Why Portland Locals Are Choosing Skincare Memberships Over One-Time Facials? The One Thing Nobody Tells You About Great Skin
Here’s something I wish someone had told me 25 years ago when I started as a counter manager at Shiseido:
Your skin doesn’t care about one amazing product or facial. It cares about what you do consistently.
Not the $300 luxury facial you get once a year before your vacation.
Not the viral TikTok product everyone’s raving about.
Not even the clinical-grade treatment that promises miracle results in one session.
What your skin actually responds to? Showing up. Regularly. With expert care, clean products, and a personalized approach.
That’s the truth I’ve learned after 25 years working with skin – from my early days evaluating product lines at medical spas to building my practice here in Portland focusing on clean, botanical skincare.
And it’s exactly why I created our NEW Skincare Membership Collection for 2026 and beyond.
But before I tell you about the memberships, let me tell you what I see happening with most people and their skincare…
The Frustrating Cycle Most People Are Stuck In
You know this pattern. Maybe you’re living it right now:
Your skin is struggling – breakouts, dullness, texture, whatever. So you finally book that facial you’ve been putting off.
You spend $175-250. The esthetician does their thing. You walk out glowing.
For exactly five days.
Then life happens. Work gets overwhelming. Your routine falls off. And slowly – or sometimes quickly – your skin goes right back to where it was.
A few months later (or six months, or a year), you’re in the same spot. Frustrated. Googling “best facial near me Portland” at 11pm. Wondering why nothing seems to actually work.
Here’s why: Your skin isn’t broken. Your approach is.
One-time facials are like going to the gym once and expecting abs. Or eating one salad and wondering why you don’t feel amazing.
Your skin cell turnover cycle is 28 days. Real barrier repair takes months. Collagen stimulation? That’s a long game.
You can’t rush skin health. But you absolutely can support it consistently, and that’s when everything changes.
What Happened When I Started Offering Portland Skincare Memberships
I’ll be serious – I didn’t create memberships because they were trendy or because every spa has them.
I created them because I was tired of watching people invest hundreds of dollars in sporadic treatments that never built on each other.
I was tired of the frustration. The “facials don’t work for me” comments. The cycle of hope and disappointment.
So this year, I started building membership offerings that are something unique: monthly, bimonthly, and quarterly skincare memberships designed around consistency, not convenience.
Here’s what I’ve watched happen:
People who’ve struggled with rosacea for years finally seeing calm, balanced skin.
Texture that wouldn’t budge with at-home products smoothing out after three months of strategic treatments.
Hyperpigmentation fading because we addressed it at the root – layer by layer, treatment by treatment.
And the thing that surprised me most? The confidence shift.
When you’re not chasing perfect skin and instead focusing on your healthiest skin, something changes. You stop trying to look like someone else. You start looking like yourself – and more rested, more radiant, more at ease in your own skin.
That’s what these memberships are really about.
Why Kelli Thomsen Beauty Memberships Are Different From Every Other Portland Facial Membership
Look, I get it. You can get a facial membership at a lot of places in Portland. Chain spas. Medspas. Even some hair salons offer them now.
But here’s what makes my approach different – and why people drive from Lake Oswego, Beaverton, and even Vancouver to see me:
1. This Isn’t Cookie-Cutter Skincare
I don’t have a “September facial” that everyone gets. I don’t follow a script.
At the start of every single appointment, we talk. What’s going on with your skin right now? How’s your stress? Your hormones? Your sleep? What’s working in your routine? What’s not?
Then I actually look at your skin. Assess texture, tone, hydration, barrier health. And together, we decide what treatment will serve you best that day:
- Custom Facial when your skin needs deep hydration and restoration
- Chemical Peel when you’re ready for accelerated resurfacing
- Dermaplaning when you want that impossibly smooth, glowing finish
- Microdermabrasion when texture and pores need attention
Your membership isn’t locked into one treatment. Your skin changes with seasons, stress, hormones, life. Your facial should too.
This is what I mean by personalized skincare. Not a menu you order from. A conversation about what your skin actually needs.
