Blue Turtle Spa in San Francisco, CA

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Telephone:	+1 415-699-8494
Website:	blueturtlespa.com
Address:	Sisters Salon 57 W Portal Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94127 West Portal
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:	440 ftWest Portal Muni 910 ftUlloa & Forest Side Ave 0.2 miWest Portal & 14th Ave‎
Categories:	Skin Care

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Accepts Credit Cards	Yes
Parking	Street
Bike Parking	Yes

Wheelchair Accessible	Yes
By Appointment Only	Yes

Today

Today	–
Local time (San Francisco)	00:20 Thursday, 12 June 2025

Business hours

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Description

Specialties

«I believe that effective skin care requires the study of cosmetic ingredients and the understanding of how they will affect your skin.»

Andrew studies and teaches cosmetic chemistry classes in order to better understand what ingredients will be effective in treating skin conditions like sensitive skin, rosacea, acne, sun damaged and aging skin, dry skin and oily skin. We use and sell animal cruelty free products. «I specialise in facials that makes the skin stronger and more balanced so that you leave looking refreshed, more youthful looking, and amazing. My extractions are almost pain free and you will not leave looking red and swollen. I take care of your skin and help you get it strong again». We provide facials and body treatments for men and women.

We donate part of our revenues to PETA, In Defense of Animals, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, Sea Turtle Restoration Project, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, and The Southern Poverty Law Center and many more.

Meet the Business Owner

Andrew S.

Business Owner

I was raised on the beaches of South Africa (sun damage central) and embarked on an extensive career in sales and marketing of hi-tech products and services. I moved from South Africa to Canada, and then the USA. I worked for companies like NCR, Siemens, Apple and as an independent technology marketing consultant. I mixed in hi-tech circles where everybody spoke about how technology will improve our way of life. I set up seminars relating to hi-tech and bio-tech advances in this regard. As I aged I looked for ways to mitigate the damage I had done to my skin in my youth. At the end of 2003 I entered the skin care industry. I researched topics of interest, increased my library of research books, and became a licensed esthetician. My technology background means I look for the science behind any marketing claims and so I select my products based on their effective quantity of performance ingredients, their method of production, and scientific results. Thus I deliver results to you.

Blue Turtle Spa — CLOSED also recommends

Blue Turtle Spa — CLOSED

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Skin Care

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Andrew S. says,

«Appointments available Thu/Fri/Sat at www.Blueturtlespa.com»

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20 reviews of Blue Turtle Spa

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Eileen S.

Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA

Andrew is amazing! He is knowledgable on all skin care and gives great advise. My skin always looks and feels amazing after. I will miss going to him when he closes in the end of December :(

Nick L.

Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA

Andrew is the best!
Super thorough & knowledgeable like everyone else says. Definitely coming back sometime soon.
Competitive prices, super easy appointment-scheduler w/friendly email reminders.

Amy U.

Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA

One of the BEST experience I had for this year so far. Andrew is incurably amazing, I am very happy to find this place and its gonna be my FAV.

Anna S.

Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA

Experience at Blue Turtle with Andrew made me feel like it is it’s time for Unilocal review.
Andrew seems very well informed about what general skin needs are, I felt like being on biology lesson when he took the time to discuss bunch of productsI brought to the appointment and was currently using.
After facial, I got honest conclusion about my current skin condition in very straightforward way. Andrew’s reply was not to use «detergents» on my face, be gentle and respectful to my skin. He also pointed out areas on my face where I should not use moisturizer. He does not sugar code the truth. I loved his attitude that day! Andrew recommended cleanser and exfoliator to use during next 4 weeks, I’m looking forward to see how my skin is going to improve after using products as directed.
I only wish that, it was early in the day when I was leaving Spa because I looked great even without makeup, after this fabulous and glowing facial.

Danielle K.

Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA

Andrew is incredibly attentive and helpful to all your skin needs. his facial experience is calming, cleansing, and incredibly invigorating. since my last facial with him 4 months ago, I have used his gentle cleanser and exfoliate products and I’ve had tremendously satisfactory results. his products are made with organic ingredients and are way better than your average cleanser from kiels. he is amazing and so good at treating skin! he also takes a very scientific approach to his practice which I found very helpful

Kate B.

Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA

Andrew is incredible. He will transform your skin and make it better than you ever imagined possible. Not only is he any amazing facialist but he is also a scientist and knows the chemistry behind your skin and the products he has created. He uses the highest quality vegan, non-animal tested products and he really proves to you that natural products beat chemical any day.
Also, I live between NY and SF so whenever I am in NY I love that I can order his stuff online. He is also super willing to answer any questions I have via email to maintain my glowing skin when I am away.
I can’t wait to go back and see him even though he has shown me how to maintain my skin even when I am away!

Jennifer L.

Place rating: 5
Marina/Cow Hollow, San Francisco, CA

I am so thankful that I found Andrew almost a year ago. I think of him and mentally thank him SO often for being able to look in the mirror each day and see clear skin! My skin has never looked better. I used to break out several times a month and just expected that’s what was going to happen with my skin. Now I rarely ever have a break out! Thank you Thank you Thank you Andrew!!!

