I have had a few facial with Val now, and each time has been amazing. She takes the time to examine you skin type and suggests the best facial, and the facial itself leaves your skin feeling soft and nourished. My skin is acne prone and very sensitive to many products, but I have never had a reaction to any product she uses. The entire ambience in the room is silent, dim and calming; and you will walk after the hour long session feeling totally relaxed. Val even takes the effort to tell you what you are doing right and wrong with your skin care routine if you ask her. Well worth the money and time spent! The place might be hard to find; just know that there is parking at the back of the building in case you are unable to find street parking. read more

I have visited Val three times, two for a microdermabrasion and one time for an acne facial. The sessions are about an hour long and each time I leave feeling fresh and rejuvenated! She is super sweet and very easy to talk to. She is also very informative with how to keep your skin healthy. Would recommend her to anybody! Tip: her studio is in abc dental and she accepts payments through venmo :) read more

Another solid 5 stars for Valerie! It was my first time coming here last weekend, and she was so nice to wait outside for new customers! She definitely explained everything she was doing (I got the microdermabrasion [first time] and facial), very friendly and not pushy at all. When it came to extractions, I was definitely in pain (close to tears!), but surprisingly, the redness wasn't TOO bad afterwards. And when I was completely done, my skin looked like it had foundation on ........ crazy! I've never had that experience before. Will be coming back, thanks Val! To everyone else, book appointments early, weekends can get busy. read more

Best facial ever! I've been going to Val for a few years and it's the best facial I've ever gotten. I've gotten more expensive facials that aren't half as good! My skin glows after I leave - I wish it always looked like that! She's wonderful and so good at what she does. Highly recommend! read more

I came here during the holidays for a facial and it was the best thing ever. First of all I messaged her the day before ( during the holidays) and asked if she had anytime to give me a facial since I was only in town for a few days and she totally made it work! She even Came in early so she could make time for me. She was really nice, she didn't even push any products or upgrades. She was sweet enough to give me a mask upgrade at no extra charge since it was the holidays. My face had been so dry , and I left super moisturized and my face wasn't irritated like it usually after facials. This is the place for affordable facials that comes with great service! I really wish I lived closer so I could go more often. read more

Every time I've seen Valerie, my face has felt amazing. The products she uses is wonderful and my skin drinks it all up! I have dry skin so her nourishing products along with her facial massage technique is by far the best! I swear, it feels like she has two sets of hands on my face! I have no idea how she does it but all I know is I LOVE IT and I always leave feeling relaxed and moisturized! Her pricing is competitive and very well worth it. I highly recommend her!!! read more

