Alisha Valverde Medical Skin Aesthetics

I came to Alisha back in March in hopes of achieving better skin. Since then I’ve had 3 of her signature facials and must say my skin has improved greatly! I trust Alisha, her advice and recommended products. Why?
–She is extremely knowledgeable, careful and precise
–Her tips and suggestions have helped me with my daily regimen
–She takes «before» photos so you can monitor progress and the success of your goals
–She’s a great listener, especially when I have specific concerns or ask her opinion on a topic
–Her office is calm, quiet and clean — with great music I might add! :)
–She is a beautiful person inside and out — I enjoy our conversations and her own skin is evidence she knows what’s she’s doing!
I would highly recommend Alisha to anyone who is looking for a skincare partner in crime. She will certainly help you achieve your goals. I look forward to every visit and take comfort in her expertise.
Thanks Alisha!!! :)

Alisha’s office is like a hot tub time machine for your skin. I have been seeing her for about 4 years and really think my skin looks better and younger than when I first came in.
She is incredibly precise and professional with her work, and covers all the bases with your skin. Eyebrow/​lash tinting, microderm, extractions, customized peel.
And best of all, she sets you up with a suite of products at a strength that you can’t get from department stores or Sephora (because she partners with an MD on her treatments and products).
Alisha is the real deal, and the evidence of her handiwork is evident on her own ageless face. Something to strive for :)
I can’t recommend her highly enough.

Unilocal users never let me down! I went to Alisha after reading all the great reviews and will never let another person work on my skin. She was amazing! I arrived in the waiting area, ts cute, comfy, and tastefully decorated. There wasn’t much of a wait, less than five minutes. The actual spa room is even cuter than the waiting area. Again, tastefully decorated, you decided on how warm or cool you would like the room to be, and the bed is super comfy. First thing Alisha does is take a photograph of your face, then she asks you about your goals for you skin. Then she starts going to work. You can tell by the way she talks during the process that she is very passionate about what she does. She is honest (in a very nice way) about your skin and what it’ll take to get you through your goals. She has great hands which makes the entire process pain free. I went home feeling refreshed, extremely satisfied, and with my next appointment already scheduled.
Thanks Alisha for making my skin glow!

Alisha is fantastic at what she does. About a year ago I started experiencing some crazy acne (coinciding with an increase in external work-​related stress) and going to Alisha since has been a godsend. What I appreciate is also that she always takes care to talk me through what she’s doing, sometimes showing me the differences that a certain treatment has made on my skin (she took pictures of my skin at each of our appointments as well, so that I could definitely see an improvement).
Her schedule can be a bit tricky to work with but I would say that’s more a sign of the quality of work that she does than anything else — she’s just in high demand! But it’s easy to make appointments if you’re flexible about timing, and once you get in your first appointment you can just make the next one at the end of your session.
Some of the treatment (the bleaching crème and face wash) that she’s prescribed me has truly helped me tremendously. Thank you Alisha!

Happy to find Unilocal!I’ve been using Unilocal for 5 years and it never steers me wrong. Thank you Unilocalers for the tip on Alisha. Battling large pores with dry skin then some breakouts and stubborn hyperpigmentation that didn’t lighten up with department store brands.
I expected to wait for an appointment but she fit me in within the week, called me back in 24 hours. They have nice receptionists answering calls. The evening appointments were taken but she had other times so I made it work. I’m glad I did. I’m so happy with my skin. My before photos were not easy to look at. Over thirty and I looked older! Not anymore, didn’t expect such great results at a 5 week mark. Met Dr. Greene too and he recommended I come back to remove some capillaries with some laser, scheduled and will update. Seems their approach and emphasis is natural beauty. It took discipline but the instructions were direct. Alisha’s skin looked radiant and youthful so I gladly took advice from the professional. I’ve been looking at my after photos all evening. She happily made me copies.
I’m really amazed that with 2 chemical peels and medical products I have smaller pores and no ugly large freckles. Plus they discouraged me from wanting to buy everything, she wanted to stick to my goals and keep it simple. Added a compounded VitaminC at the second appointment, I’m seeing less fine lines at 2 weeks. Thanks Medical Skin Aesthetics for your professionalism.

