Studio Abasi

This review is way past due. I want to THANK Shannon and her staff for the amazing work they do. I went to Shannon about a year ago when my acnes were out of control. I had deep, dark, purple looking marks and with new acnes each day… it was really depressing to experience acne as an adult. However, the week I started the plan Shannon recommended along with few lifestyle changes, my acne immediately reduced and in fact I lost few pounds with the healthy eating and taking care of my skin. I appreciate that she provided a free consultation and provided me comprehensive information on the process and plan of treating my acne. I loved the products I purchased and I continue to use them to this day. I will always be thankful to Shannon!

I’ve been going to Pricsilla for 2 months now and let me tell you what a difference! I needed help with acne, waxy plugs, and blemishes. She’s professional and knows her stuff. She teaches you about proper skin care and puts you on a skin care regimen customized for your individual needs. The prices are very reasonable (I’ve spent ridiculous amounts of money on facial products in the past). Pricsilla is very passionate about her work and takes the time to answer any and all questions. I’d recommend Pricsilla in a heartbeat! Shannon is the owner– she’s very nice and helpful too.

I’ve been seeing Shannon for about a month now. I have had problem skin since middle school, and after a month of seeing her my skin has completely cleared up. My friends are saying my skin looks photoshopped! My coworker couldn’t believe I wasn’t wearing foundation. It’s definitely a lot of work, changing your diet, intense skin care routine, but for me it was completely worth it. She is super informative and I’ve learned so much about my skin and diet. Thank you Shannon!

I would highly recommend Studio Abasi for facials. Monthly visits and using the cleansing products has done extraordinary things for my skincare. I am so grateful for Shannon and her team. They do great work with a very caring approach.

I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my skin. Shannon is an expert. I have a demanding schedule, and it is a great comfort to me that now, after working with Shannon, I never have to worry about my complexion.
I’ve been seeing Shannon since May, and now that we’ve worked out a routine together, I rely on the routine and it all just works out — even after pulling all nighters and even after department exams! I trust her completely. She’s a genius.

Shannon is very kind and the place is in one of the most beautiful building in Berkeley.
The service was well done but expensive.
I found Shannon a bit pressing about buying her own develop cleaning products. The explanation was overly complex.

I was going to Studio Abasi for a few years now and I gotta say that my skin was mostly happy after using their products and getting their treatments. Charity is such a lovely receptionist, she always makes you feel welcome (keep up the positive attitude! :D). Shannon’s sister-​in-​law (I forgot her name, sorry!) was the best, but she didn’t stay on too long due to personal reasons, I really missed her.
I then went to Vanessa who is also good, she’s friendly and answers questions without being annoyed (I know I probably asked the same question once or twice). Her technique was a bit more ‘aggressive’ in that she really went in deep during extractions, which some may like, and others may not (my boyfriend always complained of the pain on his sensitive nose, not me!).
Oh and get a peel! I once got one and my face was glowing — after it ‘peeled’ off — like crazy. :) It’s a bit expensive, but if you talk to Shannon, she’ll give you recommendations as to how many times you should do it and whether your face needs it or not (her honesty is great!).
I knocked off one star because the benzoyl peroxide was doing funky things with my skin (also, beware that if you keep it for a while, it begins to have a very odd smell…) and I wasn’t a big fan of using it (it also left my skin feeling strange afterwards).
Try not to book on game day, or book early that same day, otherwise you’ll be hit with a $ 20, $ 30 or $ 40 parking fee. :(
Even though I don’t go anymore (found someone closer and more in tune with my needs), I really want to thank the ladies of Studio Abasi, y’all are great! :D
— Little Miss Tardy ;)

My last review was in 2009. Well, it’s 2015 and I still go to Shannon — and I moved to Chicago 2 years ago! So that’s saying something about her awesomeness. :)

Studio Abasi was recommended to me by two of my coworkers, so it was easy for me to decide that this would be a worthwhile visit, since I’d seen their skin clear up.
I’ve struggled with acne for many years and it was becoming increasingly frustrating to feel like the sole adult at work or among friends with obvious persistent skin problems. I’ve tried many different methods of treatment, washed pillowcases constantly, and always found myself piling on makeup to hide redness.
I look in the mirror now and cannot believe how great my skin looks and feels. It’s been a huge adjustment from multiple years of acne to seeing what I actually look like without skin problems and major makeup fixes. My face is healthy and soft, completely clear of acne and redness. I no longer wear any makeup, which would have seemed impossible 2, 4, or 10 years ago.
The ladies at Studio Abasi are wonderful, careful and friendly. They will walk you through every step of what they’re doing and provide detailed instructions for care. I always enjoy my visits to the office, and now that I’m past the point of monthly appointments Charity and Shannon make sure that I receive products once I contact them about running low since I’m in the city and it can be a trek to Berkeley.
I’d highly recommend using their products, it’s been an extremely easy process for me to follow their instructions and use their products as opposed to searching around for face treatments that meet the criteria they give you for face washes, etc.

