Review for Balensi's Institute Skin Care & Spa

Review by: Bern, I. - San Diego, CA.
September 4, 2008 -

Searched all over for a place for my daughter and I to get some "girly" stuff done and found several places in SD that seemed good.  Most were in Downtown or the Valley and I live in South Bay and HATE driving to those busy places.  I finally opted for Balensi's (which is close to my house) since I saw that they had some good deals on microderm and peels.

The building is in old Chula Vista, on a side-street that looked more like houses, but I guess zoned for commercial businesses.  When I walked in, there was brewed coffee and water available during the wait.  It was a cute house and was relaxing and well decorated.  You would never  know from the outside that there was more than just the house being used for treatments.  Including the main house, there are 2 other treatment rooms in the back and the back is landscaped w/wheelchair access as well.  

I made an appointment for my daughter first since school was starting and she's fighting some skin issues and I wanted to see how it was.  We waited for the estheticican and she took my little girl to her room and got her all set up.  The owner is the one who does the facials and I love that she looks like she takes care of herself very well (her skin and makeup were flawless--made me feel confident she knew what she was doing).  Her room was very clean, comfortable, and relaxing.  She examined my daughter's skin and gave her tips throughout her facial.   When my daughter was finished, her skin soft and fantastic.(Cost me less-than $90 including tip for the teen facial).  

I came back for my facial and microderm tx.  The extractions were a little painful, but not unfamiliar; she was very gentle and always asking if I was okay.  She does extractions w/every facial.   Her equipment is as up-to-date  like others around town who charge more.  After I was done, I was pleased w/my results (smaller pores, smoother skin, etc...).  I was even more pleased by the price (less-than $100 including tip for my facial and microderm).  

She even suggested products for my daughter and I and didn't even hassle me about it!  I checked prices for the same products on SkinCareRX and other websites and they are all about the same price w/shipping.

I personally love this place and will frequent it for my facials and skin care treatments.  It is up-to-date, clean, moderately-priced, and conveniently located for me.  The owner and staff are very friendly and it's a pleasure to come here for treatments.  I set up an appointment for October and can't wait.

*I've put down that the pricing is moderate because to me, it is.  In my research of South Bay spas, Balensi's is less expensive than other places for the same services.

Original post @ Yelp.com found here