A Lifestyle Guide for San Pedro, California
Originally published Saturday, March 24, 2007
By Andrea Adleman
SPECIAL TO MORE SAN PEDRO
It's time for some rest and relaxation.
Do you spend a day at the beach? Nope, suntans are unhealthy.
A weekend in the desert or mountains? Maybe, but it takes some time and effort to plan. Plus, do you
really want to spend more time on those frustrating freeways?
How about a romantic cruise for two? Lovely, but it's a big investment, and who's going to mind the kids?
How about this: A mini-vacation without leaving home. An opportunity to refresh and recharge in San
Pedro. Time to close your eyes and slip away to peaceful serenity.
Your ticket to rejuvenation is as close as the neighborhood salon or day spa.
Regulars appreciate the soothing benefits of a visit to the day spa. For first-timers, uncertainty shouldn't
be an obstacle to relaxation.
Here's what to expect at a spa.
WHAT IS A DAY SPA?
A day spa is a storefront or free-standing building, like a doctor's office or retail shop. Day spas create a
relaxing, sanctuary-like atmosphere with candles, tea, fountains, flowers and soft music.
Many beauty salons also offer spa services. In this case, there is a private treatment room away from the
hustle and bustle of the main salon.
Similarly, some beauty supply stores also provide spa treatments. Another alternative is the chiropractor's
office, where massages may be offered for nonmedical relaxation and personal wellness.
WHAT DO YOU DO THERE?
If your goal is a transformative mini-vacation, the most relaxing options are a facial, massage or other
body treatment.
A facial is a skincare treatment to deep-clean, buff, polish, nourish, moisturize, and refresh the face, neck
and collarbone area.
During a basic facial, the skin therapist applies a range of cleansers, creams, lotions, gels, grainy scrubs,
and liquid chemicals. Steam is sometimes used to open the pores and the skin may be fanned dry
between applications. A simple hand tool is used to remove blackheads.
Customized facials are performed for specific skin conditions. Teen facials treat oily, acne-prone skin,
while men's facials revive skin.
You lie down on a treatment bed in a private room, close your eyes, and relax to the sounds of dreamy
music and/or running water. Massaging techniques are used to apply treatments to the face and
shoulders. Sometimes, the feet, hands, and arms get massaged, too.
To make the most of the procedure, you often have to take off your clothes and put on a salon robe. At
the very least, you have to take off your shoes.
You escape your job, your cell phone, barking dogs, honking horns, roaring leaf blowers and shrill TV
commercials. For a few blissful moments, your life is slow and quiet and shamelessly self-centered; it's all
about you.
When all is said and done, the top layer of dead skin cells is history and the complexion glows with fresh,
healthy, renewed skin.
More elaborate treatments are also available. These involve specialized equipment and/or Botox-type
medicines to refine the skin and diminish lines, wrinkles, and discoloration.
"It's important to check the credentials and licenses of your service provider if you're getting medical
treatments such as injections or laser treatments," said Elissa Tober, a registered nurse at Nouvelle
Medical Esthetics in Rancho Palos Verdes. "Only registered nurses, nurse practitioners or physicians are
qualified to perform these procedures."
If you want it all, you can get head-to-toe refreshment with a massage or body wrap. A basic relaxation
massage relieves stress and makes for a delightful getaway. Couples massages are a relaxing
mini-vacation for two.
Body treatments involve the application of mud, seaweed, scrubs, hot stones, and/or aromatherapy
products to revive and purify. Of course, you have to remove your clothes, but some spas have special
screens on the treatment bed to shield you.
SPECIAL TO MORE SAN PEDRO
It's time for some rest and relaxation.
Do you spend a day at the beach? Nope, suntans are unhealthy.
A weekend in the desert or mountains? Maybe, but it takes some time and effort to plan. Plus, do you
really want to spend more time on those frustrating freeways?
How about a romantic cruise for two? Lovely, but it's a big investment, and who's going to mind the kids?
How about this: A mini-vacation without leaving home. An opportunity to refresh and recharge in San
Pedro. Time to close your eyes and slip away to peaceful serenity.
Your ticket to rejuvenation is as close as the neighborhood salon or day spa.
Regulars appreciate the soothing benefits of a visit to the day spa. For first-timers, uncertainty shouldn't
be an obstacle to relaxation.
Here's what to expect at a spa.
WHAT IS A DAY SPA?
A day spa is a storefront or free-standing building, like a doctor's office or retail shop. Day spas create a
relaxing, sanctuary-like atmosphere with candles, tea, fountains, flowers and soft music.
