Ida, I was one of your first patients when you started using the Altus Laser back in 2003. I received approximately 4-6 treatments with the laser and I have not had any razor bumps since and my skin is remarkably smooth. The treatments worked so well that I don't look my age of 60+ Thank you so much! Johnny read more

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I scheduled a consultation with Ida, very hopeful after years of looking for an aesthetician experienced with brown skin. The consultation room was a bit shabby and the lights were turned down very low, which I found strange. I asked why it was so dark and she said it's like this in all treatment rooms, so we spoke for 20 minutes in extremely low light. As we went over my skin concerns in the dark, I requested a treatment with 3 goals: reducing PIH (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation), clearing congestion, and general nourishment of my skin. Ida suggested using arbutin and kojic acid for the PIH. I asked if these were bleaching agents, because I love my skin color and am not interested in making my face lighter. She assured me that these were gentle and not bleach. But then later Ida referred back to our treatment plan as "bleaching", which obviously alarmed me. I said "bleaching?", and she again reassured me that was not the case. Very strange. She then told me that because I have sensitive skin that I needed to cover my entire face every time I'm in the sun, with a wrap around mask that reveals no skin. I balked at this, expressing reluctance and confusion. I'm from Jamaica where we have equatorial sun exposure and people still have clear complexions. I said I wasn't sure I could commit to that. She just kept insisting that it was the only way to prevent hyperpigmentation. She said that the skin color on my chest (which is lighter than my face) is my "true" color. I always thought that just my un-sun-tanned color. Hmm. After the session, I researched arbutin and kojic acid and read that the latter requires users to avoid the sun or it increases melanin production. So maybe this is why she was saying I would need to hide my face from the sun? I was confused. At that point I decided that I didn't want to use the kojic acid. So I texted Ida saying I didn't want to do the skin lightening treatment but still wanted to get a facial for the other goals (clearing congestion, nourishing my skin etc). She texted back that that was fine. But the next day I received a text from Ida saying that because I was "rejecting" her treatment recommendations that she could no longer work with me. I was changing my mind about skin lightening, not rejecting her advice. I was still looking forward to working with her. This was a strange and disappointing experience. I was really rooting for Ida as a black female small business owner, but I think she needs to work on a few things including misinterpreting a client changing their treatment goal as a rejection of her expertise. If you go to a restaurant and order a meal, then change your mind and ask for a different dish, they don't refuse you service. ‍ read more

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Love Ida! After my esthetician told me to look for someone who works on darker skin I ended up here. The treatment was life changing! Ida was very sweet and explained EVERYTHING including skincare while getting services. Almost 6 months later after treatment and no more pesky ingrown chin hairs! (Full Face) read more

I am a dark skin woman who has dealt with facial hair and ingrown hairs my entire life after puberty. I started going here in my late 20s and after 3 months of laser, I no longer have ANY problems on my face dealing with hair or ingrowns after seeing her. She changed my life ! read more

The Skin Studio is by far the best find ever. Today marks my fifth laser appointment for underarms, kegs, bikini, and face. All of my services have been excellent. Ida is exceptionally knowledgeable and forward thinking regarding laser and one's skins next steps for a healthy and lasting outcome. The studio is always clean, low key, and vibrant. My appointments are always adhered to, on time, and met with great hospitality. My results have been great, and I'm so glad I made the decision to choose laser as the option for me. Parking is a bit tricky, but if you are early to your appointment, you should be just fine. Nevertheless, it's worth it. Check out the Skin Studio and ask for Ida! read more

i absolutely recommend The Skin Studio. I have been going for treatments for many years and I look 20 years younger than my age. My last series with Ida was with the Gently Waves light plus glycolic acid . I did 8 sessions culminating with a microdermabrasion and I couldn't be happier with the results! I look so dewy fresh and I get compliments all the time. People can't believe I'm 70! Totally recommend. Plus Ida is a sweetheart with many years of experience. read more

