Skin Essence Clinic

It has literally been 10 years since I’ve been to Skin Essence but I’m reviewing now because I recently started experiencing issues with my skin and the first thing I thought was: I NEED TO GET TO SKIN ESSENCE STAT! I trust only them with my ethnic skin. Their prices are reasonable and I truly don’t care if it’s not a «posh» experience. All I care about are the results. And I feel very comforted that they *know* brown skin. I’m going tomorrow for a full body, facial, and product. I need to be flawless by August for my vow renewal!

Skin Essence has changed my life. After having my daughter, hormones screwed my skin up. Gwen helped restore my skin back to its baby soft clear complexion. ALL the women there are excellent (Gwen, Pam, Rosie, Bridgette). I recommend all friends and family here even if you don’t suffer from acne or blemishes. You will look beautiful and feel beautiful also. All of there products work! No gimmicks. Make sure to get on their mailing list to receive monthly specials. It is money WELL spent.
Down sides: They have gotten so much better with time but don’t go in there expecting to be in and out.
Also, the rooms and gowns could be a little more professional if you compare them to the higher end salons. I like to patronize Black businesses, plus they know the skin of people of color so I trust them with my face.
Other than that, it is life changing. I was reading a few bad reviews and as far as people breaking out, I have NEVER had any ill reaction to their products so those customers may have had allergic reactions. Gwen has always tried mild products first to determine if my skin can tolerate them. I also have sensitive skin.

Love Love LOVE this place, haven’t had any bad experience here. You must follow the directions given in order to see results. When I go regularly and follow the directions Pam gives, my skin clears up. I have fallen off a few times and didnt use my products as I was told, and of course the results weren’t the same! I love the staffs personalities, and Pam is hilarious!

Love this place have been coming here nearly my whole life!!! Perfect skin and always smiles and compliments

I have been in love with them since day one and always will. The BEST products, the BEST service, the BEST sells, and BEST people can’t wait till the November Special’s

The owner is a real genuine woman. She seems dedicated to her business and the clients at her facility. Ice known about skin Essence for over 5+ years. I have two ants who are regular clients and my mother tried this place before. It has been a success for both Aunts and no affect for my mother.
Hearing such great things about them I decided to give it a try. It was a wait but hey that comes when you have good business I assumed. I had a problem with the aesthetician who seemed to rush through my facial and diamond peel. It is typically known for them to explain the procedure to you, which she didn’t. She didn’t inform me about any of the products she used. I mentioned to her I have sensitive skin, she implied that I’ll be just fine with the procedure I was getting. Unfortunately that was not the case. After visiting my face began to really break out. I guess that procedure was not a good one for me. If the aesthetician took time to really consult with me about my skin or prior skin history maybe she would have been able to suggest a different procedure for my specific skin type.

I have been going to Skin Essence for over 10 years in Carson. It is true that you may have to wait a lil longer than u want, but the service is soo worth the wait. If you make an appointment with Diamond. please please make sure u see her write ur name or number in the book. Also, the receptionist usually calls the day before to confirm. Give them a 10 minute grace period on ur apppintmnet time. They are usually booked to capacity becuase there’s no other facility that conpares. Trust that Pam wouldn’t have long time clients if her facility, products, or services weren’t great. Pam really is a great estitician who ensures u get the results you want IF you follow ALL her instructions. I have sensitive oily skin and thankfully I have Never had a bad experience with their products, but I follow the directions provided. I don’t know about anyone else but I’m glad this establishment is still around to cater to people of color. And if a few people never want to come back, I say Good riddiance, lord knows I will appreciate more time for appointments being freed up. Lol

I have been a customer at the Carson Skin Essence location for over 10 years. I normally love all the staff, but my favorites are the owner (Pam), her mom, Ms. D., Gwen and Bridgette. I usually leave my appointments feeling refreshed and happy from my excellent service and pleasant conversations exchanged with everyone. But yesterday was different. And, when I say different, I mean bad different.
Pam was running a little behind so I was asked if I didn’t mind allowing Rosie to do my facial. While I don’t know Rosie and she is not my esthetician, in the interest of time, I agreed to have my appointment with her.
I waited patiently in the room with the lights low and prepared for my facial. «Rosie» entered the room. She did not introduce herself. She turned on all of the room lights (which is something I’ve never experienced. Lights are usually kept low to maintaining a relaxing mood). She then shined this extremely bright light in my face. I asked her why was the light in my face and for how long would it remain in my face. Rosie didn’t respond. At that point, I sat up and informed Rosie she is not the esthetician for me. I told her she is unprofessional and I would reschedule with Pam for another day. Rosie made eye contact with me (for the first time), rolled her eyes and in a snotty, rude manner replied, «O-​kay!»
I was mortified by Rosie’s unnecessary rudeness. Rosie is apparently new, but there is no place for her at Skin Essence. Rosie’s lack of respect and disregard almost caused me to severe my long patronage of Skin Essence. The only reason I have decided to stay on as a client is because before I could leave Pam greeted me and did my facial very nicely.
Bottom line is Rosie needs to be fired! She misrepresents Skin Essence and jeopardizes ruining long term customer relationships Pam and her dedicated staff have worked hard to establish.