Many beauty salons also offer spa services. In this case, there is a private treatment room away from the
hustle and bustle of the main salon.
Similarly, some beauty supply stores also provide spa treatments. Another alternative is the chiropractor's
office, where massages may be offered for nonmedical relaxation and personal wellness.
WHAT DO YOU DO THERE?
If your goal is a transformative mini-vacation, the most relaxing options are a facial, massage or other
body treatment.
A facial is a skincare treatment to deep-clean, buff, polish, nourish, moisturize, and refresh the face, neck
and collarbone area.
During a basic facial, the skin therapist applies a range of cleansers, creams, lotions, gels, grainy scrubs,
and liquid chemicals. Steam is sometimes used to open the pores and the skin may be fanned dry
between applications. A simple hand tool is used to remove blackheads.
Customized facials are performed for specific skin conditions. Teen facials treat oily, acne-prone skin,
while men's facials revive skin.
You lie down on a treatment bed in a private room, close your eyes, and relax to the sounds of dreamy
music and/or running water. Massaging techniques are used to apply treatments to the face and
shoulders. Sometimes, the feet, hands, and arms get massaged, too.
To make the most of the procedure, you often have to take off your clothes and put on a salon robe. At
the very least, you have to take off your shoes.
You escape your job, your cell phone, barking dogs, honking horns, roaring leaf blowers and shrill TV
commercials. For a few blissful moments, your life is slow and quiet and shamelessly self-centered; it's all
about you.
When all is said and done, the top layer of dead skin cells is history and the complexion glows with fresh,
healthy, renewed skin.
More elaborate treatments are also available. These involve specialized equipment and/or Botox-type
medicines to refine the skin and diminish lines, wrinkles, and discoloration.
"It's important to check the credentials and licenses of your service provider if you're getting medical
treatments such as injections or laser treatments," said Elissa Tober, a registered nurse at Nouvelle
Medical Esthetics in Rancho Palos Verdes. "Only registered nurses, nurse practitioners or physicians are
qualified to perform these procedures."
If you want it all, you can get head-to-toe refreshment with a massage or body wrap. A basic relaxation
massage relieves stress and makes for a delightful getaway. Couples massages are a relaxing
mini-vacation for two.
Body treatments involve the application of mud, seaweed, scrubs, hot stones, and/or aromatherapy
products to revive and purify. Of course, you have to remove your clothes, but some spas have special
screens on the treatment bed to shield you.
pamper
yourself
yourself
Day spas can provide
relaxation without
leaving San Pedro.
relaxation without
leaving San Pedro.
SPA GUIDE
These facilities are dedicated to facials, massages and other
spa treatments.
HARBOR HEALTH & SPA
29050 S Western Ave., #102A, Rancho Palos Verdes
310-519-9690
www.harborhealthandspa.com
This is San Pedro's largest day spa, offering a wide array of
services to revive the mind, body and spirit.
Clients who come in for a massage, facial or other service
can enhance their experience with amenities such as a steam
shower, dry sauna, spa tub and $5 yoga class.
Spa parties can be arranged for a relaxing birthday, baby
shower, graduation party, bridal shower or other occasion.
KAREN'S SKINCARE
789 W. Ninth St., San Pedro
310-519-1557
www.karensskincare.com
This facility stays on top of the latest trends in skincare and
brings cutting-edge treatments to clients. Advanced
procedures are available to treat dull, damaged skin and
combat the signs of aging and sun over-exposure.
LA VOGUE
1444 W. Eighth St., Weymouth Corners, San Pedro
310-519-9350
La Vogue offers a specialized service called ear candling. This
is an ancient healing art in which a cone-shaped beeswax
candle is inserted into the tip of the ear canal. The candle is lit
at the end away from the ear and the smoky channel clears
out wax, sand, soot and other debris.
Clients feel a sense of internal cleansing and re-alignment
after the painless procedure. Balance is restored and sensory
perception is sharpened.
SKIN WELLNESS
1438 W. Eighth St., Weymouth Corners, San Pedro
310-514-7800
After a personal consultation to analyze your needs, skin
therapist Jessica Farillas provides a customized facial and
recommends an at-home skincare regimen.
BELLAGE BEAUTY AND SPA
1020 N. Western Ave., San Pedro
310-908-2523
Certified esthetician Celeste Raydon offers treatments to help
you "love the skin you're in." Facials range from single sessions
to ongoing series targeting skin that's dull, discolored, aging,
blemished or otherwise troubled.
For a pampering 160-minute experience, try the "Beautiful You"
treatment, which includes a consultation, facial, eyebrow
shaping, makeup lesson and a prescription for at-home
skincare.