The Skin Studio - No filter. Yup 70! - Skin Care Near Me - Oakland, California

Laser hair removal on my legs and bikini line was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Don't get me wrong - it was a journey (both in time, comfort, and finances). However, the results have brought me so much freedom! I rarely even think about shaving my legs. If I notice a few long strands, shaving is a breeze. I strongly recommend someone with troublesome hair to do it. I had dark, course hair on my legs - and a lot of it. Shaving was becoming very dramatic (and expensive), with a need to exfoliate, use fresh razors, and after-shave cream. I would still see the hair follicles after a fresh shave and often get razor burn. During the summer, I would shave daily. My first treatment was difficult. It's uncomfortable and painful. After, my legs and bikini line bled a little (like razor burn) and felt terrible. They itched and I was a little concerned by the process. A few weeks later, I didn't feel like it was much of a noticeable difference (again - I had A LOT of hair). My second treatment was easier and less impacts afterwards. That is when I saw a noticeable difference in the amount of hair on my legs. After six laser hair removal sessions, my situation is WILDLY different. Ida even took care of my uni-brow! I've been back to have laser on my upper lip and a touch-up on a stubborn area of my legs. Ida is a complete professional, especially in uncomfortable situations (spread eagle on the table). read more

I called here for an appointment the owner of the this was incredibly rude! Rushed me off the phone. Than when I called to reschedule my appointment she was rude again! Definitely won't be going back. Ida needs to learn customer service skills. read more

I decided to treat myself to a facial and couldn't be more pleased. Melody Marigny has such an amazingly calm presence. She was very honest about what I needed and explained the process. The room decor was perfect, my favorite color which made it all better. I felt very relaxed during the facial. When I left I looked like a different woman, younger and more refreshed. I appreciated that Melody didn't try to push a bunch of products on me. She made gentle recommendations with no pressure and I felt that she genuinely cared about how I would care for my skin. I'll definitely go back regularly. read more

I'm not really a hairy person but I'm def a lazy person. So if there's a procedure I can do to minimize the time I have to spend to be ready for the world, I will do it. I've been seeing Ida since January for various hair removal services- pits, gams, "the works". I love Ida. She's so sweet and lets me be rudeAF and just listen to my music and swear when the laser gets to more sensitive areas and not actually make any conversation otherwise. It's actually really comfortable in that no convo sense. Def not in the naked straddling this woman I barely know sense, of course. The laser, I can't lie, is so f*cking painful. People tell you it's like little rubber band snaps and on some areas it is and its fine. But on some parts... my fucking god. Hell hath no fury like that little laser on the middle of my armpit or ankle, or butthole. The studio is right on Piedmont in this little nook next to one of my fave antique stores. Inside is pretty low-budget and not exactly a super medical space but it's super private and at any given time you'll be the only client getting treatment. Ida's voice is so calming. Even though I immediately put my headphones in to drown out the laser sounds and my pain, I think I could listen to her speak all day. It's def not cheap for laser hair removal anywhere, and to be honest I have nothing to compare it to, but I haven't had to shave my pits in like 3 months so I think that's a pretty fair trade off and I'm happy with my investment. read more

The Skin Studio - Storefront - Skin Care Near Me - Oakland, California

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DO NOT SLEEP ON IDA! Ida is the BEST that could've happened to me and my facial hair and dark marks. I found Ida online and after only 3 treatments (still have a few to go) I have so much LESS hair. I even let my guy rub all under my chin, whereas before he was not allowed to touch my face. I'd make up excuses (like your hands are dirty) to prevent him from touching my face because I was so self-conscious and insecure. I'm not anymore. My confidence is back! read more

I am absolutely in love with my skin. Between last fall and now my skin has taken a turn for the best . I've experienced the ultimate glow up!! Having laser hair removal from Ida and my facials and skin peels from Melody. This has been the happiest and most confident I've ever felt about my skin! I refused to be a mid 30 year old with terrible break outs,Ingrown's and dark spots from hormonal imbalances. These two ladies have definitely helped me accomplish a whole new level of pride and confidence. I'll be getting another peel this coming fall and am excited to see the end results . read more

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Let me start off by saying Ida is incredible!!! As a black woman with all types of skin concerns I'm always weary of who I let touch my skin. From facials to laser hair reduction Ida does it all and is the absolute best! I'm never worried and I always know I'm going to have the best results. Hands down 5/5 stars! read more

Ground down by work, kids, taxes, responsibilities, stress? Burning the candle at both ends or just feeling burnt out? Here's a mini-vacation that will leave you with the afterglow of a week off-the-grid...a facial with Melody Marigny. From the calm warmth of her welcome to the conclusion of your treatment, Melody offers an extraordinary level of personalized service and professional expertise. Now I'm a believer! read more