Caroline M.

Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA

I have been to Blue Turtle Spa twice now, and have had a lovely experience both times. Andrew is very knowledgeable and passionate about skincare, and I love that he also advocates for cruelty-free products and good diet (as it relates to good skin care). Though I have had a very relaxing experience both times, Andrew does not sugar-coat things when it comes to achieving good skin; he explains the science behind good skin, and how lifestyle and exposure to poor quality products (hair and skin) can do more damage than good.
Bring all of the products you use for you skin care régime. Andrew will determine whether or not your products are irritating your skin, and will explain to you the ingredients that your specific skin type will need.
Andrew is a very kind, honest, and knowledgable man, and does not try to push you into purchasing any products. However, I immediately went to Blue Turtle Spa’s website after my facial and purchased the products he suggested.
After my «Loving your Skin» facial, my breakouts were very nicely extracted, inflammation was greatly reduced, and my skin texture looked so much healthier and radiant! I definitely would love to continue to see Andrew in the future.
Do yourself a favor, book an appointment with Andrew asap; it will change your skin forever! (:

Christina W.

Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA

Ladies, do yourself a favor and book an appointment with Andrew. In all of my years of searching for someone who would understand my sensitive rosacea flaring skin, Andrew is the only one who has known how to treat it. I feel like I’ve been to every dermatologist and esthetician in the Bay Area so Andrew deserves a gold medal. Everyone else always starts by steaming my skin and Andrew did not; he explained that steaming the skin of someone with rosacea only makes it worse. After I had his facial, it was the first time I left with my skin more calm and no longer red. I now wash with only cold water and only wash my face at night and I use his gentle cleanser. I also am using his relief serum which has calmed my skin down. I am a big fan of his products because guess what… they actually work! I have tried everything to calm my skin and all the other products out there at Sephora (insert every spa and department store here…) are complete garbage. Don’t listen to the hype, they don’t work.
Many thanks to Andrew and his matter of fact style of education for finally making me feel better and look better. He’s a great guy who is on a mission to educate women about what really works for our skin and how to treat it.

Olga V.

Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA

I have been Andrew’s client for over a year now and the results are excellent. In fact, I sometimes find it hard to believe how good my skin looks now, especially compared with how it used to look when I was in my 20s. Redness, dryness, irritation are but a distant memory now, and I also get very little breakouts. Other reviewers mentioned that Andrew does not try to pitch you a product to buy, unlike other estheticians; what he does though is he tries to come up with a really good regimen that works for the skin of the specific individual he’s treating. I did end up buying several products from Andrew which I use faithfully, however, the main ingredient in my facial care now is cold water. Apparently all these years my face wanted cold water! Go figure. In any case, I am very thankful to Andrew, and to Unilocal for helping me find him.

Michelle S.

Place rating: 5
Berkeley, CA

I’ve used Unilocal for two years but I’ve never been compelled to write a review until now.
It’s so rare to find an esthetician who deeply understands the science of skin care. Andrew’s knowledge is thorough, and the way he applies it to truly customize a treatment plan is unparalleled.
I usually visit a medically licensed esthetician who works for a dermatologist. She is excellent, but Andrew’s service and consulting were even better. He’s straight forward, honest, caring, and doesn’t oversimplify anything that he explains. He explained the meta-workings of the beauty care industry’s marketing and put everything he told me in context.
Thank you, Andrew! You’ve set an amazingly high bar.
I hope Andrew decides to open an esthetician training school one day because his approach could really transform the industry in a direction that it needs to go in (actual care, less fluff).
Overall, Andrew is a science-based, delightful, and dedicated esthetician who knows what he is talking about and explains the actual steps that you’ve always needed to hear to improve your skin. I will tell all of my friends who want to drastically improve their skin to visit him.
Long story short: Make an appointment; you won’t regret it!

S P.

Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA

My husband and I are both clients of Andrews, and we love him! We have been getting facials from different estheticians for years and besides the product pitch they treat you to while they are giving you a $ 120 facial, they were not as insightful about your skin or as caring about your skin care routine. Andrew knows his stuff and he is honest about the gimmicks and products out there. He doesn’t try to sell you anything, and instead leads you to having a better understanding of your own skin, all starting with your initial skin consultation. I appreciate his thoroughness and attention to detail, he files away his notes from the consultation and updates it in subsequent appointments so you always know he is truly up to date on your skin — love this. I have seen remarkable improvements on both our faces since we have started seeing him. He handles not only extractions but removal of milium with less pain than I have ever endured, also love this. If you want a great esthetician who will set you on the right path to taking care of your skin without harsh chemicals or unnecessary treatments, then I highly recommend you visit him.

Laura W.

Place rating: 5
SoMa, San Francisco, CA

I had a great experience here. He is really all about the making sure that you are aware of what is in the products you use and takes a lot of time to discuss the drawbacks of certain products. The products he sells are very reasonably priced too.