I didn’t come here to bash, I simply came to give a true review of my experience. I wish I could give Skin a Essence of C A R S O N a –1! These are the most unprofessional, careless, classless, tacky women you’d ever meet. It does not reflect a Spa-​like atmosphere. You can’t relax because of all the cackling and gossip in the lobby.
I went in Mother’s Day weekend after literally walking out of my original appointment. I made my appointment and they had me waiting for over 45 mins so I left. I normally go to the Skin Essence of Inglewood which is much better ! I only went to Carson in response to a promotion for Mother’s Day weekend and plus it’s closer to my house. I went in for a promo which was a facial with your choice of the offered services glycolic peel or polish
I chose the glycolic peel… :(Literally the worst thing I could’ve done to my face. I am still recovering from it!
I seen the owner, she boast about being the owner and about being in service for years and years yet she was the one who ruined my face! She did extractions, steam and other pore opening methods followed by the peel. However, after doing much research, I found that a peel should be done when the skin has its defense up. Not when its open and susceptible! Furthermore, she gave no thorough instructions as to maintenance after the peel. She told me to leave the peel on until the next morning then wash it off. Again after researching, I discovered that you should never leave with a peel on your face !! The owner is an clearly an idiot savant.
The next morning I woke up face covered in painful, pus-​filled, pimples all over! I HAVE NEVER had problematic skin like that. Really, maybe a blackhead here, a acne scar or two there, but never a face full of pus bumps. Can you say hurt, sad and livid more than anything! I immediately contacted her leaving a message with her assistant. The owner is only in on Monday and Tuesday so being that I was seen on Saturday, I had to wait the weekend. I went in to see her first thing Monday and not only did she not apologize, she had no explanation for what she did or didn’t do to my face to cause this reaction. She offered to do cooling treatments to help with the pain and itching… to no avail. At that point, I just wanted my money back and the assurance that they’d treat my face until it was back to how it was when I came in. Of course not at this facility, at the Inglewood location where I normally go.
I work in the public eye so the humiliation and embarrassment no one could compensate me. Can you imagine having to walk around with a face full of swollen, red, boil-​like pimples and then later on dark blotches left behind from the botch work all over your entire face? The worse part is I couldn’t wear make-​up until it healed (because we know makeup could irritate the skin and clog the pores) so I had to go out like that.
Well it’s been about three weeks now, the pus has subsided (I, on my own, bought Tea Tree Oil and it did an excellent job at reducing the pain, swelling the pimples and the pus). Since the owner couldn’t tell me what happened and had no interest in finding out, I concluded that I had an allergic reaction to the aggravation to my skin (opening my skin and poring acid inside) and poorly sanitized utensils. I had to take Benadryl and was offered their medicated ointment. I stopped using that nonsense and simply used the Tea Tree Oil, it worked wonders on my skin.
I am now back in the hands of my trusted esthetician, over at my trusted facility, Skin Essence of Inglewood. All the pimples turned into acne scars! So now I’m treating the them, what a nightmare. I couldn’t make this up.
The reason I wrote this review (because normally I don’t even care) but the worse part about this whole fiasco (even worse than my skin being ruined) is that the owner has yet to call to check on me and her mistake! I haven’t heard from her since that Monday I went in, despite the many attempts to contact her. Absolutely no follow-​up, no empathy, no concern. Nothing, the absolute worse! What nerve to mess up a clients face and not even have the courtesy to follow up, I have to advise people! S T A Y away from this location and most certainly stay A W A Y from the owner. The worse!!! (Pictures attached)

I have been a customer of Skin Essences since 1995. These NEGATIVE reviews I have never experienced it. Pam is magnificent, professional, humble, personable and gives excellent customer service!!! And, I can say the same for her staff! There is nothing ghetto about Skin Essences! It is very calming, the music is soothing, inspirational quotes on the walls and I leave feeling radiant and divine when I leave from there!!! Pam is doing her thing and prospering. So stop hating, all of you NEGATIVE HATING PEOPLE! If Skin Essences was that bad they would not have been in business this long! So POW, go create yourself!

