The SkinSpa Institute

I scheduled a facial and massage at this spa and decided to book a pedicure at the last minute. I am SO Happy I did. Everything was well laid out, with the goal of relaxation and guest satisfaction in mind. It's not as sumptuous as some overpriced spas I have been in, but the decor and facilities were well kept, clean and well worth the price. The additional bonus of a rainy day discount made it a great value. The staffs were all very courteous and the aesthetician (Chrystal) and massage therapist (Jenifer) were especially welcoming, solicitous and exceptional at their craft. They both took extra time with the services and I didn’t feel like they were watching the clock the whole time. I wasn’t expecting much from the pedicure but was amazed at Tamara’s attention to detail and how much time (over an hour) she spend pampering my feet. I booked everything online from the spas website, so the booking receipt e-mail through to appointment confirmation went without a hitch. I received a great little thank you card two days later for visiting the spa which was a great touch. It’s really nice to visit a spa where they truly care about taking care of the customer. I can’t wait to go back and I am defiantly visiting this spa for my monthly retreat. Pros: Best facials, massage, nails & waxing Cons: parking is tough between 12-2 more

Well, I started going here the end of my junior year at college. I resisted going at first because I was picky about the spas I went to get my facials. Anyway, I finally went since I was breaking out with cystic acne and was desperate. My God am I so happy I did. Christal, the owner and esthetician, explained to me about acne, what the common mistakes are, and the process in clearing out active acne. I had no idea that I had to switch products depending on the season, and that the products I use for my active acne shouldn't be the ones I use when the acne is in remission! Let's just say Christal knows everything there is about acne. And the thing is, I've gone to posh spas in New York, and received their acne treatments for an hour, but it never effectively deals with my face. Christal's facials last at least 30 min. longer than for what you pay, and if you are a new acne patient with cystic acne, usually the first few facials go an hour over since she gets out every black head, embedded pore, and pimple. I think that is the main reason why I exclusively go to her for my skin care woes. She's the only one who doesn't care for the "foo foo" facials that promise results but never deliver. In regards to acne, she is result oriented. And come on, when you get an acne facial, it isn't supposed to feel good, you have pimples that need to be poppin'! She wants results, and thus she dedicates more than the time allotted for the facial for you. The amount you pay for an acne facial is definitely lower than other acne facials from other spas, touting results. Plus....she's a great waxer. I get my eyebrows and Brazilian done there. Afterwards, I got a compliment on the shape of my brows, definitely a first for me. Plus Plus...they sell Guinot, Epicuren, Jane Iredale, and Jan Marini. Talk about top of the line! Pros: Best Facial And Massage in Long Beach!! Can Book Online! Cons: They are very busy and hard to get in sometimes. more

I was reffered to the skin spa institute by my mom as a birthday gift. I loved evety minute of the experience. I had extemely bad acne and I was taking anti-biotics. I had an acne facial and my skin cleared up within two months and a year later I get compliments on how beautiful my skin is. I use there products still and love that they work. I ocassionally have a few breakouts but since my facial and massage my face looks beautiful. The staff was very friendly and helpful. They advised me what I should use for my skin. Pros: Acne Facial more

A good friend actually told me about the Skin Spa and I am so happy she did because I will never go anywhere else!!! I am African American and have always been skeptical about products for my skin. I have had acne and pigmentation all my life. I started going to the spa in August of 2008. The esthetician I went to was Christal, she is very knowledgable about ethnic and acneic skin. I paid for a series of peels and followed the home regimine that she told me to. At first I was a little nervous because I felt like I was spending a lot of money but in about one month I could tell that I had fewer pimples and after three months I didn't even feel anything under my skin. Now my acne has stopped completely (I used to get it really bad around my menstral cycle) Now wee working on clearing my pigmentation, I am using vitamin C from Jan Marini and Guinot Products. My friends and family are always asking me what I'm doing to my skin and I always refer them to Christal. She has really helped me understand my skin and how to take care of it. I feel more confident everyday and I don't feel like people are starting at my acne lol!! Also EVERYONE there is VERY friendly and knowledgable even the frontdesk staff knows about all the products and different skin types. I know that they are there to help and they really care about my skincare results! Pros: ambience, service, comfort, personal more

