Sugar & Spice Skincare

Sugar & Spice Skincare began in 2010 as a mobile treatment service that traveled to clients across San Diego. In early 2013 the skincare practice started working out of established cosmetology salons, and in 2016 it moved into a private office in Mission Valley, where it is based today.

The practice is built around sensitive skin. Facials are customized to each client rather than driven by product sales, and the business says it keeps product use light. The menu includes a 60-minute Fresh Face Intro Facial for new clients, which includes a skin analysis and a massage; a 60-minute customized facial; a 60-minute inflammation, sensitivity and acne facial using Bio-Light; an oncology facial designed for cancer patients and survivors; and a 90-minute Ultimate Facial with Bio-Light that adds hand and foot treatment.

Body services include a 60-minute customized treatment for the back or chest, and a firming treatment that combines enzyme and TCA peels with red light therapy, worked on one area at a time. Professional chemical peels start at $150 and carry 5 to 14 days of downtime depending on strength. Peels are not recommended for darker skin tones or for clients who sunbathe. Sugaring hair removal is priced from $15 to $125.

The In-Depth Consult and Treatment, priced at $199, combines a skin analysis with a DermaScope, a customized facial, education and a home-care plan. Before facials, peels or facial sugaring, clients are asked to avoid face acids and retinol products for one week, and clients should wait 10 to 14 days after chemotherapy before a facial.

Cash is preferred, and Venmo and credit cards are accepted; credit card payments carry a 3% processing fee. At least 12 hours' notice is requested for cancellations, and last-minute cancellations and no-shows are charged the full service cost. Arrivals up to 5 to 10 minutes late are accommodated depending on appointment length; arriving more than 10 minutes late requires cancelling or rescheduling. Hours are Monday to Friday 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and closed Sunday.

Treatments are customized to each client, with minimal product use and recommendations for where clients can buy what is suggested.