I've been seeing Cristina since 2014 now.. pretty much almost monthly! My skin feels amazing and I'm constantly getting so many compliments. I love that she's always adding other services. Just yesterday I had the Hydrodermabrasion facial with LED and oxygen. Woke up with flawless skin!! She never pushes products either but I've been using the Lira products. Highly recommended and prices are reasonable. I've referred at least 6 friends and they all feel the same. Also appreciate how she gets to know my skin and takes her time. Thank you thank you!! read more

Cristina at The Skin Gem goes above and beyond to create a safe and comfortable experience. I went in for a facial about three weeks ago; in the midst of the pandemic and I was immediately impressed with the extra measures Cristina took to provide a clean and sanitary environment. She was wearing all the proper PPE including a mask, face shield, and gloves; she provided me with hand sanitizer and she sprayed down every surface both before and after my visit. As for my facial, she customized EVERYTHING to suit my skin. She also introduced me to a line of Lira products made with an ingredient exclusively grown and extracted on a Greek island. It smelled and felt AMAZING! And I was fascinated by the story behind it! Turns out, Mastiha is a resin from the mastic tree. Locals call it the "tears of Chios" because it is derived from the island of Chios and is produced in "tears" or droplets. Because the ingredients are so unique and difficult to get, I felt like I was getting a very exclusive type of treatment. And for good reason! When I went in, my skin was very dry and dull. I also suffer from seborrheic dermatitis around my nose and my skin was a little red and irritated. Cristina focused on brightening and evening my skin tone as well as minimizing pores and replenishing hydration to get my glow back. She walked me through the entire process; educating me about the products she was using and the results I could expect. For instance, she used the MASQ-tech technology with the patented mastiha formula, lactic acid and retinol for anti-aging. She also used LED light therapy to rehydrate my face, increase collagen and reduce my fine lines. My before and after pics were shocking, but I'm writing this review now because I'm still seeing results three weeks later! I'm really looking forward to going back again soon. I highly recommend Cristina! She's very knowledgeable, friendly, and conscientious! read more

I was nervous to go to a new esthetician, but all the great reviews convinced me to give the Skin Gem a try. I just had my first facial with Cristina and my skin is GLOWING! I booked the custom basic facial, and Cristina evaluated my skin before deciding which type of facial would be best for me. I really liked that she customized the treatment instead of a "one size fits all" approach. Also, Cristina really took her time (facial was 1 hr 30 mins), which was such a relaxing treat. Plus the pricing is reasonable, especially considering the excellent service the Skin Gem provides. Go see her! read more

Cristina was amazing! I've dealt with milia on my nose for as long as I can remember but they've gotten particularly noticeable in recent years. I decided I wanted to get them extracted because they were driving me crazy, and after some searching I discovered Cristina. I booked the Intensive Blemish Treatment with her and she did a wonderful job at extracting all of my milia. She did it with such care that they healed flawlessly. Definitely will be going back to her in the future! read more

Cristina has been a complete life changer for my skin. I have ben seeing her for the last three years and I could not say enough good things about her. She tailors each facial to your specific needs and takes her time on extractions and being so incredibly thorough. She is result-driven all the while caring about the integrity and health of your skin. I love the products that she recommends and the routine that she's put me on. I couldn't imagine walking out of my house foundation before but now I can because my skin looks that much better. my acne scars have disappeared, texture has improved my skin looks better now than it did when I was in my 20s. Aside from that she is one of the most kindest and sweet people that I have the pleasure of knowing in my personal life, my appointments with her feel like catching up with an old friend. Pretty sure gonna end up inviting her to my wedding at this rate Thank you for everything read more

Cristina Gecas is truly one of a kind. She is the exact kind of professional you need when dealing with your most vulnerable insecurities. She is also easy to talk to. I have been going to her for 5 years, she is worth every penny and more! read more

Cristina is absolutely incredible. I have been seeing Cristina for approximately one year after being recommended to her by a highly discerning friend. Cristina's facials and peels have helped my hyperpigmentation and breakouts tremendously. I suffer from melasma (hormonal dark splotches) which is extremely difficult to treat and treatments often make melasma worse. Melasma is no match for Cristina! She has been able to effectively reduce my melasma (to the point that I do not wear foundation) without using harsh/damaging treatments like hydroquinone. Cristina is extremely thoughtful. She customizes every facial for my needs and even follows up to monitor how my skin is reacting. I saw her last week, and no joke, all of the acne hyperpigmentation marks on my forehead disappeared. I would recommend Cristina to anyone. For anyone looking to build a long-term relationship with an esthetician, she's the one. read more