2. Clean Beauty Meets Clinical Results
After 28 years evaluating skincare – from my time at Shiseido to working with medical spas to testing over 20 different product lines, I exclusively use clean beauty and product lines that use botanicals like Epionce, Living Libations and Glo Skin Beauty.
These lines are:
- Botanical and science-backed (not one or the other – both)
- Eco-friendly and cruelty-free
- Free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances
- Professional-grade with clinical studies backing them
- Effective for Portland’s unique climate (hello, damp winters and dry summers)
You’re not choosing between “natural” and “results.” You get both.
3. Advanced Technology That’s Actually Included
Every membership treatment includes:
Celluma LED Light Therapy (normally a $40 add-on)
- Red light for anti-aging and collagen production
- Blue light for acne-causing bacteria
- Near-infrared for deep tissue healing
Infrared + PEMF Mat Technology
- Regulates your nervous system (which directly impacts skin health)
- Supports cellular healing and circulation
- Helps you actually rest during treatment (not just lay there thinking about your to-do list)
Most Portland spas charge $30-60 extra for LED. For me, it’s non-negotiable. Your skin health is cellular, not just topical.
4. The “Elemental Beauty” Approach: Your Skin + Your Nervous System
Here’s something most estheticians won’t tell you: Your stress shows up on your face.
Chronic stress = inflammation = breakouts, redness, premature aging, compromised barrier function.
That’s why every treatment I do is designed to support not just your skin, but your whole nervous system.
The infrared mat. The lymphatic massage. The 90 minutes where you’re not rushing, not multitasking, not performing.
This is nervous-system-centered skincare. When you’re calm, your skin heals better. When you feel cared for, you show up differently in your life.
I call it “Elemental Beauty” because real radiance comes from supporting your whole self, not just your complexion.
5. 25+ Years of Portland Skincare Expertise You Can Trust
I’m not a recent esthetics school grad (no shade as we all start somewhere). I’ve been doing this since 1998.
I started at Shiseido managing their skincare line, worked with medical spas evaluating laser treatments and clinical-grade skincare, and spent years building expertise in both corrective skin health and clean, botanical beauty.
I understand skin at a clinical, corrective level, the kind that comes from working with post-laser patients and medical-grade treatments.
But I also deeply believe in clean, non-toxic, botanical skincare that doesn’t compromise your health or the environment.
You’re getting both: clinical expertise + holistic philosophy.
And you’re working with someone who’s invested in your skin journey, not just performing a service and moving on to the next client.
The Three Portland Skincare Memberships: Which One Fits Your Life?
Now let’s talk about your options. I offer three membership levels, each designed for a different rhythm and commitment level.
THE ESSENTIAL: Monthly Portland Facial Membership
$145/Month | 12 Custom Treatments Per Year
Best for people who:
- Want monthly self-care that’s non-negotiable
- Have active skin concerns (acne, rosacea, hyperpigmentation, texture, sensitivity)
- Thrive on routine and consistent rituals
- Are ready to see what their skin looks like at its absolute healthiest
What’s included every month: ✓ Your choice of custom facial, chemical peel, dermaplaning, or microdermabrasion
✓ Celluma LED Light Therapy ($40 value)
✓ Infrared + PEMF mat for nervous system support
✓ Ice globe lymphatic massage
✓ Clean botanical skincare layering (Living Libations, Epionce + Glo Skin Beauty)
✓ 15% off all retail products
✓ Priority booking
✓ Complimentary product samples
✓ Personalized at-home skincare protocols
Why monthly works: Monthly facials give your skin the most consistent support. We can be strategic and progressive – building barrier health, then resurfacing, then maintaining.
Your skin gets expert attention before issues escalate. And you get a standing monthly date where showing up for yourself is already decided.
