As a master aesthetician in San Francisco, California, Melissa describes her work as double satisfaction when she sees her clients' skin transform during treatments and how they feel afterward.

“Whether providing a skin analysis or performing my non-invasive sculptural face-lift facial, my goal is to educate, increase nutrients, restore hope, and boost confidence. It is gratifying and a privilege to work with my clients. My goal is to improve the quality of my client’s skin from within.”

Melissa Elia, a CIDESCO internationally certified Skin Therapist, licensed aesthetician, and Clinical Psychologist, has twenty years of experience in the health and beauty industries, respectively. As a graduate of the AVEDA Institute in San Francisco, a pioneer of holistic beauty, Melissa has independently studied courses in dermatology; next-generation technologies; cosmetic chemistry and formulations; the body's chemical composition; facial anatomy; growth factors and wound healing, all far exceeding the annual advanced credit requirements.

Trained in rigorous Swiss standards by a traditional Hungarian Master Aesthetician and Organic Farmer, Melissa’s knowledge and perspective intensified her passion for helping people in a broader context. In the mental health field for years and working in the skincare industry as a brand ambassador and educator, she realized the direct connection between mental and physical health and how that showed up on the skin! To fill that void, she has been working to bridge that gap for her clients by collaborating with clinical specialists and doctors to enhance her clients’ treatment results and quality of life. 

Melissa has led international education and training in teams of 50+ employees and thousands of retail customers worldwide. Her background also includes training and use of over 100 brands – natural and cosmeceutical.  The unique pairing of her professional background and transformative personal life experiences enables her to provide effective, compassionate, and adept recommendations! This encompasses experts in the fields of Naturopathy, Endocrinology, Nutrition, Dermatology, Acupuncture, and Regenerative medicine, to name just a few. 

Melissa has done professional exchanges in India, Ireland, and Sweden tying their trustworthy ingredients, techniques, and tools into what helps shape her practice here. She returned an entirely different technician each trip - with enhanced skills and invaluable knowledge.  

Thoughtfully engaging mind, body, and spirit, Melissa can match product ingredients and treatment options as a professional to meet client needs. Her cross-specialty collaboration positively impacts client care.