I am very happy with an acne treatment result at Studio Abasi. Now when I look at the mirror I see clean and healthy face instead of ugly pimples. I had tried different ways to get rid of acne, including Retin-​A, but nothing worked on me.
On second week, after using products I could see positive changes on my skin. In three months acne gone! I would highly recommend this place. Shannon does a very professional job. I could be only thankful for taking care of my face!

I wish I can give more than five stars to Shannon and Studio Abasi.
For years, I have been struggling with deep and painful acne. Like many others, I’ve tried multiple different types of products and supplements with absolutely no improvement. I also did not want to take antibiotics regularly just to fight off acne.
Thank goodness I found Studio Abasi on Unilocal.After the initial consultation, Shannon informed me that if I follow her exact plan, my acne will be gone in 3 to 6 months. I was a little skeptical at first but decided to give it a try.
Shortly after, my skin began to improve; those huge breakouts were gone, only a few blackheads remained. Extractions get less painful every time, it was such a dramatic change compare to the first session.
I am happy to report that I am now acne free thanks to Shannon. I highly recommend her to everyone!

I tried everything to get rid of my persistent cheek and chin acne, and nothing worked. From oil pulling to crazy expensive sephora facewashes… it was all crap. So I started looking for a dermatologist and instead Unilocal led me to Studio Abasi! I cannot explain how wonderful my experience has been, but will try.
Vanessa got me on a basic morning and evening régime along with what was a 2x a month extraction (now I go once every 8 – 10 weeks) and my face has never looked better. Seriously, my mom saw me over Christmas and her reaction was «your face looks amazing!» and not just in a standard mom way.
So go! See Vanessa! Buy the products, you will be like, «but man I have products». Too bad, your products aren’t doing the trick and these do. And then 2 months from now when your skin looks fantastic and you don’t have to wear concealer be glad you went!

After countless years of struggling with acne, I’ve finally made a bold decision to seek professional help from Studio Abasi. This has been one of the best decisions I’ve made thus far!
I’ve been seeing Vanessa since the beginning of March and I have witnessed a miraculous transformation throughout these past few months. Vanessa is very friendly and tries to ease you throughout each extraction. The extractions are extremely painful and she is very determined to get out as much junk as possible. But that shouldn’t deter you from booking an appointment because in the end, it will be worth it. Their products work wonders and each session will be tailored down according to your skin so you won’t be stuck with the same concentration. I highly encourage anyone who has been dealing with acne especially if you have tried everything, to come to Studio Abasi. You won’t be disappointed!

Just want to say that it’s been about 3 months since I’ve been seeing Vanessa, and she is so meticulous with her work and care for you every step of the way!

I met with Shannon today and was impressed by her knowledge and lack of hard sell. Instead of scheduling a chemical peel, which would cost more, she instead suggested a few products that might help with my damaged skin. I’ll be back in a month to check in and plan to add a fifth star at that point. Also, the space is gorgeous. I’ve never been inside the Berkeley City Club before and it’s pretty awesome!

After spending boatloads of money on useless products, wasting time experimenting with the right skincare regimen, and seeing absolutely no results, I decided it was time to see a professional. I Unilocaled around and found Studio Abasi.
Even after a month of following Shannon’s strict routine and using her non-​pore clogging products, I wasn’t breaking out nearly as much I was before and my blackheads were gone! I primarily came to Studio Abasi to fade my hyperpigmentation, but I ended up with a complete revamp. The extractions are painful, even after 7 months of coming here, but you leave with clean pores every time.
Taking care of acne-​prone skin is a commitment. If you’re willing to make some lifestyle changes, Shannon knows exactly what to do. She’s even available through email for any questions or guidance. I love the very personal care I receive here and can’t recommend this place enough if you’ve been struggling with acne and scarring!

I truly regret not coming to Shannon earlier in college.
Background: I have had a really bad acne since seventh grade. Like the other reviewers, I am willing to bet that my case was exceptionally bad. First, I went to a large, reputable aesthetic/​derm center in Korea where I got extractions and other services. I also had my first cycle of Accutane there. Then, I came to college and decided to use the Tang dermatology, where I used Accutane for a second. Studio Abasi easily trumps all of these options. She exceeded the expectations that she set herself for me.
Results: Shannon told me that I would be clear after about 3 months but, to be honest, I was already happy with the progress my skin was making after about 3 weeks. My acne was significantly clearer and I could tell that it was going to get even clearer. My skin tone also improved.
The «product»: there are two traits that together make Studio Abasi my go-​to acne place: 1) Customized care: Shannon will adjust the skin regimen she initially prescribes to you based on how your skin responds. When my skin was struggling, I just shot her a quick e-​mail and she would respond in a timely manner. She will be your personal skin coach. 2) The topical products: these are not over-​the-​counter products and you can only find them at Studio Abasi. But make no mistake, the products alone will not get you clear. You will need Shannon’s guidance; I have had Shannon adjust the products I used throughout my time with her. I was definitely surprised that topical products could be that effective.
The aesthetician: Shannon takes pride in her work and that’s a good thing. She will invest that much more in your skin because she really does enjoy seeing your skin do better. She also works really hard. She has many clients but my treatment still felt individualized. Charity, at the front desk, also makes you feel welcome with her energy.
If you feel like you’ve exhausted all the options for your skin, you should give Studio Abasi a chance — because you’d be missing out on the one solution that really does work.