As someone who is prone to moderate to severe breakouts this is one of the few places where I can go and expect immediate results. I knew this was a place that not only cared about the pampering and relaxing their clients, but wanted to acheive noticeable and effective results. The first time I received a facial when I had a severe breakout, Christal, the esthetician, who specailizes in ethnic skin, went at least an hour overtime than the stated time for the facial. She carefully explained the ABCs of acne, and within two months of going to her, my skin was clear of active breakouts. What really struck me was that other more expensive spas and salons would do a fast acne-facial for 50 minutes or 80 minutes, but under Christal's hands, time was not the issue. This was proof to me that she really wanted my skin to improve, no matter how long it went over the stated facial time. The SkinSpa has shown the highest level of service, dedication, knowledge, experience, and commitment to the client's needs, and health. The products sold at the spa have also worked miracles on my face. I left more knowledgeable about skincare, and I am convinced that there is no better spa elsewhere. more

Christal is wonderful!!! She gave me the best and most realxing facial ever! I can't wait to go back! I took my hubby there for his bday and got him a facial and massage. He was skeptical at first but afterward, WOW! He looked so relaxed and refreshed. I've been reseraching different places but Skin Spa always popped up as the most reasonable value wise. The service is friendly and helpful. Excractions were like nothing I've ever experienced. My hubby was sketchy about that part but Amanda who did his facial washed away all his doubts! I do enjoy the highend day spas for their atmosphere and additional amenities, but Skin Spa's facials were the best. One thing I love to have is a couples massage room! I stayed in one room the entire time, it was a little small for Sean to manuever but the massage was still very good. Keep it up guys! I'll see you in a couple of weeks! more

I am rarely moved to posting user reviews unless I have an exceptional experience. My visit to The SkinSpa Institute this week was truly exceptional, in the best possible way. Their phone manner was friendly and helpful, they have a parking lot (plenty of private lot parking plus easy street access is a big plus), and this cozy, small spa is the real thing. It is intimate, warm, and beautiful without the sterile, impersonal, snooty attitude you get at almost every other place in LA or the OC (I?ve been to just about all of them). I could tell from my phone calls to them that I would be treated well and they exceeded my expectations, even helping me pick a restaurant to go to after my treatments (and calling ahead for me too!) which was great. I booked their June treatment package special (listed on their web site) and it was amazing. They give you a soft pair of spa socks when you walk in the front door (you leave your shoes there), which are so comfortable! The monthly special also included a free pair, and I would have bought one anyway, so that was nice. I had the Aromatherapy Massage, from April, it was incredible and she was just ?darling? with magic hands. April explained everything to me in advance, checked in about pressure and temperature, and let me relax and enjoy her wonderful technique as well as the essential oils I picked out myself. Then I had the Guinot Hydradermie facial which was absolutely amazing! Christal performed my facial and I can honestly say it was the most thorough AND most relaxing facial I have ever had. And I've had many, many facials, all over L A and the mid-west. The Guinot products are gentle but very active--and my skin looked and felt absolutely incredible afterwards and days later it's still glowing. All in all, this was the best spa experience I've had, from my first call through my treatments to the chocolaty snacks and organic teas were a treat. Relaxation and results! I'll be back with all my friends and coworkers! Pros: Amazing treatments, staff, products. Parking. Open evenings & Sundays! Cons: None! more

I recently received a Pumpkin Body Treatment and Facial from The Skin Spa Institute and was very impressed with this Day Spa. The staff was knowledgable and the service was outstanding and there was no sales pressure. I left there feeling like a princess and will defintely go back to try the Guinot Facials. I would recommend this Spa to anyone. Pros: clean, friendly, service more

Ive been very hestitant/cautious of where I was going to make my new descision to go for my face and massage. I went to a horrid salon before finding the skin spa and had a very bad experience at that salon. Ive been doing my research and even called on the phone to just see if the people at the skin spa knew what they were talking about. Thank goodness they did and they were very friendly and professional too. So I made an appointment for a facial and massage. When I got there a young girl greeted me and had me fill out a card. The waiting area was very nicely decorated with nice and relaxing music. I only waited a few short minutes and went right in for my appointment. I was very satisfied with the facial i received. Most places are absolutly horrible with extractions and dont seem like they even know how but at this place the therapist knew EXACTLY what she was doing and my face cleared up like 2 days later. The massage was so fantastic I didnt want to get up after it was over even though I had my massage next. I had a guy do my massage which I havent ever had a male do my massge before although he had the perfect touch and was very professional. After I was all done I found out they even do nails!! I made an appointment for that evening and went and to get some late lunch and came back for my nail appointment. The staff really took great care of me. When i came back for my pedicure the water temperature was just perfect, that has honestly been the best pedicure I have ever had. My cuticles looked flawless, the length was great and no sharp corners (unlike other places), no cuts( also unlike other places), the massage felt really good, and even the polish looked perfect. On top of it the nail girl spoke english and thats hard to find! I highly recommend this place to anyone. They will have me as a customer for life! Thank you again skin spa! sincerely, Allison Miche Pros: Curteous Staff, Great Price, VERY CLEAN A+++ more