Alisha is simply the best of the best, my skin is getting flawless and cleaner and more radiant than ever before! You must try

Alisha is a skin savior. I was introduced to her by a friend/​client of hers 8 months before my wedding. I was desperate to fix my skin before the big day. Not only did Alisha fix my skin to the best it’s ever been, she’s overly accommodating and a joy to visit with. She is a beautiful person, inside and out, and can truly help you achieve the skin you deserve and want. I am now a lifetime customer.

It has been around 8 months since I have visiting this place and the results are remarkably phenomenal. I am so happy to have found this place, my friends and everyone around have noticed the difference and it feels magical. I always look forward to this appointment. Best thing is the right treatment Alisha has to offer and the aftercare that she recommends; it simple works wonders. I highly recommend this place.
This is exactly what I had been looking for so long; I am glad I finally found it.

Alisha has helped me clear up my skin immensely. I’ve been battling acne since my early teens in the form of mostly stubborn closed comedones on my forehead and the occasional cyst– which all got worse after I developed a resistance to Retin-​A.
The aesthetician that I had been seeing for a while before Alisha always left my face swollen and sometimes bruised from her terrible attempts of doing extractions. She also played really depressing music, which in combination made me want to cry.
Alisha has improved the health of my skin and has given me the confidence to wear less makeup! Since she works closely with a dermatologist, it makes it easy to obtain prescription skincare from a dermatologist without the separate visit, which is perfectly convenient! When I see Alisha, it’s not just the typical run of the mill microdermabrasion treatment and painful extractions. Her methods are gentle yet effective. Not only is she great at what she does but she’s smart and personable and has great taste in music (no elevator music in her waiting rom :))! I highly recommend her and no one else!

Since the main point of her practice is to help you develop a long term skin regimen — thought i’d best update my review after several months of ‘skin work’ with Alisha.
I have definitely seen noticeable improvements in my skin. I think I’m lucky with decent skin to start, but it’s quite remarkable what proper long-​term care can accomplish. Best thing is, some of Alisha’s recommendations don’t involve expensive Magic in A Jar at all (although Magic in a Jar is always a nice treat). It’s true, a couple of her tricks require me to do a little more laundry … but i’ll let her share those details. ;-)

I should also point out that it’s not all THAT hard to get an appointment, IF you are flexible. If you can only fit in your facial on a Thursday between 5 and 6:30 — well, yeah, you’re going to have to be a little patient. But Alisha works hard to accommodate schedules, so there are openings and if you can make it work, she will make it work. And your skin will be glad you did.

I’m a huge fan of Alisha. Professionally, she is a no nonsense, no frills, results-​driven skin guru who will help take your problematic skin to the best it can be. She is so meticulous and knowleageable — i always feel comfortable in her hands. Personally, she is a gracious, gentle and warm woman. Her passion to help her clients is always at the forefront and I can’t reccomend her enough!
Yes, she is crazy busy and her schedule is tight! But she works over time to squeeze everyone she can into her schedule and thank g-​d for it! My skin has never looked so good. It has calmed down dramatically and been consistently fab since Alisha’s entered into the picture. Her techniques are tried and true, and I’m so happy to say I can finally go make up free.
thanks Alisha!

I cannot recommend Alisha and her services enough. I originally found her through Unilocal a few years ago and had good results, but fell off the good skincare wagon so to speak. Huge mistake. After experiencing a particularly horrendous breakout, I went back to see Alisha and after a year of consistent visits I have seen an amazing improvement in my skin’s tone, texture, pigmentation, pore size — really in every possible way. As opposed to typical facials, Alisha offers customized skin treatments to strategically target your skin issues, with a lash and eyebrow tint to boot! This could include extractions, derma-​peeling, microderm, chemical peel. In addition to being sweet and friendly, Alisha is extremely thorough and dedicated to helping you improve your skin. She has completely changed my skin care routine — giving me very specific instructions for face washing and care — and turned me onto skin care products that actually work for me (a sunblock that won’t make you break out — YES it exists!).
After visiting multiple dermatologists, spas, and providers — from the very high end to the bare bones basic — I have found the most success with Alisha. I only regret I did not go to see her sooner. After many years of antibiotics, peels, Accutane, over the counter topicals, light treatments — you name it, I’ve tried it — I have finally found the gold standard — it’s Alisha. So now, even though I’m a debt ridden grad student, this is the one luxury/​necessity I will not give up. If you’re serious about changing your skin, it’s definitely worth the wait to see Alisha.
Oh, also she sends you on your way with a nice, light make-​up application. So, if you do happen to run into the love of your life post-​treatment, you will be glowing.

