skoah — Local services in Vancouver

Overall: Medicare facial and probably will not go back.

My friend really likes Skoah facials and I had a $25 voucher to use on a facial. I’m not new to facials but have never been to Skoah. I called and inquired about a few different facials and was told that they offer $20 off on a facial for first time customers. I was interested in a few of their facials including a Feb special facial and their yaletown promo facial which included a $50 credit on any serum purchase. The associate advised the $20 first time visit credit cannot be applied to the Yaletown promo since there is already a $50 credit. So with that info, I decided to book the February special which she confirmed the $20 off would be applied.

Fast forward and I arrive for my facial and I’m told that because it’s a promo the $20 isn’t applied… even though she confirmed several times on the phone. I decided to stick to the facial anyways since I was already there. I understand if it cannot be applied to a promo, it’s the fact that it was confirmed several times on the phone before I booked that is annoying.

The facial itself was very mediocre. I prefer facials where my face is steamed before extractions. Instead, a chemical exfoliate is used for a minute and then the manual extractions lasted maybe 2-3 minutes, and my pores didn’t feel cleaned out. Maybe others prefer this way, but not my preference. The facial I bought included a LED light mask which also lasted maybe 2 minutes as most… it was on while I got a quick hand massage. The rest of a facial is just them putting their product on your face then wiping it off.

Service wise the girls are nice and friendly. When I went to pay it was a different girl helping me (different from check in) and said I’ll get a $20 off because it is my first time. I was confused at this point. But after trying to apply it she said it didn’t work because it was a feature facial. I’m not sure if this is the same girl who I originally spoke with on the phone, but it seems like some of the staff could benefit from more training on their offerings.

As for the $25 voucher I got… I’ll let my...

I'm not even sure what I paid for? I had read some reviews about this location prior to booking an appointment, and although I had read some bad ones (refer below), I had also read some pretty good ones so I decided to give it a go! Bad decision. From the moment I walked in, reception services were very uninviting, and the place smelt like harsh cleaning product. Was taken into my room by the "trainer", who was very meek, timid, and really gave off the energy that she had no idea what she was doing. I had initially booked for the peel facial, and was not informed that I could not use exfoliant about a week prior (I have had many peels in the past, and have never heard this, but I definitely appreciated the caution here). After asking me about 4 different questions, I could sense the hesitation in the trainer's voice about going through with the peel. It was not until I pushed further that she let me know it was a bad idea... the customer should not have to push to that extent. It is literally your job to inform the customer accordingly. Anyway, we switched facials and she didnt take time off which was lovely. Now, I'm not sure if she was new, but my goodness this was probably one of the worst facials I've ever had. After informing the trainer I did NOT want to have a play by play of what she was using and doing, she still proceeded to do so. She got glycolic mask ALL over my lips, and my lips were numb for an hour after the appointment. No steam at all used prior to extractions, and extractions only done on nose...??? I've had tons of facials and have never ever experienced this. At the end, my skin felt tighter than when I walked in, and I immediately went home and washed off all the product. Also, pushing products on customers whilst in the middle of a facial, especially after they had asked you not to give a play-by-play? Highly inappropriate. Even after the $25 discount code I received, not worth the money. Will absolutely not be returning. Save your money and...

My SO surprised me with their Facialicious treatment (75 min facial with massage). I get massages and other body work done frequently, but I had never had a facial before. I was nervous and excited. The front area was clean, but smelled a bit off, a bit like pet food (this was surprising for a spa-type place!). I was expecting to be offered tea or water before my treatment, I mean "training", but no such luck. I sucked back on my water bottle as my "skin trainer" introduced herself and lead me into a small room. I discussed my very dry and very sensitive skin and she left to let me undress. Lying there, the HVAC system was outrageously loud, and the pop/top-20 music blaring out the speakers was not adding to a feeling of calm I had anticipated. The treatment began and she lathered on product after product after product. The massage was... Not therapeutic, but it did get my blood circulating and it was relaxing. I went in with skin feeling dry, but looking bright. I left with skin feeling less dry and still bright. Two days later and my skin is angry; it's not breaking out, but holy it is dry and red and spotted with new rough patches. Maybe Skoah's whole shtick about "skin training" means my currently red and weird skin is normal in the aftermath of the "workout". Nonetheless, my pores are smaller and my face feels less congested. I like this feeling.

I also loved that my "trainer" didn't chat with me; she had a really gracious energy that let me sink in and truly release my stress (if only for 75 minutes). The staff was young, but very kind, warm, and efficient.

Be prepared that an $88 product may be pushed on you by your trainer.

I won't go back to Skoah again, but I truly appreciated the experience of a facial.

(Also good prices for the...