Shannon is amazing. Anyone who has had acne for a very long time (for me, it started in middle school) understands how much it sucks. I’ve tried so many different acne cleansers and went to a dermatologist before I came to Studio Abasi, but my acne remained the same. There were times went I thought it was just genetic, and that it was impossible to get rid of the blotches on my cheeks. I felt gross putting on concealer and bb cream and it’s also obvious when you’re clearly trying to hide your acne. Doesn’t look good.
I was hesitant about checking out this place because I didn’t want to get ripped off again (like I did in the past). I also wasn’t sure if I was willing to go deal with a red face after painful extractions. Money was also another factor, but at that point, after spending so much money on Proactiv and other brands, I was willing to give Shannon a try.
Let me tell you– it’s worth it. I started clearing up after about 3 months like Shannon had promised. Sure, sometimes I had to skip a dinner or meeting because my face was too red after the extractions, but after a couple of appointments, my face healed a lot faster, and I cared less about what people though about my face. So, after getting my pimples extracted, I would wait about 4 hours or so, and be okay to show my face in public again aha.
Anyway, at the 3 – 4 months mark, my friends started noticing my skin progressing or «glowing». (Yay.) I don’t think it got remarkably better until about 2 months after? Regardless, it is worth the wait. Shannon was such a great «acne coach.» Whenever I got a new pimple out of no where and needed to go to an important event, I would just email her and ask her what I could do to help myself out a bit. She would respond very promptly with specific instructions (ice it!).
I also appreciate her honesty. At one point, she told me that my acne was pretty much cleared. The «blemishes» that I had were a result of consuming too much sugar. She suggested that I cut down on that, and buy a probiotic if I wanted to. Not sure how well that actually worked, but after I ran out of the probiotics, I didn’t order more. Some of the products are a bit pricey, but if it works, then I don’t mind at all. I had been meeting with her every 2 – 3 weeks, but I haven’t seen her in a couple months now since my face is good and my products haven’t run out yet. I plan on making another appointment with her soon.

Because of Shannon, I finally got rid of my long-​term acne problems. Beginning junior year of high school, zits covered my face and it only got worse in college. I’ve seen dermatologists and they all recommended Epiduo (which didn’t help and only dried out my skin). Desperate, in my senior year at UC Berkeley, I looked on Unilocal and found Studio Abasi. I decided to give it a try despite the steep price (which really not that steep, standard for estheticians but for a college student, yes steep). To my surprise, within the first month of seeing Shannon once every two weeks, my face already began clearing up! Within 4 months, my face had transformed and totally cleared up. The key here is to do Every Single Thing Shannon asks you to do, including her complicated personalized instructions, buying her products & changing your diet and sleeping habits.
It’s been two years since I’ve seen Shannon, and I only return once a year or couple months, mainly to buy her gentle products. My skin is still looking all clear! Was it expensive and tedious in the beginning? Yes, but your face is also your life! And in my experience the changes happen very quickly. :)

This is my first ever Unilocal review, and I joined just to rave about Shannon. She’s awesome, wonderful, kind, and incredibly talented at getting rid of acne. I had struggled with minor to moderate Grade II/​III acne for a number of years, despite seeing a dermatologist. Shannon took a look at my products and my face and entirely revamped my routine. She also diagnosed me with folliculitis, in addition to acne, which has absolutely made a difference in my treatment. I typically had some blemishes and bumps at any point in time, with a lot of redness and pigmentation.
In less than 3 months, my skin looks amazing. Seriously, it’s like I’m a new person. I’m in my late 20s and have had no fewer than 4 strangers claim I look no older than 21 or 22. My skin is the clearest it ever has been, with beautiful, even tone. The routine Shannon gave me is totally doable, which is important, since I’m absolutely lazy and forgetful.
Finally, absolutely take her advice on buying products. They’re not cheap, but they last a while and really make a difference. I was pretty appalled when Shannon mentioned that the Retin A cream I had been prescribed by a dermatologist has pore clogging ingredients — no wonder I kept breaking out!
If you have any sort of blemishes and want someone to really take care of you, I can’t recommend Shannon enough.