JASMINE'S DAY SPA
28729 S Western Ave., Rancho Palos Verdes
310-519-0436
This peaceful oasis literally can't be seen from the road. A
relaxing facial or body treatment is your reward for finding the
secret hideaway.
These facilities are dedicated to facials, massages and other
spa treatments.
HARBOR HEALTH & SPA
29050 S Western Ave., #102A, Rancho Palos Verdes
310-519-9690
www.harborhealthandspa.com
This is San Pedro's largest day spa, offering a wide array of
services to revive the mind, body and spirit.
Clients who come in for a massage, facial or other service
can enhance their experience with amenities such as a steam
shower, dry sauna, spa tub and $5 yoga class.
Spa parties can be arranged for a relaxing birthday, baby
shower, graduation party, bridal shower or other occasion.
KAREN'S SKINCARE
789 W. Ninth St., San Pedro
310-519-1557
www.karensskincare.com
This facility stays on top of the latest trends in skincare and
brings cutting-edge treatments to clients. Advanced
procedures are available to treat dull, damaged skin and
combat the signs of aging and sun over-exposure.
LA VOGUE
1444 W. Eighth St., Weymouth Corners, San Pedro
310-519-9350
La Vogue offers a specialized service called ear candling. This
is an ancient healing art in which a cone-shaped beeswax
candle is inserted into the tip of the ear canal. The candle is lit
at the end away from the ear and the smoky channel clears
out wax, sand, soot and other debris.
Clients feel a sense of internal cleansing and re-alignment
after the painless procedure. Balance is restored and sensory
perception is sharpened.
SKIN WELLNESS
1438 W. Eighth St., Weymouth Corners, San Pedro
310-514-7800
After a personal consultation to analyze your needs, skin
therapist Jessica Farillas provides a customized facial and
recommends an at-home skincare regimen.
BELLAGE BEAUTY AND SPA
1020 N. Western Ave., San Pedro
310-908-2523
Certified esthetician Celeste Raydon offers treatments to help
you "love the skin you're in." Facials range from single sessions
to ongoing series targeting skin that's dull, discolored, aging,
blemished or otherwise troubled.
For a pampering 160-minute experience, try the "Beautiful You"
treatment, which includes a consultation, facial, eyebrow
shaping, makeup lesson and a prescription for at-home
skincare.
JASMINE'S DAY SPA
28729 S Western Ave., Rancho Palos Verdes
310-519-0436
This peaceful oasis literally can't be seen from the road. A
relaxing facial or body treatment is your reward for finding the
secret hideaway.
SPA SPEAK
Chemical peel: A
specially formulated
blend of acids to
remove dead skin
cells. See "exfoliation"
below.
Esthetician: a
professionally trained
and licensed
skin-care specialist.
The term is used
generically to refer to
a skin-care provider,
just as "doctor" means
a health-care
provider.
European facial: A
basic facial
Exfoliation: the
process of removing
the top layer of dead
skin cells. It can be
done manually with a
grainy scrub or brush,
or with enzymes or
chemical peels. Some
common peels are
glycolic and
alphahydroxy acids
(AHAs).
Extraction: The
process of removing
blackheads with a
manual hand tool.
Express facial: (also
called a quick,
lunchtime or
executive facial) A
short treatment
session, usually 30
minutes.
Laser treatment: (also
called photorejuv-
enation, photofacials,
or intense pulsed
light) Radiation
treatment to
penetrate deeper
layers of the skin to
treat wrinkles,
redness, uneven skin
tone, sun exposure
and other conditions.
Microdermabrasion:
A treatment that uses
special vacuum-like
equipment to
exfoliate skin with fine
crystal grains.
Non-invasive/
non-surgical: This
refers to treatments
that do not require
surgical tools such as
needles or knives. A
Botox injection is
surgical.
Microdermabrasion
(see above) is
non-invasive.
Pigmentation: This
term refers to skin that
is discolored and
uneven due to sun
exposure, premature
aging or other factors.
Threading: An
age-old technique to
shape eyebrows
using a fine cotton
thread to remove
unwanted hairs from
the root. The
esthetician holds the
thread in her mouth
and weaves it
through the client's
eyebrows.
Waxing: A procedure
to remove unwanted
body hair using hot
wax. It keeps skin
smooth for longer
than a traditional
shave, but can be
painful and irritate the
skin.
Chemical peel: A
specially formulated
blend of acids to
remove dead skin
cells. See "exfoliation"
below.
Esthetician: a
professionally trained
and licensed
skin-care specialist.
The term is used
generically to refer to
a skin-care provider,
just as "doctor" means
a health-care
provider.
