I'm Californian. I may have been raised in the midwest, but I've always thought more radically than the average Nebraskan.
I had microdermabrasion yesterday, and it was heavenly. The sensation I was told to expect was described to me as a cat licking my face. Towards the end of the treatment, I laughed because I remembered that description, and I'd never have allowed my kitty to lick my face so raw. It wasn't bad, mind you, but my face definitely felt like it'd been rubbed against a five o'clock shadow for an hour or so.
While I was getting the treatment, I had my hands covered in paraffin, and after the doctor removed the wax, she gave me a hand and arm massage. She kept reminding me that it was my turn to be cared for, so I needed to simply lie back and relax. I love her! She didn't try to sell me anything extra, and the hand treatment wasn't advertised, so it was completely extra, as far as I was concerned. If you ever find yourself in San Diego, in need of a good facial, look her up. Her name's Dr. Ellen Gabel, and she's on First Street, not far from the airport. (Shameless plugging.)
My skin is so smooth now, and I'll go back in a few weeks. Woo hoo!