Bad Beauty Experience. Long.

I went to get a back facial yesterday and it was one of the most painful and humiliating experiences of my beauty life.

I will preface by saying that I have problem skin. My face is, except for the PMS breakouts, clear. My back tend to break out all the time. I don't know if it's my shampoo or detergent...whatever.

I see a dermatologist regularly and because I am TTC, I can't take antibiotics or topical treatments. She injects my zits with cortisone and we are talking about laser treatments.

So I thought I would treat myself to a back facial at a nice spa. I told the aesthetician that my back is a problem area and that I see a dermatologist blah, blah, blah. I told her that if she didn't think she could do anything for me, we could do something else, like a facial.

It started out ok, with a scrub and glycolic acid, then she wrapped me in plastic and steamed my back. After that, she said something to the effect of "here we go" and started extractions. OMG. She was squeezing so hard and I was in audible pain. She kept sighing and saying "terrible, terrible" and "Oh my God" and "I've never seen anything like this" while pinching and squeezing my back. Then she took out a needle type pricker and started to prick my back all over, still sighing and saying what awful skin I had. I started CRYING!!!!! Sobbing! Snot running out of my nose. She said "sorry baby, but your back is so bad, you will need three or four facials to make it ok." She didn't offer a tissue or stop or anything. Finally, it was over. Then she gave me an eyebrow wax, which was fine. Before I left, she told me that she has to get tested for HIV twice a year because all of the blood involved in her job. She told me to wipe my face because I was crying and my mascara ran.

I ran out of that room so fast. Went to the bathroom, and looked at my back in the mirror--it looked like a minefield. A million times worse than when I went in. I got dressed, went upstairs and paid and left a tip for the eyebrow wax only. Nobody asked how my service was and I was actually shaken up and upset and just wanted to get out of there.

I am debating as to whether or not I should complain. My sister says just let it go, you learn from experience, but I feel violated!

Thanks for letting me vent.

Re: Bad Beauty Experience. Long.

I'm so sorry you had such a bad experience. What a mean woman! But I have had regular facials, and my face always looks splotchy for a few days afterwards. Don't worry, your back will clear up and you see the results a few days later. It is true, if you keep facials up, in the long run you do have clearer skin. But I would try a different place. Usually if I am in pain, the woman will stop for a minute, let me relax, and then start again when I say I'm ready. Or she'll ask me. It should be the same with a back facial.

Re: Bad Beauty Experience. Long.

As someone who has worked in the spa industry for years, I will tell you that you should ABSOLUTELY contact the owner/manager of that spa immediately & tell them about your experience!
Yes, facials can be a little painful and you may look "splotchy" afterwards, but you should NOT have been treated the way you were! Saying "terrible, terrible" to you about your complexion???? That's horrible...spas are supposed to make you feel better about yourself. Her comments were absolutely unprofessional, hurtful, & uncalled for...PLEASE call them or even go in & speak to someone in person.
I'm so sorry for your terrible experience.

Message edited 3/22/2008 12:10:51 PM.

Re: Bad Beauty Experience. Long.

OMG that is HORRIBLE HORRIBLE HORRIBLE HORRIBLE treatment

I would definitely go back and ask for the manager.

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I think I am going to contact them. Thanks ladies!

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I am just going to say that I second what everyone said and SAY something...ESPECIALLY because you said you went out of your way to find a nice spa...that should NOT happen and I'm sorry it did!

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OMG, I want to cry for you. You should NEVER go through something like that.

Please complain as hard as it might be.

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don't forget to mention this lady's name.... she should not have spoken to you in that manner!

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OMG that sounds terrible! I've never had anything like that done but I wonder if after a few days when it heals it will be much better? She could have been sympathetic though!

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That's terrible she did that to you!! I would complain!!

Re: Bad Beauty Experience. Long.

Posted by AndreaLMT

As someone who has worked in the spa industry for years, I will tell you that you should ABSOLUTELY contact the owner/manager of that spa immediately & tell them about your experience!
Yes, facials can be a little painful and you may look "splotchy" afterwards, but you should NOT have been treated the way you were! Saying "terrible, terrible" to you about your complexion???? That's horrible...spas are supposed to make you feel better about yourself. Her comments were absolutely unprofessional, hurtful, & uncalled for...PLEASE call them or even go in & speak to someone in person.
I'm so sorry for your terrible experience.

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Please please please complain. What spa was this? That woman sounds completely unprofessional. I have had a wonderful back facial before and had NO redness. Contrary to what a lot of people have said on here, facials SHOULD NOT be painful!!! You should never leave with splotchy skin!! A little pink maybe, but nothing like you have described. Definitely call the place and complain. Tell them exactly what you told us. Good luck!!

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That is awful!!! I hope you complain, I've had a back facial and it was a great experience, it honestly was one of the best spa experiences I ever had. I am shocked to hear how painful it was for you and so sorry you had such a bad experience.

I would even consider asking for a refund of some of the money. I'm sure you paid good money for this treatment and I'm not someone who wants something for nothing. But you should not be treated that way and then expected to pay money for it!!

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Completely unacceptable.

Is there anyway your derm can treat your back the same way she does your face, so you don't have to risk this experience again?

Sorry to hear what should've been a pampering experience tunred out so horrible for you.

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that's terrible how she treated you

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That is TERRIBLE

You should totally complain. where was this?

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I feel your pain

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Definetley complain and if they are a large company I would complain to the corporate offices as well...that is NOT acceptable

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Was she wearing gloves (based on the comments she made)? I sure hope so.

That sounds like a horrific experience. That's why I don't get my nails done anymore...things like this.

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I'm sure you have already tried this, but we switched to all dye and perfume free products for laundry and it seems to have helped (I have psoriasis and DH gets hives) Good luck and sorry again!

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You must complain. Please let us know what happens.

I think she should be fired and they spa needs to know what happened.

I would see your doctor soon to make sure there was no other damage.

Re: Bad Beauty Experience. Long.

First ,I am sorry that happened to you.
I am sure this is going to sound silly to you, but have you tried Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash?
I used to have SAME EXACT problem , my face was fine(few pimlpes here and there) but my back was HORRIBLE and nothing was helping, so my friend told me to use the Neutrogena body wash, I was very very skeptical, b/c I had tried so many things , but after using it for a month or so every day, it got better and better, and have not had a break out for so long, the only thing is that I am still using it and it's been 3 years, the other thing I started doing, when you are in the shower, flip your hair forward and wash it like that, so you don't get shampoo and conditioner on your back(so it doesn't run down your back).
GL

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I would totally call or write!!