No-Nonsense Skin Care at Its Best

Back in the USSR, estheticians were trained in medicine. They cultivated and foraged for their own herbs and they custom-blended their own products. This European tradition lives on at Ráya, a well established LA skin care center (they've been around for over 30 years!), recently expanded into a fully modern spa on La Cienega Blvd.

We were positively radiant after a good old-fashioned facial with Lily. Under the unforgiving, bright light, she steamed open our pores and squeezed blackheads we didn't even know we had. In addition to vigorous cleaning and rigorous extraction, we enjoyed a customized peeling and hydrating mask and a relaxing head and neck massage. Our hands felt silky for days after the intensive moisturizing treatment.

Ráya specializes in the treatment of problem skin, and their practical techniques and products will leave any type of complexion looking its best. They also sell an extensive line of fine skin care products developed by Ráya herself, and made at their factory in the Valley.

For no-nonsense skincare (without the new age ideology), close your eyes, tune in to the ambient classical music, and entrust yourself to the sturdy hands of Ráya's expert estheticians.

Review originally published 3/16/2006.