Balance Skin Care
Categories: Skin Care, Day Spas, Hair Removal [Edit]
2136 The Alameda Ste DSan Jose, CA 95126 (408) 332-2376
This Business is a Yelp Sponsor
- Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- By Appointment Only: Yes
32 Reviews for Balance Skin Care
i have been going to Tanya and Balance for over a year now, and my skin has improved noticeably. The microdermabrasion and other treatments have worked wonders. But over and above that, Tanya has taught me how to care properly for my skin, so that I can avoid further damage. She's also worked wonders with my two teenage daughters - they now understand the importance of regular skin care and love getting treatments that are just right for their ages and skin condition.
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I had a wonderful experience at Balance. My appointment was with Marina. I liked that you did not need to choose the treatment you wanted when you made your appointment. When I called to make my appointment they told me that Marina would help me pick the services that would be best for me. No pressure to purchase any products, and as many people have said it was very informative. The only possible negative would be the location. If you are looking for a spa with all the amenities, this may not be the place for you. I feel the treatments & personal attention you receive beat what you would get at a bigger place, though.
All the reviews are so so so true. I went here based on yelp reviews and I was not disappointed. I wanted to try microdermabrasion so I made an appointment with Tanya. She has such a wonderful bedside manner and makes you feel so comfortable despite the poking, prodding, and scraping going on. She also is extremely passionate and knowledgeable about her craft. She answered all my questions and educated me on how my skin works.
Unfortunately, Tanya left to Germany this weekend, for 6 months! However, I will continue my series of treatments with Marina. I am sure Marina will be great since Tanya has trained her and has enough faith to pass on her clients to her. Tanya has offered to answer any questions I have over email while she is away. What I loved most is that she does not try to sell you her products. She recommended products to me only after I inquired. I sense that she really just cares about improving the appearance and health of her customer's skin.
She just signed a lease for a bigger space in the upstairs area of the building. I am sure it will be even nicer than the already cute and relaxing space she has now. I definitely recommend her to anyone, it is on the pricier end but sooo worth it!
***UPDATED MAY 6th***
I went back for the 2nd appointment in my series and since Tanya is away I saw Marina. She did just as wonderful a job as Tanya. I had a few things done...Microderm, some peels, and spot treatments. This time Marina had me hold these hot stones in my hands and put some under my shoulders and I immediately relaxed completely. I relaxed so much so that I dozed off for a couple minutes. Just so you know both Marina and Tanya are equally great!!
There was a mix up in scheduling and I had to wait 45 minutes for my appointment. I think the scheduling was off when Tanya's schedule was erased or something. Marina was very apologetic and even though my appointment was erased off the schedule she squeezed me in anyway since I was already there and waited.
I have been lucky enough to have Tanya doing my facials for over 2 and a 1/2 years now. She gives the best facials I've ever had - my skin feels so great after treatment with her. I highly recommend her to anyone who is looking. I have never had sensitivity nor red spots after a visit with her (I have had this trouble at a lot of other places!). Even my husband has been in to see her.
Excellent spa! I had a clarifying facial with Marina and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it! There were 2 parking spots in the back and as other Yelpers, I was circling the building trying to find the entrance ... but it was the big wooden main door ... duh! Space is cozy and cute. Marina's manners and facial skills are of a sensei, this is how every professional should give a facial! Marina is very sweet and genuinely cares about each patient! My skin was glowing at the end of the session!
I recieve the best facials at Balance Skin Care. Tanya is a real pro. I've been going to her for over a year and I'm really seeing results in my skin. People compliment me for not looking my age. I thank Tanya and Balance Skin Care for that.
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I stood in front of the door wondering if I should: a. open it; b. ring the door bell; c. walk around the building to see if there's another entrance into the building. After 5 minutes of alternating glances at the door, door bell and #D Balance Skin mail box, I finally opened the door to a Victorian interior. The door straight ahead had a sign, "Facial in Progress". The yelp reviews hadn't mentioned any initial confusions. I pondered whether it was a problem unique to only me, while waiting on a bench. Tanya (indeed with glowing, luminous skin) checked on me a couple times, sweetly apologizing for the short wait.
The session went smoothly. Tanya determined the ABBA shampoo and conditioner I had been recently using were the culprits of the hairline and forehead breakouts. She was also honest about my skin and what the treatments could do. It was my first facial, so I have nothing to compare it to but my skin looked so refreshed I became an instant facial addict. Very personable and considerate, Tanya made the experience all the more pleasant. At the end of the session, she packaged some recommended product samples along with detailed instructions.
As Tanya walked me out, I was somewhat relieved to find another confused-looking girl standing at the front door.
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Tanya is one of the most genuine people I know and I would recommend anyone to her. She even personally delivered the products I ordered to my work! She is so caring and knowledgeable about her work and it really comes through. She taught me what I need to do for my skin and the results are lasting. I am not so sure that it helped my breakouts but it definitely tamed my skin. Tanya is great!
