Beauty + Health at Alma Holistic
Finding a great aethetician is one of life’s greatest triumphs. But finding one who brings a holistic approach to health and beauty is rare. Alma Arciniegas is that person. From the moment you enter Alma Holistic on Union Street you are transported to a tranquil, healing environment. I felt myself relaxing immediately. The color scheme of sky blues and muted turquoises are reminiscent of a seaside retreat. I knew that once again I would receive the healing that my skin was demanding.
I first met Alma at Acqua di Roma, where she was the Technical Director and Head Aesthetician. I was very disappointed when it closed and overjoyed when she opened her new place. She brings over 20 years of wellness and balance to her skin care practice. Alma has practiced in Europe and the U.S. and has experience with therapeutic, Ayurvedic and aesthetic methods. When Alma diagnoses your skin, she asks questions about your diet, exercise and stress. Her remedies go beyond recommending a skin care product or beauty regimen, she recommends changes in lifestyle. Don’t get me wrong, if all you want is to leave with a fresh, glowing complexion, she can help you to achieve that too.
Treatments are designed to help you feel more radiant and vibrant both on the inside and outside and create balance. At Alma Holistic this is done by reducing internal toxins so that you are healthy at the cellular level which translates into more energy, and lessened visible affects from aging. Alma is her own best advertising. Taking a look at her you would swear she was a good two decades younger than she is and her energy is enviable.
Alma Holistic offers Beauty and Wellness services including skin care, massage, detoxification, and waxing, as well as Naturopathic Medicine through Dr. Erica Horowitz.I happen to love the Epicurean Facial, a 75-minute procedure that also includes extractions. The facial uses protein enzymes to stimulate cell metabolism. She uses skin care products that use natural ingredients and are from California, which is part of her sustainable focus.
The treatment room has panoramic view of San Francisco from its window. It is soothing and homey rather than clinical. The walls are a soft blue, the table is comfortable with soft sheets and a soft blue quilt and it makes me feel safe and comforted. An armoire contains the skin care supplies tucked away inside. The comfortable touches in the room include vases of flowers, a glass cupboard of freshly washed quilts, and a bench to put clothes and belongings on.
She explains the what the facial will accomplish and some of the natural products she will be using. One of the ingredients she uses for the facial smells of cinnamon and I can feel it stimulating my skin cells. During my facial she asks me questions about my lifestyle and makes recommendations for changes that will greatly improve not only the condition of my skin but my overall health and well being. Our skin is a reflection of what is going on inside our bodies, so why is it so hard to change habits?
At the end of the facial I have received excellent suggestions on lifestyle improvements and my skin looks and feels radiant. In fact, every time Alma gives me a facial I feel great and so does my skin. This time I am motivated to make some changes to my life that should improve my skin too. Of course visiting Alma Holistic regularly will also help.
Details: Call (415) 518-6082 for bookings or visit Alma Holistic. The center is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Alma Holistic is located at 2040 Union Street in San Francisco.