I just had the best massage ever !!!!!!!!.... Sean is a awsome massage therapist. He knows where & how much pressure to use. Which is great a guy myself I need that deep pressure work. I felt like I was floating. Cristal gave me a great facial. I thought they where for ladies only?. I was wrong.. My face feels great & so clean !!.. She knows her product & how to help you find the best combo. Yours Truly Steve Pros: Hair/Nails, Massage, Facials Cons: N/A, N/A, N/A more

The facial treatments I've had have all been superb! I started getting monthly peels for 6 months prior to my wedding and my skin looked fantastic for the big day!! I love all the products and Christal is very knowledgeable about telling you what your skin needs. I'm also hooked on the natural make-up products they carry. The spa is very relaxing and tastefully decorated. What a way to indulge! Pros: Great Products, Knowledgeable Staff, Convenient more

I was visiting from out of town, and the Skin Spa Institute made me feel right at home. I was refreshed by a soothing facial and a rejuvenated by a relaxing massage. What a treat. The staff was warm and inviting. The spa was clean and tidy. Great products too esp Guinot! Can't wait to visit again! Pros: clean, great products, friendly more

I hightly recommend the skinspa institute. The best massage i have every had! Excellent therapists. Fabulous place!! Pros: professional, good parking, clean more

I completely enjoyed my 90 minute massage. The massage was excellent. It relieved me of my shoulder pain and back spasms. I recommend the massage and facial. The spa environment is very relaxing. Pros: great massage, good prices, very clean more

hi - my husband gave me a Valentines gift certificate for facial, massage, manicure. Everything was very good - I am happy and my husband will now have to buy me more and more! Facial was super, my skin felt and looked great. The Manicure was perfect. My massage , wow - what a wonderfull feeling, it truly rejuvenated me! Pros: Professional, Healing, Great Gift. more

I WORK IN A COMPUTER ENVIRONMENT AND FREQUENTLY GET TIGHT AND ACHING MUSCLE TENSION. MY FRIEND RECOMMENDED THE SKINSPA MASSAGE TO ME AND I DECIDED TO GO. THE MASSAGE WAS PERFECT, IT RELAXED ME AND MY MUSCLES. I WAS ABLE TO BREATH SO MUCH BETTER. THE MASSAGE THERAPIST WAS VERY SWEET AND PROFESSIONAL. THE STAFF WAS COURTEOUS. I COMPLETELY ENJOYED THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE. AND ....WILL BE BACK FOR MORE MASSAGE. Pros: EXCELLENT MASSAGE, GOOD PRICE, FRIENDLY-STAFF more

Skin Spa Institute delivers first-rate, personalized service in a comfortable, spotless environment that promotes total relaxation and a deep sense of well-being. The Skin Spa Institute is my spa of choice for manicures, massage, and skin care. I've consistently enjoyed professional care and impeccable service from each and every member of the Skin Spa staff: the Receptionist, Manicurist, Massage Therapist, and both Aestheticians. It's well worth the hour's drive from my home in Mission Viejo (or from anywhere, for that matter!) to enjoy this level of pampering. Sign me, "Client for Life" Pros: Great Atmosphere, Relaxed , Extremly Clean! Cons: none more

I was so impressed with the service and atmosphere that I took my fiance. I've already made arrangements for my bridal party to spend the day at the Skin Spa. This is where I'm treating all the women in my family for Christmas. My skin literally glowed when I walked out and I was relaxed and rejuvenated. The entire staff is so pleasant and attentive. I will never go anywhere else for personal care. Pros: Great Prices, Calm, Relaxed Atmosph, Skilled Technicians more

I cant IMAGINE what "mabziegurl" could possibly be talking about!!! She was obviously VERY confused about her appointment time and what she wanted to have done. My self, my coworkers and at least half a dozen of my friends all frequent The SkinSpa Institute because they are SIMPLY THE ABSOLUTE BEST place to have a facial, massage, manicure, pedicure, waxing or body treatment. The spa is impeccable, the staff is extremely professional and friendly and the Guinot products are the best money can buy. I had severe acne for years and Christal was the only one who took the time and care to explain why my skin was acting this way and how she and I could clear it up together. Sometimes her facials would last for 2 hours if thats what was needed. I get compliments all the time on my NOW beautiful skin. The SkinSpa is a little slice of heaven no matter what treatment you are lucky to experience from their talented staff! You will just have to visit this great boutique spa to experience the bliss for yourself!! Anyone who says otherwise doesnt know what they are talking about! Claudia from Long Beach Pros: Best Quality Products, Exceptional Service, Results Oriented Cons: NONE more