European facial: A
basic facial
Exfoliation: the
process of removing
the top layer of dead
skin cells. It can be
done manually with a
grainy scrub or brush,
or with enzymes or
chemical peels. Some
common peels are
glycolic and
alphahydroxy acids
(AHAs).
Extraction: The
process of removing
blackheads with a
manual hand tool.
Express facial: (also
called a quick,
lunchtime or
executive facial) A
short treatment
session, usually 30
minutes.
Laser treatment: (also
called photorejuv-
enation, photofacials,
or intense pulsed
light) Radiation
treatment to
penetrate deeper
layers of the skin to
treat wrinkles,
redness, uneven skin
tone, sun exposure
and other conditions.
Microdermabrasion:
A treatment that uses
special vacuum-like
equipment to
exfoliate skin with fine
crystal grains.
Non-invasive/
non-surgical: This
refers to treatments
that do not require
surgical tools such as
needles or knives. A
Botox injection is
surgical.
Microdermabrasion
(see above) is
non-invasive.
Pigmentation: This
term refers to skin that
is discolored and
uneven due to sun
exposure, premature
aging or other factors.
Threading: An
age-old technique to
shape eyebrows
using a fine cotton
thread to remove
unwanted hairs from
the root. The
esthetician holds the
thread in her mouth
and weaves it
through the client's
eyebrows.
Waxing: A procedure
to remove unwanted
body hair using hot
wax. It keeps skin
smooth for longer
than a traditional
shave, but can be
painful and irritate the
skin.
DIRECTORY OF SPA SERVICES
These salons offer spa-quality facials
and treatments.
SNIPZ THE SALON
26650 S Western Ave., Lomita
310-530-0909 or 310-530-0912
Facials and spa services.
SANZ SKINCARE AT MODA HAIR DESIGN
29050 S Western Ave., #137, Rancho
Palos Verdes 310-514-8088
Facials and spa services.
AROLYN'S AESTHETICS
1817 S Patton Ave., San Pedro
310-702-4507
Spa services and facial parties, offered
in your home or that of licensed
esthetician Arolyn Maes.
NOUVELLE MEDICAL ESTHETICS AT
LE SALON
28627 S Western Ave., Rancho Palos
Verdes 310-936-8796
Medical treatments only, administered
by Elissa Tober, R.N.
FRAGMENTS
321 W. Sixth St., San Pedro 310-831-6445
Facials and spa services.
SAN PEDRO BEAUTY CENTER
980 N. Western Ave., #E, San Pedro
310-521-9371
Facials and spa services.
OM BASICS
461 W. Sixth St., #103, San Pedro
310-427-7517
This shop offers facials and produces its
own line of natural bath and body
products for adults, babies and dogs.
NAIL PRO & SPA
1434 W. 25th St., San Pedro 310-519-1900
Facials and spa services.
DOORSTEP DAY SPA
310-548-3278
www.doorstepdayspa.com
San Pedro resident Regina Fernandez
brings the day spa to your doorstep.
Massages and spa parties are
performed at your home or office or
even al fresco at the park.
These salons offer spa-quality facials
and treatments.
SNIPZ THE SALON
26650 S Western Ave., Lomita
310-530-0909 or 310-530-0912
Facials and spa services.
SANZ SKINCARE AT MODA HAIR DESIGN
29050 S Western Ave., #137, Rancho
Palos Verdes 310-514-8088
Facials and spa services.
AROLYN'S AESTHETICS
1817 S Patton Ave., San Pedro
310-702-4507
Spa services and facial parties, offered
in your home or that of licensed
esthetician Arolyn Maes.
NOUVELLE MEDICAL ESTHETICS AT
LE SALON
28627 S Western Ave., Rancho Palos
Verdes 310-936-8796
Medical treatments only, administered
by Elissa Tober, R.N.
FRAGMENTS
321 W. Sixth St., San Pedro 310-831-6445
Facials and spa services.
SAN PEDRO BEAUTY CENTER
980 N. Western Ave., #E, San Pedro
310-521-9371
Facials and spa services.
OM BASICS
461 W. Sixth St., #103, San Pedro
310-427-7517
This shop offers facials and produces its
own line of natural bath and body
products for adults, babies and dogs.
NAIL PRO & SPA
1434 W. 25th St., San Pedro 310-519-1900
Facials and spa services.
DOORSTEP DAY SPA
310-548-3278
www.doorstepdayspa.com
San Pedro resident Regina Fernandez
brings the day spa to your doorstep.
Massages and spa parties are
performed at your home or office or
even al fresco at the park.
| STEVE McCRANK / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER |
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