Pui Lum W.

Place rating: 5
Mission, San Francisco, CA

I’ve now been going to see Andrew and using his skin care plan for me for over a year now. The facial is great and all (I have very sensitive skin and facials usually make my skin look worse, not better) but I have to say the best part of going to see Andrew is the product recommendations.
When I started seeing him, I was using stuff that I thought was good for my skin — pricey cleaners, exfoliators, moisturizers, toners, eye creams, and the list goes on. He switched me to a gentle daily cleanser and an exfoliator… that’s it (and of course sunscreen). Not only do I save money on products, my skin is less dry now than it ever was when I was slathering expensive moisturizer all over it! It’s been the best my skin has ever been. Period.

Kelsey B.

Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA

Andrew was so professional and provided so much education during the consultation and facial, I can’t say enough good things. I’m a science nerd and thought I knew my stuff, but I learned so many things about my skin and now have a complete new outlook. I’m excited to continue my new skin regimen thanks to him.

Kari F.

Place rating: 5
Hermosa Beach, CA

Two months before my wedding I noticed a field of blackheads and grossness on my face. After reading reviews of Andrew’s facials and extractions, I decided to pay him a visit. And, boy… am I glad I did.
I visited the West Portal location which was immaculate and relaxing. Everything started on time — totally smooth operation.
Andrew takes a very scientific approach and discusses the importance of PH balance, the need to avoid sulfates, etc. I dig science so it’s a framework I can buy into.
The extractions were great. He’s gentle yet not afraid to get the job done! He did avoid a couple erupted spots to prevent skin damage. I followed his recommendation to chemically exfoliate and they eventually went away.
Andrew isn’t a pushy salesman. But after your appointment you realize he’s essentially the only source of the products he recommends. I struggle to pay $ 50 for products, so I found more affordable alternatives that worked for me. But, my skin is pretty low maintenance. I’d recommend doing whatever he advises if you have problem skin.
After 1 week, my skin was smoother than a baby’s bottom! Seriously — no bumps! After 1 – 2 months of following the routine, my skin is pretty flawless. So, thanks to Andrew for helping make my skin so beautiful on my wedding day!

Julie S.

Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA

I started going to Andrew because my skin had become acne-prone in my 30s. Andrew turned the situation around by prescribing a glycolic gel treatment. Under his care, my skin has become much healthier. His knowledge of the science of skincare is more in-depth than anyone I know. I get facials several times a year from him, and they are excellent. In the past I have found facials to be far from relaxing, if not unpleasant (someone is picking at your face, after all!) but with Andrew, I am able to relax and get the benefits of the facial while also getting an ultra-relaxed «spa» experience. Andrew is a kind, nurturing person who really listens to and cares about his customers. He makes everything easy, from being able to book treatments and buy products online to recommending only products that are truly tailored to your skin needs.

Heather P.

Place rating: 5
Columbia, MD

It’s been months since my first appointment with Andrew and I still am in awe of his expertise and compassion. He explained my skin with the expertise of a medical doctor while also having the soothing touch of a therapist.
I have super sensitive skin and I left there with no redness and a glow that people noticed all day long.

S. L.

Place rating: 5
San Jose, CA

At last, an esthetician that knows what they are doing and the results show. No kidding!
After many services at various spas and salons throughout the Bay Area, there has been no one else except Blue Turtle Spa who has been able to take care of my acne. Prior to going to see Andrew, I was taking medication for my acne for some time. I’ve had acne pretty much all my life even now as an adult in my late 30s.
Shortly after my first visit with Andrew, I no longer took my medication. Three years later, my skin is still free of major acne and believe it or not, can go with little or no make-up at all. Not only do you get the results you are looking for, Andrew is very knowledgeable and continuously educates himself on various skin problems and products (which he also carries).
So don’t fear or delay, make your appointment with Andrew today! He is available 7 days a week and his schedule is flexible.
Hands down, Andrew at Blue Turtle Spa is the BEST!!!

Jessica T.

Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA

I just have to do an update for this place.
Because Andrew truly is not only extremely skilled — but he is also one of the kindest people out there. Trust.
I try to patronize places with good energy and heart.
Blue Turtle Spa is one such place.
I have been here twice now.
Since Andrew just opened up this particular location (he has two locations) — it’s fairly easy to get an appointment. And being that Andrew is so talented and word is only continuing to spread about him — — I suggest jumping on an appointment soon.
With the holidays quickly approaching it can be too easy to stress yourself out. To fall asleep in heavily caked on holiday makeup. To stay up way too late doing online shopping for friends and family.
But.
Don’t sweat it.
Whatever ill-will you unleash on your skin — Andrew will calm and correct.
Not only does he have the magical touch. But his prices and all of the products that he carries are wonderful as well.
Pamper yourself. Go to Blue Turtle Spa.
Live it up at the end of 2009 — or better — yet go big in 2010.
Blue Turtle Spa — That’s What’s Up.
Trust.

Blue Turtle Spa

San Francisco, United States

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20 reviews of Blue Turtle Spa