HIGHLY recommend Melody at The Skin Studio on Piedmont Avenue. I have been going to Melody for about a year and always leave feeling refreshed, relaxed, and happy! Melody has decades of experience with skin care (both in a salon and medical setting) and personalizes each treatment. Melody at Skin Studio is right for those looking for a relaxing, decadent, and very affordable experience--as well as those looking to change the health of their skin. Melody works with people of all ages and shades with problem skin using skincare lines about which she has deep knowledge. Beyond that, Melody is truly a kind, generous business woman who is such a pleasure to know. I love ANY time I get to spend with her. Melody at The Skin Studio is a GEM! read more

I had (keyword) whiskers where ladies prefer not to have whiskers. I managed, but after begging my best friend, and ultimately making her pinky swear, to pluck my chin EVERYDAY if ever I fell into a coma, I decided to find another option. For one, that would be a lot of stress on my friend since she'd already be super sad that I was in a coma. For two, I am too young and entirely too cute to go out like that. So I did my research and found Ida. I'm Black, so because of science, I require a special laser - which The Skin Studio offers. However, what sold me on the skin studio was Ida's expertise - she knows her stuff, professionalism - she handles her business, and spirit - she's got good energy. I process the vibe I get from people as much as I do the words they say. For me, a good vibe can be a deal maker. Helpful to Know: No, it doesn't feel good, but neither do lady whiskers. Think pinprick with a sprinkle of static-electricity. Not awesome, but definitely not the worst thing ever. This is not inexpensive, but it is ABSOLUTELY worth the money, especially if your unwanted hair is a hindrance in any way. The value of the result far exceeds what I paid for it. read more

I brought a friend. There is nothing more bonding than having your legs spread wide open in front of your friend while a stranger zealously goes to town on your most sensitive areas... I won't lie and say it didn't hurt, but they rub you down with cooling lotion afterward. Ever since then, I have had a fascination with S&M... I was smooth for a whole 8 weeks afterwards. LADIES!!! 8 weeks of no shaving and pure silky goodness! purrrrr.... read more

Not sure when it happened. And it's unclear who initiated contact with whom. But somewhere in my genetic history that must have been one hot-looking chimpanzee because man oh man did I inherit the resulting body hair! :) It was tolerable during my younger years. Then there was the manscaping phase. But then it became like black moss, slowing spreading across my body, and I decided enough already. Might laser hair removal be the solution? I first went to a doctor with a fancy pedigree and very expensive pricing, thinking only the best for this body o' mine. But that treatment was ineffective, despite going through a full course of treatment on certain areas. I figured that chimp must not only have been sexy, but it must have had really strong hair genes too! :) And the moss spread, undefeated, maybe even encouraged by its newly proven resilience. Desperate and frustrated, I decided to try again. This time I specifically sought a laser hair removal practitioner who is a nurse. My wife is a nurse (practitioner) and I'm a huge fan of how much more attentive, compassionate, and open about body discussions they can be. I called one nurse who does laser hair removal, but she said she no longer does men, and she referred me to Ida. I'm so happy she did. Ida is amazing. She is so diligent, kind, thorough, professional, and caring. I wholeheartedly concur with everything in John S.'s review. As noted above, I too have tried at least one other place for laser hair removal and, despite paying plenty money and wasting hours of my life being zapped by an unpleasant person, it was totally ineffective. Ida uses a different, much more effective laser (it takes longer, but the results are well worth it!), has great understanding of different skin types and the need for different laser settings, uses cooling techniques that reduce pain and promote quicker healing, is so patient and fastidious as she cross-sectionally treats each area, and is a genuinely nice person too. I've been so happy with this decision and the results have been awesome. read more

If you've spent anytime . . . 1) boozing it out . . . 2) lighting it up . . . 3) tanning it on . . . you probably can't lie about your age anymore . . . Facials, Treatments, Laser Hair Removal for the substance and acne prone. Boy it's great to be 20-something **again**! *Ask for Ida Lipscomb* read more

Had my first visit today with Melody and it was a great experience. She is very personable and the facial was thorough. She uses high quality products and my skin was literally glowing after the service. I found my forever esthetician! read more

I went to Ida for laser hair removal and she then worked with me to get my skin looking flawless for my wedding. I had a glow that no makeup could have achieved. She was so patient and over the 8 months, she studied my skin and found solutions to dark spots, acne, deep pores and uneven skin tones. I'm going to continue going to her because she goes above and beyond to do what she can to get you to your natural beautiful skin. read more

