Skin Care on the Edge

The founders of Kinara named it so because the word means "on the edge" in Hindi and, for them, meant they would never stop questioning the boundaries of what a spa experience should be. Their plan was to mix old world recipes with ever-advancing skin care technologies to create a unique experience for each client. Everything about the spa: the space, boutique, café and treatment menu, is a reflection of this premise.

Our Deep Detox Facial was designed, like all of Kinara's treatments, by co-founder and LA skin care superstar Olga Lorencin-Northrup. Galina, whose own complexion was like an "after" picture in its flawlessness, was our capable guide through this fully customized, therapeutic and relaxing facial.

Galina cleansed and massaged our face, gently touching its pressure points, then turned the steam on it as she slathered our hands in cream. Next, for our temperamental skin, which happened to be in the full throes of a breakout (what luck!), she brushed on a tingly solution of lactic acid. She then neutralized the acid with baking soda, warning us that it would feel like she had mixed a glass of Alka Seltzer on our face (it did). After that, she applied a gentle chamomile and rice powder scrub, and used a super-soft revolving brush to buff out any dry patches left over from the acid peel. She performed extractions with great care and expertise, and then applied an anti-inflammatory green tea toner. She finished up with a high-frequency ultra-violet light treatment to kill bacteria and tighten pores, followed by a soothing, anti-bacterial chamomile mask.

We sipped cucumber water with Galina before heading out, fresh-faced, into the beautiful West Hollywood day wondering how we could question the boundaries of what a Sunday afternoon should be.

Review originally published 6/11/2008.