HANDS DOWN, Valerie is an amazinggg woman who has perfected her craft. This review is definitely overdue, however, I wanted to ensure I can provide the best & most accurate information possible to my fellow Yelpers. After having Valerie work on my face for about 4 months now, I can say it's finally time to write her well needed review. =) Here I am, trying to find a place that offers "Diamond Peel Microdermabrasion" through Groupon & after browsing through dozens of local spa/facial services, I came across La Val Skin Studio because I noticed that Val's Diamond Peel Microderm that usually goes for $100 per session, had a $60 discount (WHAA!) & was only $40 (+tip)! (thanks, Groupon!). I mean, why the heck not?! That's such a good deal that I didn't want to miss! Of course, I had to check each spa/facial service on Yelp first to see if it was the best fit for me, & I noticed that La Val had a full 5 star rating! I was completely blown away. I also noticed that La Val had recently opened up, so OF COURSE I was skeptical. I don't let anyone work on my face. I want someone who's skilled, certified, & highly knowledgeable on their procedures & their products. Though as I read through the reviews, a fellow Yelper had mentioned that Val had been working on people's skin for many years now, just now has she recently decided to open up her own venue. LOCATION: You can find her petite, 1 room office inside the ABC Dental office in Union City. You guessed it, I got lost & had to call her on my first consultation. Remember: once you walk inside the ABC Dental Office, continue to walk straight down the hallway and her room will be the last one on the left. She will have a sign out if she's currently busy with a client. If so, just wait in the waiting room near the entrance, & she will come out to introduce herself. Valerie is absolutely gorgeous! It's hard to tell that she once suffered from acne issues in her prior years because her skin is flawless & porcelain in complexion. Initially, you'd think she's wearing airbrushed makeup, until she tells you that it's her real skin & that all she wears is sunscreen. THESE ARE THE PEOPLE WHO YOU CAN TRUST YOUR FACE WITH, I'LL TELL YA! PROCEDURE: She begins the procedure by requesting you to lay on the spa bed (and go underneath the warm blanket if you're cold), close your eyes, & relax. She then preps your skin by cleaning it & wiping off any excess oils/makeup on your face. Once that's done, she starts the microderm procedure, which is where a state-of-the-art diamond cut handpiece will be used to gently remove the dead skin & debris on the outer layer of your skin, leaving smoother, cleaner, brighter skin. It'll feel as if a micro vacuum is sucking your skin up, nothing too outrageous, though. The Diamond Peel microderm is safe, effective, gentle, clean, won't leave any residue. After the procedure, Val will show you how much dead skin and debris was removed during the procedure! Lastly, she then applies a soothing mask to relax and hydrate your skin. You will leave her office looking and feeling refreshed, & you will immediately feel the difference, guaranteed! BENEFITS: The Diamond Peel is excellent for anyone whose skin is dull, flaky, dry, dirty, & anyone with clogged pores. The Diamond Peel can also help improve the appearance of brown spots & wrinkles, & can also help patients with mild to moderate acne by opening up the pores & allowing them to breathe. MAINTENANCE RECOMMENDATIONS: Val will recommend this procedure to be done every 4-6 weeks for best results. She will also ask if you apply Sunscreen on a daily basis, which is EXTREMELY important. If you don't use sunscreen, she offers a variety of different sunscreens to best suit your skin. I currently use the TiZO3 Age Defying Fusion Facial Mineral Sunscreen by Solar Protection Formula. It's sheer & recommended for those who have oily skin. I highly suggest you discuss with Val as to what's the best sunscreen for you. 1ST TIME CLIENTS: -Book an appointment with Valerie, by calling her directly at: (510) 282-3400. 24 hours before your appointment, she typically sends you a text message confirming as to whether or not you can make your appointment. -Valerie ONLY ACCEPTS CASH OR CHECK. She does NOT accept debit/credit card. -If your appointment is on the weekend, make sure to allow 5-10 mins additional for parking purposes. Parking can be a tad difficult as there's Farmers Market beginning in the early A.M. -Try to book your next appointment after your procedure. It's easier to discuss available slots then so she can also plan ahead for her hundreds of other clients. After the first session, I almost immediately received a ton of compliments. I don't use foundation or concealer, yet people think I'm wearing makeup! I plan on trying even more of her procedures! Thanks, Valerie!!!! =) read more

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I try to find top notch skincare due to my sensitive and acne prone skin and I am glad I did my research! I ended going to Valerie since I have had consultations at other places and they seemed to be dishonest especially with their before and after photos that I would actually find on the internet. It was super disappointing. Skincare places also like to use photoshop to trick their customers. Valerie did not have any fake photos and the reviews from her customers seemed reliable. Also when you meet her in person you can tell she is not wearing any foundation to hide imperfections...like others have said her skin is flawless! I have met other estheticians who wore foundation and have wondered why they would have to wear make up if they were good with skincare. Makes you feel skeptical but not with Valerie. She was incredibly knowledgable and professional about proper skincare! I felt she truly cared about taking care of my skin because she was not trying to force expensive treatments or any of her products on me. She is kind and only advised about the most affordable treatments that would give me efficient results and how to maintain your skin afterwards. She also gives you her best advice on ways to prevent breakouts and decreasing acne marks which is an issue I have been dealing with. I ended up deciding to have a facial for now to unclog my pores because they were extremely clogged from make up residue and oil which she suggested. The facial was relaxing and she had very gentle hands. She extracted my pores very well. My skin felt so fresh and clean which was needed to be done before I get a chemical peel. I was going to get a chemical peel that day which would decrease the appearance of my acne marks the fastest but I decided not to opt for that for now because you need at least a week for recover time. Due to all the peeling and staying away from the sun. So when I find extra time off from work that will be my next treatment. I absolutely enjoyed my experience with Valerie. I actually ended up buying her products even though she did not force them on me. That is how trustworthy I felt from her. I got the sunscreen which has a SPF of 40 since it is very difficult to find a sunscreen of that amount that is mineral based and non greasy formula in the drugstores. Trust me, I have searched for one at drug stores with no luck! read more

