, there’s no difference between a natural molecule and a synthetic one. Both are equally safe for your skin. If you don’t believe it, check the following images out:
Do you see any difference? You don’t see any, right? The skin doesn’t see any either, which is why our formulas combine both types of ingredients, which are chosen based on their functionality and effectiveness instead of their source.
Does Before Time use toxic ingredients?
Neither Before Time nor any other cosmetic brand on the market uses toxic ingredients. All products launched onto the market are regulated by legislation and have been assessed by expert committees that regularly update the scientific evidence for cosmetic ingredients. What’s more, these expert committees are responsible for assessing the potential risks of new substances emerging on the market.
A product stating that it is toxic-free seems to imply that all other products are using them. Before Time would like to raise awareness among consumers to ensure they’re not misled by claims that only seek to create irrational and unfounded fears. Using 100% natural ingredients is just as good as using synthetic ingredients.
How do i know which product is right for me?
Which product is right for me?
The right product is the one that best suits the condition and needs of your skin. You should assess how resistant or sensitive your skin is and the severity of aging, and whether you have dark spots, large, visible pores, or static wrinkles or whether they only appear when you make a facial expression.
Remember that the important thing is to build a routine to get the results you want, and not really using a specific product. Learn to mix and match products and be patient enough to let them do their job.
How can I build my beauty routine?
Designing a routine may involve the following steps:
| AM | PM | WEEKLY |
| Facial cleansing wash | Double cleansing | Weekly face masks |
| Gentle exfoliating scrub (depending on whether your skin can tolerate it) | Gentle exfoliating scrub | |
| Eye contour cream | Eye contour cream | |
| Antioxidant | Specific treatment | |
| Specific treatment or moisturizer | Nourishing moisturizer | |
| Sunscreen | ||
| Makeup (increases protection, particularly for skin with dark spots (melasma)) |
Adapt your routines depending on your needs or daily habits. For example, it is not always necessary to use an eye contour cream. Or perhaps there are certain days when you’ll simply apply an antioxidant and sunscreen because you’re feeling lazy or are in a hurry. That’s quite all right, as long as you never skip cleansing.
On the Before Time Routine website, there’s a section where you can get a routine tailored to the needs of your skin with key ingredients to get the results you want.
I have some questions about ordering and shipping
¿Where does Before Time ship?
Before Time ships to all US states
How can I edit my shipping address?
If your order is shipping to the wrong address, please email info@beforetimeroutine.com as soon as possible.
When will my Before Time order be dispatched?
Please give us 2 to 3 working days to receive and process your order.
How much does shipping cost?
Standard shipping is free on all orders.
Can I cancel my order?
Please email us as soon as possible after placing your order. Please remember to use “Cancellation” in the subject line and state your complete name and order number.
We’ll do everything possible to help you. Remember that you can only cancel the order within one hour of placing the order.
When will my order arrive?
Most orders take 5–7 working days, but there may be delays due to the volume of orders or inventory issues.
Once your order has been dispatched, you’ll receive a confirmation email with the tracking number and information to track your order.
How long will it take to ship to Alaska and Hawaii?
Shipments to these destinations may take longer, between 10 to 14 working days.
I’m having problems with tracking my order
We’re so sorry. The carrier may take several days to update the status of your shipment. You can contact us via info@beforetimeroutine.com
Returns and exchanges
Can I exchange a Before Time product?
We do not offer exchanges on Before Time products.
What is Before Time's return policy?
We’re sorry to hear that Before Time did not meet your expectations. We want you to enjoy the entire Before Time Family experience, including returns. So, we’ll try to make this as simple and painless as possible by accepting returns of Before Time products within 30 days of receiving them.
In order for us to approve returns, please bear in mind that:
1) We cannot accept empty or nearly empty products.
2) We will only accept tested or products that are still sealed.
3) We are not liable for any damage that occurred to an item after it was delivered to you. If the item has been dropped, stolen, etc., we can’t approve the return.
How do I request a return?
Please send us an email to info@beforetimeroutine.com with the name, order number and reason for the return, with the word “Cancellation” in the subject line. We’ll send you an email confirming we’ve received your request.
Once you’ve received the confirmation email, please place the product(s) in its original packaging and shipping box. If you no longer have the original shipping box, please use one that ensures that no damage will occur during transit. Print out the Prepaid Return Label we’ve included in the email we’ve sent you.
Once we receive the package, we’ll process the return as soon as possible.
How long does it take to process a return?
Once we receive the package, we’ll process the return within 15 days. Please note it may take a little more time before the transaction shows up in your account depending on your bank.
My Before Time products were damaged during transit!
OMG!!! We’re so sorry to hear that! Please email us at info@beforetimeroutine.com with your full name, order number, and an image of the damaged products.
Once we’ve received all the information we’ve requested, we’ll send you the same product as soon as possible.
Note: Claims of this type will only be accepted up to 3 days after receiving the package.