Real member feedback: “I’ve done The Essential for 8 months and my rosacea is calmer than it’s been in years. Kelli doesn’t try to change my face—she just helps me look like the healthiest version of myself. I finally feel confident without foundation.” — Sarah M., Portland
Investment: $145/month
Annual cost: $1,740 for 12 treatments ($145 per facial)
Savings: $70+ per treatment vs. regular pricing
Flexibility: Month-to-month (cancel with 30 days notice)
Perfect for: Portland professionals, parents, anyone ready to make consistent self-care a priority
[BOOK THE ESSENTIAL MEMBERSHIP]
THE RESTORED: Bimonthly Portland Skincare Membership
$160/Month | 6 Treatments Per Year (Every Other Month)
Best for people who:
- Want results without monthly commitment
- Have generally healthy skin needing maintenance
- Need flexibility with a busy schedule
- Crave a bimonthly reset ritual
What’s included every other month: ✓ Your choice of custom facial, chemical peel, dermaplaning, or microdermabrasion
✓ Celluma LED Light Therapy ($40 value)
✓ Infrared + PEMF mat technology
✓ Full 90-minute treatment with lymphatic drainage
✓ Clean botanical skincare (Epionce + Glo Skin Beauty)
✓ 15% off all products
✓ Priority booking
✓ Complimentary samples
Why bimonthly works: Every other month is the sweet spot for many people. Often enough to maintain healthy skin and address concerns progressively, but not so frequent it feels overwhelming or unsustainable.
This membership honors your rhythm. You get expert Portland skincare without pressure.
Real member feedback: “The Restored is perfect for my schedule and budget. Every other month I get my reset, and Kelli always knows exactly what my skin needs. I love that it’s not the same facial every time.” — Jamie L., Lake Oswego
Investment: $160/month
Annual cost: $960 for 6 treatments ($160 per facial)
Savings: $55+ per treatment vs. regular pricing
Flexibility: Month-to-month (cancel with 30 days notice)
Perfect for: Busy professionals, parents balancing life, anyone wanting sustainable self-care
[BOOK THE RESTORED MEMBERSHIP]
THE SEASONAL GLOW: Quarterly Portland Facial Membership
$170/Month | 4 Treatments Per Year (One Per Season)
Best for people who:
- Want to honor seasonal skin changes
- Have a solid at-home routine + want professional support quarterly
- Prefer less frequent but strategic care
- Value quality over quantity
What’s included each season: ✓ Your choice of custom facial, chemical peel, dermaplaning, or microdermabrasion
✓ Celluma LED Light Therapy ($40 value)
✓ Infrared + PEMF mat for deep nervous system support
✓ Full 90-minute seasonal treatment
✓ Clean botanical products adjusted for seasonal needs
✓ 15% off all retail products year-round
✓ Priority booking
✓ Seasonal skincare consultations
Why quarterly works: Your skin changes dramatically with Portland’s seasons: drier in winter, oilier in summer, more reactive in spring, slower to heal in fall.
The Seasonal Glow gives you four strategic touchpoints where we customize your treatment to what your skin needs RIGHT THEN – not three months ago.
Perfect if you’re disciplined with home care and want professional-grade treatments to support you through seasonal transitions.
Real member feedback: “As someone who’s consistent with skincare at home, The Seasonal Glow gives me those professional treatments I can’t replicate myself. Four times a year keeps my skin glowing. Plus the 15% product discount adds up!” — Morgan K., Portland
Investment: $170/month
Annual cost: $680 for 4 treatments ($170 per facial)
Savings: $45+ per treatment vs. regular pricing
Flexibility: Month-to-month (cancel with 30 days notice)
Perfect for: Skincare enthusiasts, minimalists, anyone wanting quarterly professional support
[BOOK THE SEASONAL GLOW MEMBERSHIP]
What Actually Happens During Your Membership Facial
No matter which membership you choose, here’s what every 90-minute appointment looks like:
Before we start (10 minutes): We sit down and talk. How’s your skin feeling? What’s working? What’s frustrating you? Any changes since last time?
Then I assess your skin: texture, tone, hydration, barrier health, any concerns.
Together, we decide which treatment serves you best today.
During your treatment (75 minutes): You’re welcomed into a cozy, calming treatment room. Soft lighting. Comfortable temperature (warm blanket & robe). A space designed to help you actually rest.