THANK YOU to the below Unilocalers for turning me on to Alisha! I admit that even at this late age and with skin I’ve always heaped demonic curses upon, I have actually NEVER had a professional facial before. This site tipped my view from «relaxing luxury» to «could actually help you battle the skin-​beasties.»
I just had my third visit, and I have to say, I am hooked. There was never anything that was going to change my skin’s essential nature overall, but man, is it ever a lot brighter and clearer, and headed towards the best it could possibly be. The combination of her in-​office work and her at-​home regimen mandates (hint: FOLLOW THEM) and products have really made a world of difference.
Ditto what everyone else says, too, on her being an absolute sweetie, and the whole experience being a smooth and pleasant one. I refer to her as ‘the magical unicorn removing gunk from my pores.“
p. s. — great music suggestions. THANK YOU ALISHA!

Five years after my first review, and I thought I would write an update. It’s none of your business how old I was when I started seeing Alisha, but I will tell you this — I haven’t aged a day since. Some may even say I look younger. Remember that movie «Death Becomes Her»? Alisha is like the Isabella Rossellini character with all the secrets to not aging, but without the bitchy characteristics. Ladies, it’s not a magic potion like in the movie (although Alisha will guide you to choices on the most effective serums and creams), what it is is maintenance. One hour every few months in her super comfy slice of heaven treatment room, and following some key at home daily steps (ahem, sunscreen, people) and you too can stop aging. I kid you not — you can even turn back the clock.
I cannot recommend her enough. If you are contemplating coming to Medical Skin Asthetics or going somewhere else, choose here. I have had my share of facials and coming to Alisha is where I have seen a true difference,
Good luck beautiful! xx

The treatment with Alisha was bad. She would not listen to my request NOT to have eyelash tinting and insisted we try it. The tint burned my eyes after she left me alone in the room calling out to her to return (which she did not: I had to go out and find her). My cornea was burned and I had to visit an ophthalmologist for an exam and prescription remedy.
After the facial, which I did not enjoy due to her lecturing me about how perfect I am not (uh, who is?), we met outside the facial room so I could pay. She asked to see the current products I use, which I had brought along as suggested, and Alisha proceeded to try to up-​sell me to all her pricier products, telling me that the ones I use are awful, and was very patronizing and condescending about how they were made and the *packaging* the products were in. Seriously, a «professional» trying to tell me that you can tell it’s no good because the *packaging* doesn’t look good? I could not believe my ears. Did I just arrive here with the last rain shower? It was like being lectured by a ten year old in a lab costume.
Perhaps I should not expect more from someone working in the industry where appearance is everything. All that glisters is not gold.
Also, word to the wise, an esthetician who is affiliated with an MD is eligible to jack up the prices astronomically. You may never see the lurking physician, but you’ll fill out extra paperwork and be charged more for the privilege.
If you believe the hype (like she does), and are swayed by *packaging* (like she is), then you’ve found your ‘med spa’. Otherwise, avoid it like the plague.

Alisha’s extremely sweet, kind, gracious and professional. I had a less than stellar experience the first time I was in to see her and wrote about it in a Unilocal review. The very same day, I had a message from Alisha in my inbox following up, and three days later she followed up with a phone call. She was so apologetic and wanted to give me a complimentary treatment to make up for it. While normally I’d have been a bit wary of going in to see someone I had just written a negative review for, Alisha was so kind and not the least bit defensive and made me feel completely at ease.
I know how very busy she is (I waited about 3 months for my first appointment!) so I know how difficult it must have been for her to fit me in the very same week. She took so much time and care treating my face and I walked out feeling radiant (with a bunch of samples and vegetarian restaurant recommendations!) I plan to follow the home care routine she recommended and look forward to seeing the results. I’m officially converted, and will definitely be going back.
Thanks so much Alisha! I wish more businesses cared as much about customer feedback.

Alisha has completely transformed my skin in the year that I have been a regular client. She works in a unique way to hone in on all of my problem areas and actually treat them when I am in her spa. She also teaches me how to care for my skin at home and sends me off with products that I can not find anywhere else. The home chemical peel pads I bought from her store work wonderfully and I get the benefits of the peel at home! She also gave me bleaching cream that works to even out my dark spots! I also love the cleanser, toner, and sunscreen I bought! I tried to purchase Lateese lash grower but Alisha was honest and said that I did not need it, rather then just pushing a sale!
I love coming to the Med Spa for the overall experience and my before and after photos show my skin loves it too!
Thank you Alisha for teaching me how to look better! Can’t wait for my next appointment!