Tanya is the best! she's sooooooooooooooo nice and accommodating to my girlfriend and I. Yes I am a guy and yes I did go to her to help me fix my face, so what? I actually care about my skin and want to look good for my girlfriend. Anyways, she did a great job on me and my girlfriend. Her skin ROCKS, she has like the PERFECT natural skin that puts models to shame. Don't believe me, go see her. She will recommend the right products to help you, don't use the Nordstrom/Macy's garbage!
I have always tried to take good care of my skin, and having a teenage daughter, wanted to help her do the same. When I met Tanya and learned about her skills, I booked appointments for both me and my daughter, and was so happy I did! This was my first facial, but my daughter had experienced one in the past with a friend that left her less than excited about doing it again. But she LOVED Tanya and how she so patiently and obviously sincerely educated her about taking care of her skin, the products she should use, etc. She personalized a skin care program for me as well, and I am pleased with the results. She is committed to giving her clients the best possible care, and she is a shining example of her own advice...her skin is beautiful! If you want to be pampered and look your best, go see Tanya!
Update: Feb. 25, 2008
Today, I went to see Marina of www.BalanceYourSkin.com and had the most amazing face/neck/shoulders massage and a glycolic peel with microdermabrasion. This was the first time I ever tried a peel or the microdermabrasion and I may be addicted. I love the way the little sand blaster (so to speak) felt on my face..... I feel all of the SMILE LINES and my 40 year old wrinkles disappearing slowly. I am going to see if I can make the time and budget to get one of these once a month.
Marina did such a great job and she has a great way about her. She also has magical hands and I could have stayed for another hour of the massage on my face, neck and shoulders.
Tanya and Marina are a great team. These ladies KNOW alot about face products (not just their own) and will give you an honest assesment of your skin and what you need to do to keep your skin glowing and young like theirs!
Thanks Marina and thank you Tanya!
*********************
If you saw Tanya's skin in person, you would RUN to her studio for a facial. She has stunning, glowing skin that will make you envious. Tanya is a serious expert when it comes to skin care, cosmetics and takes each client and customizes a skin care regimen for you.
She is a wealth of information about cosmetics and can tell you more about the products you wear and she won't give you a HARD SELL trying to sell her products - though she does have some. What she will do is make suggestions based on the current line you're wearing and help you supplement that with some other products that might work well with what you currently wear.
She has a fabulous personality and you get the feeling she cares about each client, their situation and that she really wants to help you with your specific problems.
Tanya also sells Gift Certificates if you need a last minute gift for you Mom, Wife, Girlfriend, Sister, Nanny, etc.
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I was given a gift certificate for a mini-facial from a coworker. Having had a couple of really bad facials in the past, I am super picky about who touches my skin. I hadn't heard of Tanya (or Balance) and was a little apprehensive. I was a little surprised, too, that she is located in a tiny rented space, not a posh spa. Well, not only did I have one of the best facials EVER, but I really enjoyed Tanya's conversation as well. I left feeling relaxed and my skin looked great. I highly recommend her.
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UPDATE (3/6/08): Marina at Balance is awesome as well! I had a facial earlier this week by her and LOVED IT! I would highly recommend seeing Marina as well!
I have had facials in practically every place I have visited on the globe. Needless to say, I didn't have to travel out of my own city to find THE BEST facial and skin care specialist with Tanya McKibben of Balance! Tanya is not only thoroughly knowledgeable about her professional, she makes you feel like you're in another universe--one that is relaxing and blissful. Her products are natural and fabulous. To begin looking younger with healthier skin, check out her website at: www.balanceyourskin.com.
I went to Tanya today for the first time. What the other reviewers say about her are absolutely true. Simply put, Tanya knows skin. I've been to a lot of facials in the past, but none of the estheticians I've been to have been anywhere near as knowledgeable as Tanya when it comes to skin and their products, including estheticians at Ojai resort, Burke Williams and other fancy spas.
Since the moment I met Tanya, I got the very real sense that she is someone who cares about her clients and their skin. She is incredibly results-oriented -- exactly the kind of esthetician I want to go to on a regular basis. At the end of the day, if I want to get pampered by a spa, I'll go to Burke Williams or a fancy resort and hang out for half a day. But when it comes to someone who knows skin and who is absolutely going to get my skin to the condition I want it to be in, hands down I'm going to Tanya as my regular esthetician.
I've already booked my next appointment and will be recommending her to my friends. Thanks for the wonderful facial today Tanya!
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This is not just another "feel good" facial, you get serious results too! Tanya does a great job of making you feel relaxed and refreshed, and your face will look great. I have been to Tanya twice for microderm abrasion and a pumpkin peel. Even though some of the treatments themselves don't feel great (when does peeling off your skin feel good???), Tanya makes you feel comfortable and always has great conversation, plus in the end your skin feels great. I swear I look younger too.