Melody Marigny is an amazing Esthetician. After having my first facial treatment with Melody, I felt so great and totally rejuvenated. She has a smooth and relaxing touch. Melody is very knowledgeable of skin care, skin type and also a good skin care regime if needed. It was a beautiful, professional facial experience. The skin studio atmosphere is calm and serene. I totally and highly recommend Melody @ The Skin Studio. read more

I went here for a facial with Melody. I recommend Melody. She was really nice, answered my questions, gave me much needed information, and was just overall very informative and honest! I'll be returning for another facial with her. I also liked that she didn't press for me to purchase any products - that's always a turnoff for me. read more

I just had my first facial in quite awhile from Melody, at the recommendation of a friend. What a lovely experience! Her warm demeanor, careful explanations, and attention to my concerns were great, but she also has this amazing touch... tender but with perfect pressure for the facial massage. It's clear that she cares about your wellbeing through her service. The products that she used were organic for the most part, and all smelled and felt wonderful. I left feeling refreshed, glowing, and cared for. Go treat yourself, you deserve it! read more

I have been coming in to the Skin Studio for 10+ years. Ida is beyond warm and kind-hearted. I've done everything from laser, to facials, and eyebrow waxing. Ida is the only person I trust with my eyebrows and facials because she knows exactly what she is doing! I've had a very successful laser treatment with her as well. Not only do I love her services, but her skincare products are just as great. I use her acne cream and the spf skin protection daily. My acne scars have drastically improved and so has my skin's overall appearance. I will forever be a loyal client of Ida's! read more

Mel did my facial she is knowledgeable and amazing. My skin looks better than it has ever . Really like 10 years younger

I had a great experience at the Skin Studio getting a facial from Mel. She was warm and friendly, with a calming demeanor. She was knowledgeable about my skin and made some recommendations for ongoing skin care. My skin looked and felt wonderful after she was done. I plan to go back! read more

I have been coming here for the last 10 years to get a facial. I do not live in northern California any more but I make sure to stop by this place every time I am visiting town. My face always feels refreshed and it is a home like environment. I don't get my facials anywhere else! read more

Let me just tell you - getting laser hair removal from Ida on my face has got to be the best decision I've EVER made for myself. I waited to write a review, but I'm now done with 6 treatments and could not possibly be happier with the results. I'm 33, South Asian, female, and struggled with facial hair from my mid to late 20s - which just got worse and worse from all the plucking leaving me with hyperpigmentation and super thick and embarrassing mustache, chin and beard hairs! I'm a medical doctor and did tons of a research before committing to a place, and I'm so glad I found Ida. She has years of experience working with lasers for pigmented skin and you can tell. She has a reassuring and confident presence, and she is precise and thorough (her skin is also goals). I had dabbled in ineffective electrolysis in my 20s after my sister had a bad laser hair removal experience herself 15 years ago, so I was nervous and skeptical but I'm so glad I went for it! Shaving for a month before the first treatment was absolute torture but because my hair was so coarse, I noticed an improvement after a single treatment (which I was always skeptical about hearing other people say). After the 3rd, I no longer needed to shave at all between monthly treatments. After the 6th, my face is so soft, hairless, and the hyperpigmentation has faded dramatically. I have so much confidence back! I haven't touched makeup or a tweezer in over 6 months! I should be the "before/after" model on the website because it worked so well for me. I want to laser off everything now! Plus it feels good supporting her business and mission. Thank you, Ida!!!!! read more

Spoke to the owner Ida, and she was not willing to give a quote for a hair removal treatment on the phone. Did not want to give a ball park, sounded rude and unhelpful, and basically lost a client because she did not even bother to ask any questions about my needs. read more

My daughter had laser upper lip removal with absolutely no results after almost $1,000 worth of treatments. It seems Ida didn't have much experience with the laser because my daughter said sometimes she could barely feel the laser, and other times I could actually smell flesh burning. We were never told that the treatments would be best done in the winter when her skin was lighter and we were told to come every 4 weeks( I've heard 6 is more the norm). I also had a facial done by Ida. She had me lay down and proceeded to put lotion on my face. I was wearing a work shirt and had to ask her to put a towel over my top so it wouldn't get dirty! There were robs hanging in a closet, but I was never offered one. She put some lotions on my face (never explained what they were) and would LEAVE THE ROOM for at least 10-15min between whatever goop she was putting on my face. When it was all done, my face was beet red. Needless to say, the next time I took my duaghter in, my face was still red (1 week later) I still have reddness along my nose which never went away. Turns out she used GLYCOLIC ACID and I have roseacea, which I very specifically wrote down on the intake form and reminded her of before she started. I thought about complaining to the cosmetology board, but my daughter was still going through treatments and I didn't want to get on her bad side. Whew! That feels better. I would never go back and I feel like a wus for never complaining. Now I'm looking around for somewhere else to take my daughter, but I don't feel as if I can trust anyone after this experience. Be careful! read more