I started seeing Cristina for cystic, hormonal acne 2 years ago. Let me start off by saying she is hands down the best skincare professional I've been to. She really knows what she's doing and always checks up in me to monitor my skin and acne. Not only that but her advise and reccomendations are priceless. If it wasn't for the progress done by her work I would still be embarrassed to show my skin but now it's night and day different. My acne is almost all gone and she constantly guides me to products and practices that have kept my skin clear for over a year now. Thank you Cristina! read more

I've been going to Cristina for almost 15 years for my skin and she is the ONLY one I trust. Back in the day I had REALLY bad acne. Embarrassingly bad. Wanting to crawl in a hole and die bad. I found Cristina after many other failed attempts to clear it up. She knows how to properly get in the pores and get out even the deepest gunk in there without scaring. I'm always amazed at how good it looks after. Somehow it's a release getting it all out, I'm addicted LOL! I did a lot of picking before I found her and left some scars but she did some skin peels and now they are gone! I love the variety of peels she uses. She also got me on the right products to keep my skin balanced. Not only is she a true expert at what she does, but also a wonderful person. Always good energy to be around and I always leave in a great mood:) read more

I wish I can give her 6 stars. I have given all of my friends this referral and everyone has thanked me. This is a place you go to make your skin look great. Every time I leave my skin looks dramatically better. I have also bought her masks and they are amazing. read more

Cristina is a skin expert that can customize your facial for your needs. She uses high quality products and takes her time to ensure that you are satisfied. She is open to feedback and has a pleasant and truly caring disposition. If you're looking for an esthetician who goes above and beyond, do yourself a favor and go see Cristina!!! read more

Cristina is truly a gem! After trying dozens of spas throughout the Bay Area, I finally found Cristina. She is incredibly talented in all things beauty and skin! When I first started seeing Cristina I had pretty bad acne and messed up eye brows from a previous wax job. She helped put me on the path to clear skin and fixed the gnarly brows that I was walking around with. I've been her client now for over 6 years and consider her to be a friend. She has super chill energy, we always have great conversation and I leave feeling refreshed and relaxed after every visit. If you haven't found your person yet for all things beauty and skin, book an appointment ASAP with Cristina. Your skin will thank you. :) read more

I echo all the other reviews. I've been a regular for ? years. I'm so happy she has her own space now and I agree that she never pushes products on you. She's really great with extractions, from milia to cystic acne. Unfortunately, I've had the range and her thorough extractions helped me through my skin's cycles. I even go back when my skin behaves. I can't recommend her highly enough! read more

Cristina at the Skin Gem is incredible skilled with facials, and is the master of extractions. I have been seeing her for years for congested skin issues, and especially to get her help with extracting annoying milia under my eyes. Like seriously close under my eyes. Like so close that other aestheticians won't go anywhere near them. In the meantime Cristina makes the process seem so effortless, and without leaving a mark - it's amazing! I've moved away from the Bay Area, but whenever I'm visiting I make it a point to book an appointment with her ASAP. In addition to providing soothing and results-driven facials, Cristina is just a lovely person all around. Seriously can't recommend her enough! read more

Cristina is a gem! She has helped my skin tremendously and her extractions are legit. She understands skin, listens to customer concerns and sets up concoctions that target the problem areas. Every time I go, I leave with glowing skin and it only gets better in the days that follow. She uses quality products and has in-depth knowledge of active ingredients and their uses. read more

I've been a regular client for 4 years now. Cristina is great with my sensitive, dry skin. I often get eczema on my face. Cristina uses products that don't irritate and leave my face looking radiant between visits. read more

So I've been going to Cristina for almost 9 months now and I am soooo glad that I had the opportunity to stubble upon her. I was having the worst skin experience of my life, be it hormonal, stress and environmental. Cristina was a saving grace. She nurtured my skin back to life and now I am again more confident and happy with my skin....One day I missed an appointment with my previous eye brow threader and noticed that Cristina also did eye brows, so I thought what the heck. She was great and now I have her doing my brows too and they are always on point! Can't say anything but great things about her services or her as a person! read more

I wouldn't recommend anyone else, Cristina is FANTASTIC! I have been getting Brazilians for almost 6 years now and trust me, I've gone through my fair share of estheticians. Not once have I came across someone as professional and caring as Cristina. She is brilliant and knowledgeable when it comes to working with the skin. I have also had the pleasure of getting a facial from her when I was in need of some serious extractions. That too was nothing short of wonderful. Not only am I one of her regular waxing clients, now I finding myself wanting monthly facials!! read more