Val is really really great!! I have been coming to her for facials and microdermabrasion monthly. She does great service, explains very well to clients on how to take good care of your face at home as well. She also gives a lot of tips of do's and don'ts for your face, and this makes me trust her well for the services she is providing me. I have been having hard time to look for a good skin care place in my area, and I don't mind driving all the way to Union City from Milpitas. As her regular client, I always purchase the products she is using and recommending for my facial maintenance. She is very friendly and nice, and you are welcome to send her a text for appointments too! :) Will be back next month for my monthly facial read more

Val is soooo wonderful. Like everyone else said, this place is a little difficult to find. It's inside of the ABC dental. Val must have seen me wandering around and came out to get me lol. I was blown by her skin and shocked when she shared her age with me. I came with really congested skin, especially my nose and chin. I have eczema and reduce my visits to an esthetician because I don't want to risk any allergic reactions. But my time was due and I HAD to see someone for my face. She was friendly, she asked me the basic questions, was very thorough and her place was clean. At the end, I did not come out like a lobster and my skin felt soooo soft. My skin of course is not as nice as Val's but it's better than it was coming to see her and I am HOOKED. She gave me tips and advised that if I had any questions to just shoot her a text. How awesome! I will come back and hopefully more frequent once the eczema irritation on my chin is gone! Tips she shared with me: -apply sunblock every day and reapply!!! -hydrate -eat clean, it shows on your face -wash you face thoroughly even if you aren't wearing a lot of make up (day and night) It's been two weeks since my appointment with her and I can safely say that my skin still feels smooth. My sister went too and she's still smooth but I can't speak for her as I can for myself. read more

I was shopping around on Yelp for a good place for facials and I'm SO glad I came to La Val! She has a small space that is tucked behind a dentist's office, but she was waiting by the entrance because she knew it was my first time. How sweet! She led me to her workspace, which is a cozy room with low lighting and two beds. Everything was very clean. She examined my skin under her light and explained how I should take care of my skin and what she was going to do. I trusted her so much because her skin is absolutely flawless without makeup. When she told me her age my jaw dropped because she easily has the skin if someone 15 years younger. I have brown skin that is dry and has dark spots/hyperpigmentation from old acne. I wanted to even out my skin tone. Since my scars aren't too bad, Val recommended microdermabrasion instead of a chemical peel. She is very knowledgeable about brown/darker skin and I felt like I was in safe hands. She is so gentle with her hands and does not skimp on product quality or amount. She also put some vitamin c cream, did an awesome clay mask, and finished my face with moisturizer and sunscreen. I ended up purchasing the sunscreen that she uses. I later checked Amazon and she sold it for the same price as was listed. My skin looks and feels great and I will be sure to only come to Val for my facial needs! read more

Val was amazing! She did an amazing job with my facial and didn't try to sell me any extra skin care product. She exceeded all my expectations! read more

It's been four days since my daughter and I visited Valerie at her studio for a teen facial and a signature facial and our faces look amazing! No inflammation or breakouts! Our experience with her was the best we have ever had! She is passionate, professional and funny! We found our new spot for future facials! read more

I've been to Val a few times now and I seriously love her work! Her prices are so reasonable I've had acne treatment with her afterwards she recommended some products and the cost was inexpensive and they truly did work my face has cleared up so much. I've always had a chemical peel done and I definitely looked so crazy I stayed indoor for the whole week making sure no one saw me lol but once the week was up my skin was truly in its best shape it's been in a while it's so smooth so clear I have a glow to my face. If you are thinking of trying out Val you definitely should she really does know what she's doing. I won't let anyone else touch my face again after her! She is amazing! read more

