Home » Home » Business Matters » Keeping a Straight Face
Business Matters Gareth Kelly

Keeping a Straight Face

Story and Selfie by Gareth Kelly

gareth 4When the big boss suggested I do a piece on a local business that provides facials, one of my first thoughts was “what about my beard?” Having not shaved in approximately six years, I decided in order to get the best from the facial experience I would need to return, once again to the world of being clean shaven, albeit briefly.
The Skin Stop is located at 177 Santa Rosa Street in San Luis Obispo and also at 645 Main St. in Morro Bay. Both locations are owned and managed by Cyndee Edwards, a 15-year qualified skincare industry specialist.
“I focus on a customized skin care program for individuals,” said Edwards.
“We are not a spa like some people imagine. We don’t do the Euro style facials but provide a non invasive and affordable solution to skin care problems be they acne or wrinkles, blemishes or simply for better looking skin.”
As someone who has never had a facial before, I expected to simply walk in a room, sit in a chair and have creams and things applied to my face. I could not have been more wrong. In truth the experience was more akin to that of an actual massage where one strips down and climbs onto a comfy heated bed under soft sheets. Once relaxed Edwards started her process, explaining what she was doing as she went.
“I’d say most of my clients are women in their late 30’s and above,” Edwards said. “I do have male clients though and they all really like it, especially when I start using some of the electrical gadgets and tools I have.”
ITB straight faceBy now I was really enjoying myself. My shoulders had been exfoliated, my face was all warm and tingly and Edwards had some electric tool she informed me was removing the blackheads from my nose. My eyes covered in some gentle towel type thing I was increasingly relaxed in this environment.
“I found I really had to educate people here when I first started,” said Edwards. “In places like Los Angeles people get these kinds of treatments all the time but not here on the central coast. In other places having facials is not seen as a luxury but a necessity. I start with a comprehensive evaluation and get to know what the client is looking for before building a complete package for them. I now have a loyal customer base. Most people come and receive treatments about every four to six months.”
Before I knew it my hour treatment was done and my face felt renewed, brighter and happier, especially the skin where my beard had been. Edwards uses Dermalogica products “the finest product on the market, because the stuff really works” she assured me. After my treatment she provided me with a speed mapping skin analysis, a sort of checklist for my skin, and also a daily regimen to go with the product samples she gave me.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed my facial and can see its benefit, especially as one ages. I asked Edwards for her top three skin care tips, which are: use sunscreen all the time, get to know your own skin, we all have different types, and, finally, come to The Skin Stop.
For more information or to schedule some love for your own face, Edwards can be reached at The Skin Stop at 459 -3792.

‘Did your face light up after reading this story? Do you have a story idea you would like Gareth to write about? Send him an email to and make it happen.’

Facebook Comments