Because it is most definitely not a spa. In fact it is housed in a location that leans a little more curious than comforting. That French Market on Santa Monica Boulevard, ever been inside? Like the dark side of Disney in there. But since this is where Marc Edward has set up shop, if Christy Turlington could reserve judgment, perhaps it was time for me to do the same.

Meeting Marc felt a lot like getting sent to the principal's office. Where was my cucumber water? My oceanic seascape music? Instead I was treated to a black-lit view of my skin's sun damage. Not pretty. While Marc's approach may be as gentle as Katrina's, I had to admit, the man was some kind of savant. With a wall full of press, more credentials than most college professors, and a tongue that didn't trip over words never meant for one single breath, Katrina or not, class was definitely in session.

He does a lot of things before arriving at your actual treatment. For starters, he analyzes your current product line-up (you are prepped at confirmation to bring such). On the spot he tells you where you're doing your skin well and where you fell victim to good marketing. He continues on, assessing the condition of your skin, and finally gives you the aforesaid horror show of your sun damage to date. While I've never been a big fan of tough love, I can't go arguing its effectiveness. Pass the SPF.

The treatment itself, pretty spectacular. Mine was the signature facial ($175.00), incorporating microdermabrasion, ultrasound, oxygen, led lights, and a super hydrating mask that felt like a nice shmear of cream cheese across my face. There's a lot happening in this facial, clearly, and it's a treat to surrender yourself to someone with Marc's pedigree. Plan on carving out two full hours when visiting, and pinch yourself to find possibly the only free parking in Santa Monica. I knew I loved this place.

Marc could run a skin care boot camp; in fact I'm kind of shocked he doesn't. The comprehensive skin analysis you're sent home with could be the bible for such. The education, the experience, the drive, its all there. Your face will glean the benefits. Don't go for cushion and coddling, go for a shot of truth and a chaser of aesthetic proficiency. Unflappable in his cosmetic convictions and evangelical in his treatment regime, if you're resolving to face up in 2008, bear right at the dark side of Disney.

By: Jolie Loeb

Marc Edward Skincare
7985 Santa Monica Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90046
www.MarcEdwardSkincare.com