Pam’ staff, is AWESOME the service is WONDERFUL, and the product’s are unique Pam, puts her heart and soul into what she believes for her clients 110% thats why I trust no one else with my skin… Thank you

Okay I can only speak from my experience, I absolutely love this place! I love the fact that they specialize in ethnic skin. I’m a 23 year old black male who has struggled for years with cystic acne, nodules, pimples etc. I had the worst skin in my opinion going into this place. Gwen is absolutely amazing!!! she’s transformed my skin in ways I didn’t think was possible WITHOUT laser treatment. Ive been getting the signature facials which is $ 80 for a series of two treatments which I think is a pretty good deal. Diamond works at the front desk and she is very informative on the products they sale. Although the extractions hurt like hell, It’s sooooooo worth it. Even though my skin is still in the process of achieving maximum results, I am excited to see the final results of what my skin is going to turn out looking like. Thank you Skin Essence, and thank you Gwen!

I love Skin Essence. The setting is so relaxing and the facials are really good too. Ive been 5 times and Ive never been disappointed. The only thing that scares me is when its time for the extractions. Hot damn!!! That mess hurts but other then that the facial experience is wonderful. If you get the facial, you should buy the products for best results.

SKIN TYPE: I have sensitive skin that tends to have combination areas, and a light/​medium tone that scars easily
My family has been going to Pam’s spa for years, and I’ve gone on and off. Since being in California, this year, my skin has gone through it’s «transitions» and she has been the only person to consistently repair the damages.
*I AM IN LOVE with this new Green Tea Organic Body Scrub that they make, and I highly recommend it! It’s like having your own spa in your shower. I am not exaggerating when I say a «total state of calm» and «zen» are a result of that body scrub.
The key is following the instructions that they give you, I ONLY go to Pam for my face, and (I had Cece work on my face once before); They are both great.
I am not a fan of lighteners, however scarring from acne is not my favorite either. They add «boosts» to your products that are customized to your skin-​issue/​type and they are powerful. Watch your face so that it is even and you are targeting just the spots, or else you will look like someone that is bleaching.
I have gotten micro & corrective facials as well as a full body treatment in the past. I had a 2^nd degree electrical burn on my nose, from a negligent esthetician (at a spa that is now closed, in PA,) went to Pam and she saved my face; the scar is non-​existent today. Pam and Skin Essence is my West Coast «miracle worker». I have sent friends to her and will continue to.

Okay, okay, Skin Essence may not be your posh, overpriced spa that renders services on gold and diamond encrusted platters. Heck, their platters may even be plastic but if you can get your mind off of everything you expect a spa to be and more on what you come to get then your experience will be rewarding. I would venture to say that Skin Essence is for those that have had a gamut of spa experiences — of all sorts. I’ve been everywhere from small, authentic Korean spas to large and posh, commercial ones. I’ve had my skin scrubbed, wrapped, and slathered with so many concoctions that I think numb to what most may find uncomfortable.
The point is, to be a patron of Skin Essence, you must be somewhat of a soldier and you must know what you want! I know when I come to Skin Essence, I’m going to get a facial because I need just a quick skin pick me up, and I’m definitely going to get a body polish even though the process is very uncomfortable. It gradually evens out your skin tone and softens those areas like your elbows and knees. I also know that I’m going to always get the medicated cream because it just works and is compatible with other face products. I’m going to get Pam’s special sauce and I’m going to get the body milk. I know that the business is much like going to my families house and I roll with it. It’s one of those places that you either find your niche or you don’t. Plain and simple. If you can, you will be that much closer to living in and maintaining your best skin!

I had heard good things about this place from a friend so I decided to try it out myself. Went down and told beautician that i had combination skin. She recommended a facial shampoo, medicated cream, and collagen masque for my face. After two days of use, my face began to become extremely dry, red, and irritated — and left some dark spots. My entire face was affected even down to my neck. I stopped using the product immediately and went back to get my money back. I was questioned repeatedly (even asked personal questions about my life and why my skin was so dry and broken out) and told that I must have NOT used the product correctly. It just seemed that they were ready to blame anything else other than their product for not working. I ended getting some of my money back — but it was a total disappointment not only the experience but just how difficult it was for them to understand that their product wasn’t working out. Now I have consulted with a real dermatologist and hope I can bring my skin back to its normality… but will never again attend this place.