Ida is amazing for laser hair removal. She's as sweet as can be while she zaps you with a laser that's killing your hair follicles. I usually take some Tylenol before I go to see her to take the edge off. She's great with scheduling and very detailed. read more

I have gone to this place for about 5 years and I get a facial atleast once a month. I have also gotten laser and I have never been more satisfied. The quality of work is great, the detail towards everything Ida, the owner, does is very on point. It feels like home because I am very comfortable there and I'm always happy to go. I've tried other places for facials and I've tried to buy creams and all these products but nothing works better than natural creams and a natural facial! I don't think there is a better place than this. I highly recommend to everyone! read more

Ida has been taking care of my daughter's skin since she was 13. First we saw ida for facials to help with my daughter's acne. We loved how good she was technically and she was kind to boot! We then came back for laser hair removal. As a half-Asian half-Caucasian, her dark hair against light skin was something that impacted her self esteem. After treatment my daughter couldn't be happier. Ida has been a lifesaver and I wholeheartedly recommend her!! read more

Found this place by looking at reviews online. So far have only had two laser hair removals and I have not had to use cream on my neck to remove unwanted hair in weeks. After years of dealing with unwanted hair on my neck and chin I now wish I would've found this place sooner lol. I will continue to go to get all my treatments. I wasn't sure if it would work or not but it did and I'm very happy. No longer am I having to use cream on my neck once a week so my co workers won't notice. read more

I have been going to Ida for over 10 years now. There are not enough positive words I can say about her products and services- but my testimony will say it all. I started getting really bad acne in my mid 20's and there was nothing that would seem to help my complexion from Murad to Dermologica to Chanel I tried it all. Until I was referred to Ida. I started by booking a facial and a peel. after about a month I noticed the difference, now I dont even HAVE to have a facial I just use the products religously- I now can not tell you the last time I have had any blemish skin discoloration or pimples. I LOVE IDA AND ALL THAT SHE DOES! she saved my skin! read more

I have always been skeptical about the value of facials. Thought I could accomplish what they claimed to deliver by using good products at home on my own. I could not have been more wrong! My experience with Ida has totally changed my perspective about the importance of getting your skin cared by someone who knows what they are doing. In 2 weeks I literally saw hyperpigmentation reduced by at least 50%. My pores look like they did ... well actually .. my pores have NEVER been so small. My skin tone is as smooth as it has ever been. I can literally go out with bare skin when I want to!! This is a first!! I have recommended Ida to my daughter, my 2 sisters and a girlfriend. This is the first Yelp recommendation I have EVER given and I am thrilled to give my first to Ida and the Skin Studio. I also want to say how much my skin has benefited from Ida's skin care line. After seeing what her products do I have taken the Skinceutical, Colette e Moi, Estee Lauder, Clinique and all the other stuff that I have in my collection of 'creams and potions' that did NOTHING for my skin and am now using them on my feet! I am converted -- only Ida's products go on my face. I wasted a lot of money on a lot of stuff with fancy claims and price tags that literally did nothing for my skin. I am so grateful to have found The Skin Studio and Ida!! read more

My mom and I came here last year for her birthday and we both had facials. The facials are better here than Burke Williams (seems like they were more knowledgeable). The environment was shabby chic and they carry great products! read more

Ida does amazing transformation to your skin I came here last year for laser hair removal and If I tell you my skin is flawless the dark marks from ingrown hair has even faded, I'm so happy. A couple more treatments or needed for excess hair but after that I'm good. Try her out you won't be disappointed and she is affordable. read more

Based on the reviews here, I visited the Skin Studio for a bikini wax. It was as comfortable as these things go, though I felt a little weird when my lady said, "oooh, good one" after a particularly productive rip. Easy to schedule, lovely environment, and efficient service. Probably not the spot for someone who needs lots of hand holding, though. read more