Cristina is amazing! I started seeing her about a year ago and now I go every chance I get. I love the way she shapes my brows. Great attention to detail and a true artist. I have had good brow artists before but Cristina has a special eye that sets her apart! I actually stopped wearing makeup since she started doing my brows! I am so happy she opened her own business. I wouldn't want to go anywhere else! Now for the facials...ahhh. So good! Cristina has wonderful, soothing touch to match her calm, healing energy. I enjoyed every second of my facial. She uses great products too. They are available for purchase but she does not push buying them at all (which I especially appreciate). I love, love, love Cristina! Go see her. You'll be glad you did! read more

I am so lucky to have found The Skin Gem. Christina's facials are outstanding. I was paying 2x the price and going into SF for "so so" facials before I found Christina. My skin is glowing and healthy because of her professional care. People regularly comment on my skin and even my husband mentioned how good it looks. Thank you Christina! You have a customer for life in me! read more

Cristina is extremely skilled in skin care. I have been seeing her since I moved to Oakland over 4 years ago. Her facials have really helped improve my skin. read more

If you are suffering from acne or are in need of skin rejuvenation, Cristina is the person to go to. I've been seeing Cristina for at least a couple months now for skin care, specifically acne and she is the absolute best. She has amazing attention to detail and actually cares about healing your skin. She is extremely knowledgeable and skilled in what she does. Like all the other reviewers before me, I don't trust anyone else with my skin. I also go to her to get my eyebrows waxed and through Cristina's expertise and shaping, my brows have finally grown in and look full and natural. She offers products that really balance your skin and does not pressure you to buy any of them. These products also happen to environmentally friendly, paraben free etc which is a big plus for me. Thank you Cristina for healing my skin and for making me feel so much better about myself. I'm grateful for you and the energy you bring. read more

This review is a long time coming. I started coming to Christina back in 2015 after I got engaged. I've struggled with acne since college and was really hoping to have it under control before I got married. I started coming to her monthly and the results were amazing. She provided amazing, skin clearing facials and also gave me advice on skincare in between visits. I wouldn't go to anyone else. read more

Christina is the most rare combination of technical expert and intuitive healer. I've been seeing her for three years for waxing and skin care. She takes time to ask me about my skin and well-being, incorporates that into her professional observations and knowledge of my skin, and tailors every facial experience to my needs at that time. She keeps her services reasonably priced and accessible and squeezes me into her busy schedule for last minute tune-ups. She carries excellent products, that she never pushes, and that are not easily available elsewhere. Best skin care professional Ive ever seen in my life, both in and out of the medical field. I'll never let another person touch my face. She's my favorite. read more

I've been seeing Cristina for a couple years now, and yes, she is a keeper! She is such an expert at what she does. She helped me through some rough stages with my hormonal breakouts, and although things have cleared up, I still continue to go to her. My skin feels rejuvenated after every visit because she does such a detailed job. Cristina is also a kind, warm, and thoughtful human being. She makes you feel very comfortable and at ease. I enjoy chatting with her so much - totally adore her! Please go see her! read more

Skin Gem is the best! I was helped by Christina who was very friendly and provided excellent customer service. She made the whole experience go well and I've made follow up appointment just because of the great service and friendly atmosphere. If you're looking for a great waxing place I'd recommend Skin Gem to anyone. Thanks again ! read more

Cristina is the best of many worlds. She's masterful at diagnosing and remedying men's skin care needs, and she has such a wonderful and caring way about her. I've been seeing her for 2+ years and her combined skill set consistently results in my skin looking clearer and more radiant, and my heart a bit lighter. And that's no small feat as I experience adult acne, dryness, etc. Which reminds me, she's also great and flexible at solving a face issue in a pinch, and she takes the time to provide clear direction on what to do at home to continue the treatment. Christina is certainly a "Town" gem and we're fortunate to have her. read more

I have been going to Cristina for my brazilian waxes for over a year now and even though all of us ladies hate this task she makes it tolerable. She's very fast (which I love), thorough and She gets every single strand! I have also gone to her for some facial treatments and you definitely get pampered! She does her best to get my cystic acne to heal without scarring and even lets me come in for a quick extraction if I am desperate. She tries her hardest to work with your schedule, fitting you in when she can by staying late if she needs to. To top it off Cristina is very easy to talk to, she has such a smooth, calming voice and is very attentive to the events happening in your life. I would say that I definitely gained a friend after going to her and I would highly recommend her for all you esthetic needs! read more

Cristina is the best! I've been a client of hers for years now and trust nobody else with my skin. Cristina is dedicated to her craft and is extremely skilled. I must also mention she is one of the kindest souls I have ever met. Thank you for taking care of my acne woes and making my skin glow! read more