After reading all the positive reviews on Val, I decided to make an appointment. This was back in October 2014. Unfortunately, she was going out of the country for awhile so I wasn't able to book an appointment until December 23, 2014. From the moment I met her, she had such a warm and welcoming energy. Her skin is FLAWLESS! So definitely, the proof is in the pudding. She walked me through each step of the microdermabrasion process and even made me feel my face so I could feel the difference. I have noticed a great improvement in my skin and have took to her advice of wearing sunscreen DAILY and reapplying every 3 hours with my powder sunscreen. I am already planning what treatment I want to have done next! read more

I have been going to Valerie since 10/13 when I moved to the East Bay. I found her on Groupon when her spa was in Fremont and thought she was really great. She does extractions very meticulously, which I love and focuses on your problem areas. She is professional, knowledgable and a sweet person to chat with. I usually get acne facials with her but more recently I have started getting more services like the whitening facial, eye treatment and microdermabrasion. As she has helped my skin clear up. I love going to Val to relax get a quality facial/ massage. I always leave happy and with clearer looking skin. I definitely recommend Val for anyone who enjoys any quality skin care service. Some people charge the same price for a sloppy service but Val always comes threw with her expert techniques. Krystal M read more

Valerie is so cute and so good with the magic of her hands on her face that I think after 25 yrs, I am finally hooked to someone who I know can take care of my face as if it was theirs. I used a groupon and i was skeptical. She is using groupon as a way to advertise her new place in a dental salon and man it was so hidden but worth the 1:1. I am a believer and will follow her where ever groupon or not! read more

I found Val through Yelp. Everything others have said about her is true. She is a lovely person and gives a fantastic facial. No sales pitches. My skin was glowing after the moisturizing facial. Looked like I.had makeup on. Ask her for tips on caring for your skin. She is a walking advertisement.....her skin is flawless. I like how she will.text you the day before your appointment to confirm. I've been twice and am going to continue. You won't be disappointed. read more

Valerie was awesome! I had a acne facial done because my face been suffering from breakouts and acne for some time now and she helped me tremendously! She explained to me how bad I'm taking care of my skin and gave me tips on how to improve my skin! She was very professional and explained everything she was doing! I really appreciate how friendly she was! Definitely coming back read more

Today was my first time to go to La Val . Valorie was so nice and friendly . She recommended getting the signature treatment for my face as it was dry. she was explaining every step and was always checking if I was comfortable. She sounded so professional which is so important if you wanna get facial treatment. After the treatment was done I was able to see a BIG difference . I love how my face looks and feels now . It's clear and smooth . I will definitely visit her again soon =) read more

Val is great I must say! I've been looking for a regular esthetician and she's my new go to. Very knowledgeable and personable, I appreciate the tips she gives me and the work she does on my face. She has amazing skin herself, so that in itself is very reassuring! Will be back once a month! Thank you Val read more

What more can I say? I will follow her wherever she moves. I always love my lashes, I always love my facial I just love her to death! I would recommend her to anyone! read more

Love her! she is so charming apart from being so good at what she does! I just tried to set up an appointment on the same day and was a wknd she have a packed sched and said she cant take me on that day, it was a saturday, but i got a call fron her and said she can take me at 530 pm, she actually extended her hours so i can have my facial done!! Super nice!!!! it was my first time going there and had a wonderful experience had the Ultrasonic lightening treatment and was very happy about it! Val definitely knows what shes doing! would definitely recommend to my friends! read more

Val is very professional and knowledgeable. During my visit another guest came in and thought it was her day for her appointment and my appointment was at the same time. She handled the situation very professorially. She lead me into the studio where I relaxed and she stepped out to talk to the lady that had thought her appointment was at the same day and time. She then came back and apologized for the inconvenience. You can tell she cares about her clients. She told me I needed an acne facial as well. I got my microdermabrasion done first which was then followed by an acne facial. I'm really happy I came here! I highly recommend Val! read more

Val is just amazing. I have been going to her for about 2 years now and i feel like i have known her for years. She is super friendly and nice. She makes the hour appointment worth it and she is very punctual I have never had to wait for my appointment. The products she uses is great, haven't had any reactions. She gives really good advice. I know Im going to the right person because her face is always glowing and its perfection so it gives me support trusting my face with her. Very professional and never a dull moment with her. read more

