Los Angeles Esthetician Reccomendation

August 7, 2008 7:38 PM

LadyFilter: Who is the best esthetician (facialist, no not that kind) in Los Angeles, CA? Detailed question within.

My skin needs professional help. I have skin eczema, specifically atopic dermatitis, and acne. Currently I'm broken out in both and nothing is fixing it. I'm drinking tons of water, using Cetaphil as a cleanser and aloe vera gel as a moisturizer. I've been to the dermatologist but that's not fixing the problem either.

I am looking for the most amazing esthetician Los Angeles, CA has to offer. I need someone to calm the eczema and the acne without irritating either. I'm also looking for someone who's not just going to push their skin care products on me and promise results that never happen.

Bonus points for someone located near Beverly Hills or Palms.

Thanks in advance.

posted by tinatiga to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (2 answers total)

Cetaphil and aloe vera? Are you sure that was a dermatologist?

Nothing against estheticians, many of whom do great work. However, you've got medical conditions. Estheticians can't "cure" eczema and acne. For both of those conditions you want to not touch the skin too much. Picking, poking, hot and cold water, etc are all going to increase the problem.

My suggestion is head back to the dermatologist (or try another one) for something more substantial. Cetaphil is not the end-all of skin care - it makes plenty of people break out. The dermatologist has access to every skin care product an esthetician does. Plus the dermatologist has the entire pharmacy of Rx products to try. The dermatologist also has closet full of Pharma Rep samples. If you ask, your derm should give you several weeks of sample product. That'll save you tons of money.

There are plenty of excellent estheticians in your area, but if you want help with a medical condition see a doctor.
posted by 26.2 at 8:57 PM on August 7, 2008

Best answer: I've been to a number of dermatologists and many of them have been of the "prescribe Cetaphil and aloe vera" type, unfortunately. Maybe it's an L.A. thing. I've had much better luck on a whole with estheticians. However, what I'm going to do is rec you to the one derm who's really helped me along with two estheticians.

Dermatologist - Rebecca Fitzgerald (Larchmont)
Larchmont Medical Bldg
321 Larchmont Blvd. Suite 906
Los Angeles, CA 90004
[phone]

Estheticians -
Kate Somerville (WeHo; pricey but quality)
8428 Melrose Place Suite E
Los Angeles, CA 90069
323.655.7546
www.katesomerville.com

Jeanne @ Yumi's Day Spa (Miracle Mile; this place is in a strip mall and that scares some people, but Jeanne does great work and the decor is pleasant)
724 S La Brea Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90036
[phone]
posted by tyrantkitty at 9:19 PM on August 7, 2008 [1 favorite]