Naturally Luxurious

When we crossed the threshold from the hectic street into Arcona's calm foyer, our whole body went "aaah." The skin care line and facial treatment studio recently closed its Studio City location and reopened on busy 5th and Broadway in downtown Santa Monica. We were escorted into the waiting room, a tranquil space dotted with fresh orchids, lined with comfy suede-upholstered chairs, and lit with a mild glow. Quiet music played in the background. The atmosphere was so mellow, it was hard to believe we were there on the busiest day of the week.

e sipped cucumber water and filled out an extensive questionnaire asking about our skin, the products we use, allergies, sensitivities and medications. (The first time you visit Arcona, we recommend you arrive a few minutes early to give yourself time to fill out this questionnaire. It's long, but allows the aesthetician to customize your treatment.)

Arcona Vice President, product developer and aesthetician Chanel Janae treated us to the Organic Enzyme Peel, meant to promote cellular renewal for sun-damaged (check), dull-looking (check) and aged (getting there) skin. She took special care to ask about our current regimen, and to accommodate our dermatologist's orders as well as our skin's special needs. She used a series of products from the Arcona line, each one smelling better than the next, and all containing live, active, natural ingredients like cranberry and pineapple. Chanel was careful to check in on our comfort throughout the soothing hour-long session, which consisted of steaming, cleansing, toning, light massage and, of course, the peel itself. Afterward, we felt simultaneously relaxed and rejuvenated, and our face had that pink, healthy glow we usually get from chemical peels...only without the chemicals!

Review originally published 10/4/2007.