I was introduced to Valorie by a friend a little two years ago. That being said, this review is long overdue! Let me just start by saying that Valorie is absolutely good at what she does. Before coming to Valorie, my skin was a complete mess from working outdoors. I've gotten facials from others before Valorie however I never wanted to come back because I would breakout afterward or it would hurt so much that I wanted to cry out stop. Now with Valorie's talent, my skin looks amazing. It is the smoothest and softest it ever been. I've even gotten compliments from others. Valorie is really gentle yet gets the job done. She makes me feel really comfortable during the session. She makes me feel like I'm visiting my friend rather than my esthetician. Valorie is honest and wouldn't sugar coat which I appreciate very much. I highly recommend Valorie. She's great, non-pushy, talkative, yet will give you peace and quite if that's what you desire. She's very accommodating to my schedule which can be a challenge sometime. Her pricing is reasonable. I've been going to her over 2 years now and will continue to go to her for my facial. She's simply the best! Oh, I think she has magic hands! read more

Valerie is very professional and courteous every time I go to her. She gives me tips and pointers on how to keep my skin clearer. Her routine makes me feel refreshed, like my whole face went through a detox! I would definitely recommend her to anyone that's having troubles with acne. read more

This is the only place that has helped me control my ace. I've been coming to Val since July (monthly) and she has done magic. Her prices are fair and reasonable. I would recommend her blindly!!! read more

I don't think I'm ever going anywhere else for skin care. Val is awesome, she's warm, and funny, and welcoming and she strives to do what's best for her clients. I followed her advice (e.g., use the products she recommended religiously, make sure to put sunscreen every time I know I'm getting sun exposure, change my sheets once a week and my pillow cases every two days, etc.) and my skin looks so much clearer and glowing that even my friends noticed it. I highly recommend her. I've been to more high-end, fancier places in Berkeley where I had to spend $$$$ for a facial but nothing worked out better than Val so I'm sticking with her. Definitely coming back to see her next month! read more

5 stars for her!!!! .....I have been coming to Val for almost 2 months now. And i would have to say she is really GOOD! I have had previous experiences where the skin specialists would just be sales persons and would want me to buy some creams or toners or facewashes from them...which I realized doesnt work. But Val truely takes care of your skin, provides guidance on making it bettr without you having to put fake cosmetics on your face! My skin became bad with acne and scars because I could nto find a good doctor to heal it in the US but i am glad I found her...the treatments and steps she gives me really works! I never easily trust people when it comes to my skin and especially after meeting salespeople trying to lure you with their products...but I truely liked the treatments she is givintg me and so I also decided to write a review (which normally I dont unless something is really good!) read more

I highly recommend coming to Valerie! Known her for years. I recently experienced a horrible break out that wasn't clearing up.. came to Val and had an acne facial and extractions done. Cleared up my skin dramatically. 100% trust her with my skin. read more

Val is so so so sweet! Her studio is a hidden gem! I've gotten a facial from her four times now and my skin is a lot less congested. I have oily skin that is prone is getting blackheads. All my deep blackheads have been extracted by Val. My skin is noticeably smoother now than when I first came in. I think I get an acne facial? I just go in and tell Val to do her magic. First, I get extracted. The thing I was worried about when finding a new esthetician was the pain of extractions. I've been to other paces before and I've left in pain and with a bunch of tiny red dots all over my face. When I get extracted by Val, it hurts much less than other people. She's mentioned to me it is because she does not extract unless the blackhead/pimple is ready to be extracted. I also don't get very red after Val's extractions. After extractions, she does a mask that is soooo relaxing. I swear, every time she leaves me alone while it's drying, I doze off. The mask feels amazing and refreshing after being extracted. I really love the products Val uses on my face. I don't know what it is but whenever she puts a spot treatment on me, my stubborn pimples become ready to pop the next day. I've gotten a face wash and a sunscreen from her. The face wash is gentle and lasts forever. The sunscreen actually mattifies me so I really have no excuse not to use sunscreen. Val is super easy to talk to. She's cheery and bubbly so you feel really comfortable stepping into her studio. Talking to her takes my mind off the pain of extractions. She's also super knowledgable. I ask her tons of questions and she always has an answer. I highly recommend Val to anyone who is trying to take better care of their skin. She offers helpful advice and bomb service! read more