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Updated 2/11/2008:
I have just had the SECOND best facial to date.
Last nights facial was given by the newest edition to the Balance family; Marina, and it was truly wonderful.
Marina has the touch of a seasoned professional. Her massage pressure was perfect. Her attention to detail was wonderful. And the attention she gave to making sure I was comfortable was very...well..comforting.
Marina picked an awesome treatment for me and I left Balance with a glow you could see across the street. This morning, I still looked radiant. Marina answered my questions of what she was using and explained why. We talked about the absolute importance of home care and I left feeling like I had just spent time with a close friend.
As always, I cant wait until my next appointment!
Thanks Balance!!!
The best facial I have had to date.
I had my first appointment with Tanya today and I can honestly say I just had the best facial I have ever had. And being an ex Esthetician, I have had my share.
We begin in treatment room. The treatment room is small but so cozy I didn't want to leave. The small size added to the intimacy and warmth. The facial bed was comfy and the sheets were crisp and smelled great. Loved it.
Tanya. Tanya is overflowing with knowledge, advice, recommendations and expertise. She has truly found her calling. She talked with me like we had been friends for a while and was honest with what she saw going on with my skin. She asked me the standard questions about what I currently use, but she also asked more specific questions which was cool. We talked and laughed and I was very comfortable telling her the problems I was having and what i wanted.
The facial. The facial was flawless. She cleansed, scrubbed, analyzed, massaged and did extractions. It all felt great. She told me what she wanted to do and why and what the result would be. She frequently checked in with me making sure i was doing OK and told me what was coming next. Very thorough! She wrote down what she used on me and pointed me to the web so i can learn even more if i wanted. Rad!
I left feeling and looking great and I honestly cant wait to see her again and i am excited to watch my skin transform for the better.
Thanks Tanya!!!
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Hi Everyone! I wanted to introduce myself, I am Tanya McKibben owner of Balance Skin Care. Thank you for taking the time to read a few experiences of some of my clients. Skin care is truly my passion in life. Education is extremely important to me, and I continue to not only go to advanced classes, but I also teach in the professional skin care industry. If you are looking for a very personal setting where you can learn about your skin and how to take better care of your skin, come see me. I specialize in Microdermabrasion, chemical treatments, acne, rosacea, and anti-aging facials. I really like to focus on results! You can click on my website to see my menu of services and more. Thank you.
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I had the best facial today from Tanya, she absolutely knows what's best for your skin. She is caring gentle fun and very sweet. Best of all she's ultra talented. She doesn't hard sell you. She tells you what she's doing and why and makes you an active partner in your skin care. She likes you to try out the products so she gives you little samples. My skin is glowing. I have already booked my next appt. You definately should call her if you want your skin to look healthy and soft.
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Once you meet and see Tanya's vibrant skin, and see her in action talking about her skincare products, you will know that you have found an expert who can bring Balance into your skin, is a wealth of information on her products, and will create a relaxing experience for you. Tanya is a women to be admired for the care she takes with each of her clients, the pride she takes in her work, and also for the thriving business she has built.
Update 4/9/08:
I do believe the main difference between Tanya and all other facials that "feel good" is the fact that her facials are designed for results. She assesses your skin like a master jedi, creates a plan, and implements it. Whether you're experiencing an occasional breakout, have some new blemish or just need a cleaning up prior to a fancy occasion, Tanya's facials speak for themselves. Products are offered, never pushed. Her knowledge and experience continue to enthrall me. The office she's been using will change in July 2008 to an upstairs room in the same building. I'm looking forward to seeing what her creative eye comes up with as she expands her business!
Update 3/11/08:
Tanya continues to blow my mind when it comes to her abilities with skin, individualizing a treatment, and making sure that I leave each and every facial glowing, relaxed, and refreshed.
Update:
1/29/08, I went in for a facial with microdermabrasion this afternoon and Tanya spent a lot of time with me explaining how to take care of my skin. I need this guidance and information because I grew up in a household with 2 sisters and a mother who never had professional haircuts, did makeup, or were into fashion. So, at the ripe age of 34, I am finally learning what it means to do my part, in lieu of simply having her keep my skin in "check" every 5-6 weeks. Herein lies the concept of B A L A N C E :)
July 2007: Yesterday I went in for my first "real" facial ever. Tanya has her spa set up in a lovely, small room, with enough space to sit down, put your belongings, and move about. I was greeted with a bottle of water and a smile, and the entire hour continued with informative, personalized care. I asked Tanya how she chooses her products with so many out there. When she explained to me her reasons and how she is integrally involved with the product, I felt completely at ease.
