Adriana Skin Care Soothes Banker's Hill Stress

Despite general opinion, Banker's Hill is not a community defined only by office buildings, sky-high banks, and the restored architecture of original San Diego homes.

Along the rolling contours of Laurel Street also sit select San Diego restaurants and spas that offer Banker's Hill residents and workers a relaxing escape from daily routine. Savvy locals already know the chic neighborhood restaurants Laurel and Avenue 5, but our latest beauty discovery, Adriana Skin Care, may fly under - or above - general hilltop consensus.

Open since June of 2007, Adriana Skin Care is a quaint spa on Laurel, perched in a second story loft aswirl with soothing hues of the sea, radiating with friendly, professional service, warmed by the fireplace, overlooking the cityscape through wall-wide windows.

A heavy gothic-style black gate welcomes guests and instructs to ring the doorbell for assistance. After a few moments, an Adriana Skin Care receptionist softly steps down a flight of stairs to usher guests inside. Through a white and black checkered floor mini lobby and up the old wooden stairs, Adriana Skin Care awaits.

Straight ahead, a large mirror rests on a soft bluehallway wall; to the right is a modest array of treatment rooms sitting behind closed doors; to the left is the stylish and comfortable waiting area. Soaking in an ambiance similar to your best friend's living room, guests sit amid deep sea foam green tones, relaxed in an oversize white chair, browsing trendy magazines placed below a marble topped, iron trimmed, turquoise stemmed coffee table. Sipping champagne, tea, or the beverage of your choice, guests overlook city lights through a generous wall window, spying on Laurel below.

Adriana Skin Care is a niche boutique spa specializing in peels, waxing, and facial treatments. Adriana's approach to skin care is direct, compassionate, and always personalized. The Signature Adriana Facial features a deep cleanse, mild peel, light extractions, and specialized serum, followed by a mask and nourishing moisturizer for $85, or $65 for an express treatment.

More popular services include the Champagne Selection with Collagen - a moisturizing facial rich with antioxidant nutrients to erase the signs of aging, available for $150 or $125 without collagen, and $95 for an express treatment. The Hydrating Four-Layer helps firm, tone and rejuvenate your skin with a cool, pure seaweed mask, followed by a mineral-rich thermal mask that allows total penetration of the layers, for $105.

Popular during fall and winter months, the Pumpkin Peel uses a natural exfoliating agent made of pumpkin enzymes to clear skin of buildup that causes pore congestion, for $90. For more serious care, opt for the Chemical Peel; this signature Jessner peel is an effective, light peel designed to safely remove superficial layers of skin. This treatment is used for lightening hyper-pigmentation, controlling acne, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, available for $195.

In addition to more unique facials and resurfacing treatments, Adriana Skin Care offers a menu of add-on options, such as the Algae Peel-Off Mask, White Hand Effect, Collagen Treatment, Sensational Eyes, and Beauty Boost, raging in price from $15 to $45. A full menu of waxing treatments includes the basic brows and upper lips, and extends to Brazilians, chests, arms, and backs, ranging in price from $13 to $65. Whether your party visits Banker's Hill or the Adriana staff comes to you, special event makeup is available and ranges in price from $85 to $150.

When asked of the must-try treatments, Adriana shared: "The champagne facial is a luxurious, hydrating treatment, giving glowing skin and lasting effects. Also, Brazilian waxing - you should really at least try it once done by a 'native at heart' Brazilian esthetician." While born in America, Adriana grew up in Brazil and daily brings the charming accent and warm spirit to Banker's Hill.

Adriana Skin Care treatments cater specifically to your unique skin type and beauty needs, however you shouldn't get too attached to the details when making your appointment. Adriana Teeple, owner and head esthetician at the skin care boutique, believes in amending each treatment to best benefit the client. Although you may have your eye on the champagne facial, if your problem areas demand different minerals, or you have a special event the next day that demands clear skin right away, Adriana will lend her expertise to create a special facial to get your skin cleared up the right way, in the right amount of time.

Said best by Adriana herself, "Our vision is to provide quality skin care with a personal touch, one on one client service in a relaxed intimate environment, and at a great value. Our passion is providing top quality service and products in a friendly, unpretentious atmosphere."

This highly personalized service is why so many locals visit Adriana on a regular - and sometimes irregular - schedule. As I enjoyed my intro-to-fall Pumpkin Peel with Adriana, she shared that she would be at the spa extra late that night, as a regular client and a new word-of-mouth referred client made emergency appointments to clear up problem blemishes asap.

Happy to extend hours to help those in need, Adriana explained this was a common occurrence at her skin care boutique. More than a spa owner, Adriana welcomes clients as friends with real skin care advice - as long as you ask for it - and unparalleled service, anytime. Adriana's average clientele is a group of professional women and busy moms, ranging in age from 18 to 65-years-old.

Adriana sheds light on the San Diego beauty market: "The spa scene seems to constantly change, and many are not quite as personal for the client, that is one of the main reasons that I wanted to open Adriana Skin Care. Before we opened, my favorite San Diego spas were La Costa Resort, Rancho Bernardo Inn, and L'Auberge Del Mar."

When visiting Adriana Skin Care on 317 Laurel Street in Banker's Hill, note there are two sections of the 300 block on Laurel. Head up the hill toward Balboa Park to find this easy-to-miss spa.

Insider Tip: Adriana provides female spa guests with towel tube top dresses for treatment utility and style – the most fashionable spa wear I’ve seen in San Diego.

 
Insider Tip 2: Adriana uses only the BABOR skin care systems and beauty products from Germany. BABOR believes skin is a reflection of the soul, and is passionate about beauty that touches you from hand to skin to soul. Learn more at BABOR.de.