Balance Skin Care & Electrolysis

Balance has been operating for more than 20 years and serves clients from San Jose and Scotts Valley, with the Scotts Valley location also serving Santa Cruz County. The San Jose suite is on the ground floor behind the main building, past the building with blue awnings. It has ten parking spaces in front and one spot reserved for clients near the entrance.

The facial menu runs from the Clarifying Facial, which deep-cleanses, exfoliates and extracts, to the Hydrating Facial, offered for sensitive skin at $115. The Balance Signature, at $155, is shaped to each client's skin needs and combines neck and shoulder massage, extractions, exfoliation, resurfacers, microdermabrasion where appropriate, and masks. Microdermabrasion ($145) is offered as a corrective treatment for sun damage, fine lines and acne. The Glycolic Facial, also listed as a chemical peel at $125, uses alpha hydroxy acids with extractions, massage and a mask, aimed at fine lines, wrinkles and texture. The Dermaplane Facial ($165) uses a surgical blade to remove dead skin cells and fine vellus hair.

Electrolysis is offered on the face, neck and underarms, but not on bikini or Brazilian areas. The business describes it as the only FDA-approved method for permanent hair removal and says it works on all hair colors and skin tones. It also states that electrolysis is safe for all skin and hair types. New clients start with a $60 consultation to set a personal plan and treatment settings. Sessions are priced at 15 minutes for $50, 30 minutes for $75, 45 minutes for $100, or 60 minutes for $135. Permanent results typically take several sessions.

Before an electrolysis appointment, clients stop tweezing, waxing and threading and let about three days of growth come in, though shaving is fine between visits. For at least 48 hours beforehand, clients avoid sun and tanning beds, and they stop retinoids a week ahead. Clients who have had cosmetic injections are asked to wait at least two weeks before booking. Anyone with a health condition affecting skin, heart, blood or hair growth is asked to check with their doctor first. Afterward, some redness, swelling or tenderness is normal and usually fades within a few hours to a couple of days. Harsh products such as retinoids, exfoliants and alcohol-based toners are best avoided for at least a week.

The Dadashie Acne Treatment is a home product system that the business presents as a way to reduce acne without invasive treatments. It costs $75 and is available only to returning clients who have had a first visit. The business says the system has more than 20 years of proven results.

Care is built around each client's skin care or permanent hair removal goals.