I have been getting facials from Valorie for a few years now. She is spectacular!! I came to her with a lot of acne due to emotional stress and for a long time now my skin has been very clear and smooth. I get compliments all the time on my skin. I have acne prone skin now in my fortys and I see how important it is for me to maintain it with facials. She is extremely sweet, funny and knowledgeable. I've learned so much and highly recommend her. read more

I have been going to La Val for almost a year or two now, and every time I go I am very satisfied with results. Val has always recommended and suggested me what to do to improve my daily habits in regards of better skin care. She is very well experienced and very well professional with her work. I can't thank her enough for caring for my needs of looking proper for my wedding. Val you are awesome and I can't think of any other place I would imagine going to, I am located 30 mins from her location and the drive is always well worth and money well spent. Thank you. read more

Val is amazing. I've gotten so many facials before but she is by far the best. I came in for an acne facial because my skin has been breaking out like CRAZY. Val got a lot of the black/white heads out in just an hour. She gave me some really good tips on how to change my lifestyle to have healthier skin. I love how she was just so real with it. She made me feel so comfortable and when I left, she gave me hope hat my skin would get better. I already made another appointment for another acne facial. I can't wait to see how my skin turns out after this journey with Val. read more

Valorie is my savior, sent from the skin gods. I have been going to Valorie for over a year now. I have acne prone skin and even been to the dermatologist. She knows her stuff and never makes you feel uncomfortable. You know that feeling you get when someone looks at your skin?! Lol I'm not going to lie and say extractions are not painful but afterwards, your skin is soft, supple and de-clogged. She never tries to up sell products and she answers all your questions. Don't hesitate!Your skin will thank you for it!! read more

Ive been coming to Valerie since April 2014. I get the microdermabrasion and love it! Valerie is gentle and very informative about the different types of skin types and remedies for problem skin. I hadn't come to her for about 6 months due to working and boy did my skin let me know. I was breaking out and stressing about it. Valerie saved my skin once again and this time I ended up buying all the products used. Valerie is definitely worth giving a try! read more

I had a microdermabrasion and a facial done by Val just a couple days ago. Valerie was professional and knowledgable. I have never seen her spot in Fremont but I like this new place. Clean, quiet, private. My first time experience of a microdermabrasion was very nice. I had a diamond facial in which Valerie took her time with extraction and the face mask. (I sneaked in a quick nap as well haha). Val was proactive in asking me my routine and to work with me to get my skin in an optimal condition. I enjoyed that about her because I am not too well informed in skin care and Val helped me feel more comfortable about it. I appreciate her appointment reminder via text on the day before. I also appreciate Valerie's accessibility and how welcome she is of questions to teach her clients. Definitely give her a shot! I was very pleased; I already have my next appointment with her set up. read more

After having bad acne and being on every kind of treatment from prescription to expensive over the counter drugs, I still not only got frequent breakouts, but my skin was pretty scarred. I bought a groupon for just the diamond microdermabrasion for the scarring but showed up with a bad breakout. She offered me the acne facial, and let me tell you my skin has been better than it has been in the past 4 years getting "treated" with harsh prescribed topical medicines that made my skin red and dry and peel, by a dermatologist. My scarring has also diminished but I need a couple more diamond micordermabrasion sessions (it's the only thing that's worked!) She's SO sweet and makes you feel SO comfortable and relaxed. Today is my last of 3 sessions, I came online to buy another 3 and HAD to stop by and leave a review! read more

Just started a skin regimen with Val. She's friendly, patient and really takes her time with her services. I'm giving four stars since I've only started a month ago and will be updating my review as I see progress, but even after two weeks of using Val's recommended products I've been receiving compliments of how nice my skin is looking! Mind you, I work excessively long hours, including grave and my skin was becoming extremely dull and clogged. Looking forward to working with Val for the next four months and hoping on-going maintenance. She also offers reasonable rates compared to the competition, which is always a plus factor. Very pleased so far. read more