REDLANDS - For more than 20 years, Laura Bischoff has been helping people put their best face forward.

Bischoff and her husband Brad own Laura's Wellness Spa in Redlands. Specializing in facials and body facials using Epicuren Discovery products, she  was recently nominated by the MyFoxLA Web site for best facial in the Riverside area.

"I have been going to Laura for a few years now, and I have seen great improvements regarding my skin and its health," client Olga Granillo said. "I appreciate that she is able to customize her treatment depending on my skin's needs.

"Not only does Laura help me take care of my skin, but with her positive energy and genuine kindness, she takes care of my soul and spirit while I am there."

Bischoff received her graduate degree from the Lancôme Institute de Beauté in Paris, then managed the Lancôme Institute and Harris' Day Spa in Redlands for more than 17 years. She fulfilled her dream of owning her own wellness spa six years ago, when Laura's Wellness Spa, at 535 W. State St., Suite J opened for business.

"Her charisma, love of people and professional skills are no doubt what has spurred her spa's tremendous growth," client Ron Squier said. "As a physical therapist, I have always appreciated and enjoyed her wonderful facials, massages and professional advice."

Through her spa, Bischoff has brought specialty items out of Los Angeles and into the Inland Empire, such as Epicuren products, Sage Machado essential oil perfumes and Youngblood mineral makeup.

"Epicuren products are intensive but results are immediate and lasting," she said. "I like that Epicuren believes that your best cosmetic should be your skin."

Bischoff said she is determined to give services that focus on the each client individually. She gives nutritional counseling when necessary, and customizes each facial or body treatment.

"What I love about Laura and the spa is the personalized, caring environment," client Shelly Almgren said. "I feel refreshed after her facials."

Laura is committed to total body wellness, which has definitely been a blessing to me."

Recently, Bischoff expanded her services to include private and semi-private yoga sessions in the Nepenthe Yoga room. "Nepenthe" is translated as "the one that chases pain and sorrow away," and that's Bischoff's goal for clients.

"It came about from noticing my own posture was changing and not for the better," she said. "Then I realized exercise is a huge factor in how healthy your skin is. These things need to be co-existing for good skincare."

The four types of yoga - offered by Bischoff and two additional instructors - are Ashtanga, Power Vinyasa Flow, Intro to Yoga and Thai yoga.

"Some key benefits from the yoga sessions offered include improved posture, stress reduction and overall improved quality of life," Bischoff said.

Through the Nepenthe Yoga Room, which is decorated with mirrors in the shape of the sun and Swarovski crystals, she has opened up the world of yoga to many who otherwise wouldn't have taken a class.

"I was very excited when she started offering yoga classes, because I had never done yoga before," client Helen Gaglia said. "Laura helped me to not feel intimidated or embarrassed."

While Laura takes care of the health side of the spa, Brad manages the technical and financial tasks and designed and maintains the spa's Web site, www.lauraswellnessspa.com . On the side, he is a musician and leads worship at The Packinghouse church in Redlands.

The pair's diverse interests have led to a unique service at the spa.

"We're currently offering a `Multi-Task Wellness' special," Bischoff said.

"Linking the spa with your computer's wellness, you can now pamper yourself and solve most of your PC problems in just one visit.

When you call for your appointment, mention what you need done to your PC. Then just bring your computer or laptop with you when you come in for your spa treatment and he'll get it working in no time."

For the spa's clients, having these extra services is icing on the cake.

"When I go to Laura's Wellness Spa, it is like entering a new world, one that is filled with peace and tranquility," Gaglia said. "Laura is the sweetest, cleanest and most thorough esthetician I have ever been to. She makes me feel like I'm the most important person when she is working on me."

E-mail Staff Writer Catherine Garcia at: cgarcia@redlandsdailyfacts.com