I’ve been a client of Alisha’s in the past when she first opened her doors as Medical Skin Aesthetics. First off, I’d like to mention how awesome it is to see how many people love her services and how many people she has uplifted because of such skill and talent. It’s great to see how Medical Skin Aesthetics has really flourished and rightfully so.
Alisha delivers a no nonsense approach to all of her facials. We took before and after photos and saw a dramatic difference in my acne prone skin. It was fantastic. The facials consisted of steaming, extractions, intense medical grade peels, topped off with a recommended home regimen if necessary.
One thing that I have not discovered with any other esthetician is the way Alisha incorporates dermaplaning into the sessions. Dermaplaning is a process where Alisha takes a blade and literally shaves and scrapes the hair off of your face as if you were some type of burly man. Ladies, kiss all of your peach fuzzies, unibrows, moustaches, and sparse chin hairs goodbye! Virtually painless and the results give off a baby smooth effect. Not to mention that this technique also aids in exfoliation. Plus and plus! Oh and get this, Alisha takes it a step further and plucks some of your visible nose hairs away as well. Ouch. This part I hated, but necessary I’d say. Nothing worse than a tarantula leg hanging out of one nostril when you’re on a hot date.
In short, Alisha delivers quality, attentive skin care. Alisha has a genuinely endearing presence and makes you feel really hopeful about attaining a clearer, brighter complexion.
The unfortunate thing is that she gets super busy with other clients, so please keep in mind that appointments here might be hard to get into when wanting a regular routine. I am not definite on whether this has changed or not since I haven’t been in a while.

My first visit was AMAZING. She’s very nice, good at explaining things, and she just has the magic touch. Unfortunately, I had to move back to SoCal so I’m not in the area anymore. I seriously consider moving back up to SF just so I can see Alisha. I really want to make a trip back up there every 3 months or so. she’s that good – worth the 1 hr flight/​6 hour drive.
I’m still hopping around LA trying to find someone just as knowledgeable as Alisha and it’s SO HARD. I was supposed to go to my 2^nd appointment but I ended up with food poisoning and couldn’t make it. Since then I haven’t received a call back but I’m not even in the area so it’s understandable. Maybe one day she’ll up and move down to LA (a girl can dream). Cherish her, SF!
Update: They now have a 48 hour call-​back policy. It’s so amazing how she is still working on making it better/​easier for us when she’s already so busy. That is what I call great customer service.

I’m convinced. Alisha Valverde is the best aesthetician in the Bay Area. Hands down.
The first time I went to Alisha I got lash extensions for my wedding. I’ve gotten my eyelashes done before and was happy with the results but they were not nearly as thorough as Alisha. My eyelashes are already very dark but Alisha tinted them to make sure they matched the extensions exactly. She then painstakingly applies the extensions one by one to the root of your lashes. She is so concentrated and careful. In the end they were so beautiful and so realistic that I did not have to wear mascara on my wedding day… seriously. And when I started tearing up during the ceremony I was confidant that I would not have racoon eyes.
Next I tried a facial with Alisha. I haven’t gotten a facial by anyone else since. She is so thorough and careful that nobody else can measure up. She begins by making you very comfortable. Then together you discuss your skin history, problem areas, skin routine and any prior treatments. Alisha listens carefully and tailors your facial to meet your specific needs. For me she does dermaplaning where she uses a surgical grade scalpal to remove the outer most layers of dead skin cells and facial fur. After the planing alone my skin feels greatly improved — softer and smoother. Then she uses a peel to get deep into your pores and clean out any impurities. She finishes with a moisturizing treatment which I believe includes applying sunblock.
One of the things that makes Alisha’s treatments so special is the level of care and attentiveness. Alisha even cleans up your eyebrows and any little nose hairs. Another reviewer talked about her getting a blackhead out of her ear. Well, apparently that’s common because I had one too which my husband had been unsuccessful at extracting. Alisha quickly and painlessly got it out for me.
So if you think you’ve had a good facial before, you ought to go see Alisha. But fair warning, she’ll spoil you!