Depending on your chosen treatment:
- Custom Facial: Double oil cleanse, customized extractions, gua sha, cupping or ice globe massage, treatment masque, dermal layering
- Chemical Peel: Double cleanse, customized peel application, neutralization, calming treatment, protective layering
- Dermaplaning: Prep cleanse, expert blade work, lymphatic massage, hydrating masque, nourishing serums
- Microdermabrasion: Cleanse, controlled exfoliation, calming treatment, barrier support, protective finish
Every treatment includes:
- Celluma LED Light Therapy (red, blue, or near-infrared depending on your needs)
- Time on infrared + PEMF mat
- Neck and shoulder attention
- Clean botanical product layering
- Broad-spectrum SPF
After your treatment (5 minutes): You’ll leave with personalized at-home recommendations. What products to use (15% off for members). What to avoid. What to expect over the next few days.
We’ll schedule your next appointment if you want so consistency is already handled.
Portland Skincare Membership FAQ
Q: Can I really choose different treatments each visit?
A: Yes! That’s the whole point. Your skin changes and your treatments should too. At every appointment, we assess and decide together.
Q: What if I have really sensitive skin?
A: Perfect! That’s exactly why we customize. We’ll start gentle, assess how your skin responds, and adjust from there. I work with rosacea, eczema, post-laser skin, all of it.
Q: Do the LED and infrared cost extra?
A: Nope. They’re included in every membership treatment. Most Portland spas charge $30-60 extra for LED and I think that’s ridiculous. It’s essential for results.
Q: Can I pause my membership if I travel or get busy?
A: Yes for monthly memberships please give 30 days notice. Your skin will be here when you’re ready to come back.
Q: I’m interested in a membership but getting married soon. Should I do skincare maintenance or wedding prep?
A: Great question! If your wedding is within 12 months, check out our Wedding Prep Memberships (The Radiant, The Luminous, The Timeless). They’re strategically timed around your big day. If your wedding is further out or you just want ongoing care, choose a maintenance membership.
Q: What products do you use?
A: Many clean, botanical, science-backed, cruelty-free, and clinically proven skin care and makeup brands. No parabens, sulfates, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances.
Q: Are you taking new members?
A: I do limit the number of memberships I offer each month so everyone gets personalized attention. Check availability by booking your membership or emailing kelli@kellithomsen.com with additional questions or needs.
The Real Cost of Skipping Consistent Skincare
Let’s do some honest math.
Sporadic facial approach:
- Book facial when skin is really struggling: $200
- Looks great for 5-7 days
- Don’t book again for 6 months
- Another facial before a big event: $200
- Annual cost: $400-600 for 2-3 treatments that don’t build on each other
- Result: Frustration, no lasting change
Membership approach:
- The Essential: $1,740/year for 12 treatments = $145 each
- The Restored: $960/year for 6 treatments = $160 each
- The Seasonal Glow: $680/year for 4 treatments = $170 each
Plus 15% off products. If you spend $50/month on skincare (and most people do), that’s another $90/year in savings.
The real cost isn’t just financial, it’s the years you spend frustrated with your skin when consistent care could have revealed your healthiest complexion months or even years ago.
Ready to See What Your Healthiest Skin Looks Like?
Consistency reveals what’s already there – your most radiant, confident, healthy skin.
Whether you choose monthly, bimonthly, or quarterly care, you’re choosing to prioritize yourself. To show up. To invest in looking like the best version of who you already are.
Your next steps:
- Not sure which membership fits? Book a free 30-minute Complexion Consultation. We’ll look at your skin, talk about your goals and lifestyle, and I’ll give you honest guidance.
- Ready to commit? Choose your membership and book your first appointment:
- [Book The Essential (monthly) ]
- [Book The Restored (bimonthly) ]
- [Book The Seasonal Glow (quarterly) ]
- Have questions? Email me directly: kelli@kellithomsen.com or call 503-890-5355
I can’t wait to support your skin journey.
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