It was my first time getting microdermabrasion and scrubs that go from gel to liquid to exfoliating. The entire experience was fantastic and today my skin feels softer and lighter than it has in years...literally years! Going back to Balance will surely be an expense I prioritize every 2 months from now on. Thank you for a superb facial :)
And what a facial it was.
I took the facial known as microdermabrasion and my skin responded beautifully. And I needed it!
Tanya's attention to detail in what she knows and what is best for you is impeccable.
Put this on your "to do" list. Make it important!
It's truly a gift you give yourself!
Tanya is a walking advertisement for skin care. She takes great care of herself and passes on all that wonderful knowledge to her clients. I had never had a true skin treatment until Tanya worked on me. She was informative through the whole process and instilled the confidence in knowing her profession. I walked out of her office feeling as refreshed as my skin looked. Tanya knows what she is doing and I highly recommend if you are looking for a facial pick me - go see her soon!
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Tanya will customize your treatment to your skin problems. She's so gentle and caring I trust her completely with my face. I have sensitive skin and was concerned about the microdermabrasion being too harsh. She started with the lowest setting and gradually increased the strength of the microdermabrasion to the appropriate level for me. My skin felt smoother and softer after the treatment. Most amazing was her help in getting my acne breakouts cleared up for my wedding, using gentle and effective products, and several facials. I followed the regimen with the products which she recommended faithfully. The breakouts, probably due to pre-wedding nerves, cleared up in time for my wedding day!. Thank you, Tanya! www.balanceyourskin.com
Tanya takes such good care of me and my skin. I have very sensitive skin which she works with so well. I never have any problems from her facials and the light dermabrasion she does on my skin. For me to find the perfect person to keep my skin looking 10 years younger is awesome! I follow up with good home care and use pure mineral makeup for the last 15 years! I feel very fortunate to find her!! A true gem.
Tanya is awesome. She not only wants to make you feel better and relax during the facial, but she wants to correct any skin conditions or problems. She cares about your overall skin condition. She is educated and continues to learn about new treatments. I highly recommend her if you are looking for an awesome facial experience and get great advice.
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I went to see Tanya because my skin is very dry. She was just great, she talked to me about what she was going to do and then in a calming style gave me a facial. I do not go for many of them but I will go back to Tanya again because of her expertise and her ambiance.
I have gone to Tanya to take care of my skin and I feel younger and fresher. The best part was that my doctor told me I looked 10 years younger than I am, she couldn't believe my skin.
Now I had the opportunity to try Tanya's wonderful new person, Marina. She is very gentle, caring and has an incredible touch. I felt so pampered and felt so incredible. When I got home, my husband told me that I was glowing. Marina is every bit as good at the facial treatment as Tanya is, so if you can't see one, definitely see the other, you won't be able to tell the difference, they are both fabulous!
Find out more about Tanya and Marina at www.balanceyourskin.com, you won't be disappointed just in heaven from the best facial ever!
Margie Krasno, IMAGE Publishing
www.imagepublishing.com
02/14/08
Tanya is the best! After having two children in my forties it was showing on my face. I saw Tanya for a six session microdermabrasion and peel. Now I swear I look 5 to 8 years younger. Great small enviornment with no pressure to get extra services like a spa. I now see her once a month and use her Skin Therapy products. She is very knowledgable about skin care as she has been a rep for a skin care line.
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Tanya was recommended to me through a group I belong to. I have had very little experience with deep cleansing skin care, so I didn't know what to expect. Tanya was welcoming and warm and very professional. She is gentle and caring! Her treatment room is small and very cozy, with a crisp clean relaxing scent. I felt relaxed and very comfortable
Tanya walked me through every step of her treatment. With constant concern of how I was feeling and reacting to the product. Her deep cleansing and care of my face was fabulous. She is very knowledgeable and has great advice as to how to maintain your skin.
Tanya is a sweet and caring person and most important to me, "She Is Not A Hard Sell". I will recommend her to all my friends knowing her caring and calming style will sell itself.
Thank You Tanya...I will be back!
I am not someone that gets facials on a regular basis, but when my skin feels the need, it is difficult to find someone to trust with the job. Well, let me tell you I found the perfect person and her name is Tanya. She is just awesome and I love my facials with her. She has a cozy space and she make the facial a wonderful experience. So if you are looking for someone who uses natural and safe products to give your skin a beautiful and radiant look.
I gave myself a treat on my 40th birthday. Tanya educated my on how to take care of my skin and avoid pigmentation spots. Super pleased with the process and the results. Would highly recommend anyone to meet with her and utilize her expertise.
I have been going to Tanya and Balance for over a year now, and my skin has improved noticeably. The microdermabrasion and other treatments have worked wonders. But over and above that, Tanya has taught me how to care properly for my skin, so that I can avoid further damage. She's also worked wonders with my two teenage daughters - they now understand the importance of regular skin care and love getting treatments that are just right for their ages and skin condition.
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