Unfortunately for the owner of this business this review is going to be quite honest and harsh, but for the sake of fellow Unilocalers it needs to be. If I could put minus 5 stars it would be that. So lets start from the beginning.
I called 10 days prior to arriving in Carson and made an appt for a facial on the 8^th August at 12pm. My husband and I were arriving from out of town for a function so I wanted to make sure I had a guaranteed appointment. I arrived at 12pm. I walked in and stood in the doorway while the receptionist was having a conversation with another patron. After standing in the doorway for 5 minutes I decided to sit down as I was not even acknowledged. Finally I was greeted and asked if I had an appointment and was then told to sign in so I did. I sat in the waiting room for 20 minutes where I was then moved to another waiting area and asked to complete a standard form. The receptionist (who happens to be the owners 74yr old mother thus the conversation between the other 70yr patron when I arrived) checked on me and told me that she would put me in a room soon. She then apologized for the wait as apparently their 10am appointment came in at 11am so they were a bit behind. Umm have we heard of a phone people. I provided a phone number at the time of making the appointment so at least have the common professional courtesy of calling and letting me know ur running an hour behind. Non the less I continued to wait. After an hour I of waiting I decided to leave as I had better things to do than sit around. The receptionist advised she would get her daughter to give me a call as they were truly sorry. I was quite happy to be on my way and write a review just on that but it gets better. So at 5.30pm I get a call from the owner apologizing profusely and they would like to make it up to me by giving me a comp. facial. So I thought why not as this place did come highly recommended. So I made an appt for 10am the following morning. I arrived where I was greeted by a friendly receptionist and a beautician named CC. I was put in a room which mind you was horrible. I hate to use the word but ghetto would best describe it. There was a bed and some raggedy shelves. Not even a sink. What kind of place is this. Anyway she asked me if anything was discussed with the owner and I told her that she just said the beautician can have a look at my skin and tell me what I need so she said that’s what we will do. I told her what I have had done some micro derm in the past at another place and I liked it so she said we will do that and more. The words she used was «you will be getting the works today after all the waiting from yesterday». So the treatment began. The first awful thing was the door to the room was left ajar. She gave me a reason but still very unprofessional. All up I was in there for less than 50 minutes and about 30 minutes of that I was left alone to enjoy the peace and quiet. The micro derm was horrible and not even done properly. It was the worst experience I have ever had. Oh not to mention she did some extractions which was so painful and left my skin raised and like welts. Even my husband asked what happened to my face when I got in the car. Ive also had extractions done before and it never left my skin like that. If that was the works then I would hate to see a routine treatment. During the whole time she was talking up the products that are used and that they can all be purchased there and online and at the end she would recommend what to use. Of course I did get the big up sell of the products at the end which I wasn’t hearing. What I would like to know is how is this place still in business. Unprofessional comes to mind over and over not to mention ghetto. I would certainly not be paying for those kinds of services and to be honest I didn’t even tip because that certainly did not deserve it. To my fellow Unilocalers, save ur money and go to a more professional establishment. Harsh but true.

I had a wonderful experience at Skin Esscence. I would recommend everyone give them a try and form your own opinion. Pam is excellent !

where in the heck do i begin, Let me just say that i have been dying to try this spa ! i had frequently visited the website and read reviews on Unilocal,now it was the time to finally go to the much anticipated Skin Essence Clinic. So i finally went to Skin essence clinic about a week & a half ago, with one of my friends, originally we just stopped by to try out some of the products, so i jumped at the opportunity to gain clearer healthier skin. I purchased two soaps Pam’s Ko Ko soap & the Hydroquinone soap, based off the website the Ko ko soap is to help fight acne, and the Hydro is supposed to give your skin a glow. After purchasing my products i returned home and imediately washed my face & body with both soaps, after using it for two days straight i noticed my face begin to swell and become very dry i also noticed that there was a red rash forming on my face. I contacted the spa and a woman answered the phone she told me to come in and bring the products that i purchased. Feeling very uneasy i went down to the spa the skin specialist pulled me into one of the rooms and begin questioning me as if i was on the first 48. She looked at my face and said this looks like more of a allergic reaction from food not soap.” she then proceeded to try and convience me that if your irritated from soaps the breakout would begin immediately and not develop over a course of two days. I explained to her that i didnt change my diet and this is not from food, she then gives me a ointment to put on my face and said to try this and if it works to purchase the ointment. As if i would spend a dime on this place ! I left the spa upset and outraged that not only did they not offer my money back but she failed to tell me what the heck is in this soap ! So after contacting my dermatoligist and taking benadryl a week ½ later my skin is finally back to normal, However this incident did get me thinking. I did some research on the internet and discovered that the hydroquinone product is a skin lightening product, no offense but i LOVE the skin im in, and have no intentions of changing it anytime soon. This upsets me even further especially to know that i could have possibly been put in danger. NEVER again skin essence will i ever go back to your spa or purchase any products, i will stick to dermalogica products and of course clerasil lol, hey its done wonders for me this long !

Okay, I have to be fair and upgrade my rating to 5 stars. My recent visits have been quick and good. Recently the staff has managed to get me in and out for my appointment under an hour and a half.