About Skin in the Game - Facial Spa Washington DC
Hi! I’m Maraki
I’ve been a licensed esthetician for nearly a decade(eight years and counting) and my love for facials began long before I ever imagined owning my own practice.
I originally received my esthetics license in the Bay Area, California. The first time I experienced a facial, I was completely hooked.
It was the most relaxed I had ever felt, and for the first time, skincare made sense to me. Not just as beauty, but as care. The same was true for massage.
I was fascinated by the way touch, technique, and intention could completely shift how someone felt in their body and skin.
I remember asking my very first esthetician where she went to school and how she built her career. That curiosity stuck with me. Halfway through business school, I made the decision to pivot and enroll in an esthetics program. It was something that felt risky, but deeply right.
Finding My Footing
After graduating, I'll be honest: I didn't feel as prepared as I expected to be. I passed my state board exams through what I call "YouTube University," and while I was excited to enter the field, the reality of the industry surprised me. What I imagined would be a calm, nurturing environment often felt unstable, rushed, and at times unkind. For an industry centered on relaxation and care, that was both shocking and a little heartbreaking.
Still, I pushed forward. I committed myself to mastering my craft, working in everything from small boutique spas to large chains across both the Bay Area and the DMV. Each space taught me something about skin, about people, and about the kind of esthetician I wanted to be.
Going Out On My Own
Eventually, I realized that working for others was slowly pulling me away from the love I had for this work. That realization is what led me to start my own practice.
Today, I'm incredibly grateful to offer clients thoughtful, results-driven treatments in a space where care is never rushed and your skin is never treated like a number. Being a solo practitioner (for now) has allowed me to give clients exactly what they need, and there is nothing more rewarding than watching someone feel confident, relaxed, and understood in their skin.
The Vision Going Forward
I truly believe some of the best facials come from solo practices and smaller boutique spas where intention, consistency, and personal connection matter. That said, I don't plan on being solo forever. Growth is part of the vision. I plan to onboard staff and expand thoughtfully, and the journey of building something aligned, sustainable, and client-centered has been one of the most educational experiences of my life.
If you're looking for personalized skincare, intentional touch, and a practitioner who genuinely cares about your long-term skin health, you're in the right place.
The Goal Behind Skin In The Game
Skin In The Game was created with a simple but meaningful goal: to offer thoughtful, results-driven skincare in an environment where clients feel seen, unrushed, and genuinely cared for.
After years of working in fast-paced spas and corporate settings, I saw how often treatments became transactional and focused on speed, numbers, and upsells rather than long-term skin health. Skin In The Game exists to do the opposite.
Intentional Care, Not Pressure
The goal is to provide intentional treatments rooted in education, touch, and consistency. Where every facial is customized, every recommendation is honest, and clients leave feeling both relaxed and informed. This is skincare with purpose, not pressure.
Built to Grow the Right Way
Beyond individual treatments, Skin In The Game is being built as a space for sustainable growth that values practitioner well-being as much as client results. As the practice expands, the vision is to onboard like-minded professionals who prioritize integrity, care, and craft, while maintaining the intimacy and quality of a boutique experience.
Skin In The Game isn't about quick fixes. It's about commitment to your skin, to the process, and to doing things the right way.
Frequently Asked Questions
To provide more insight, here are answers to common questions based on our services.
What is the best facial treatment for fine lines, acne scars, and uneven skin texture?
Microchanneling excels here, stimulating collagen to smooth and resurface.
How does microchanneling work to reduce acne scars?
It creates micro-channels that deliver growth factors, prompting natural healing.
What skin concerns can a customized facial treat?
Acne, aging, dehydration, uneven tone, and congestion, with tailored elements like extractions or infusions.
Can microchanneling help with thinning hair?
Yes, scalp sessions stimulate follicles for thicker growth.
Why are over-the-counter products not fixing my skin?
They often address symptoms superficially, while our treatments target root causes.
What facial treatments does Skin In The Game DC offer?
Customized facials, microchanneling, waxing, and peels.
Do we offer memberships or packages?
Yes, The Glow Membership and prepaid bundles for savings.
What facial waxing services are available?
Full face, brows, lip, chin, and more.
Do I need a consultation before my first facial?
No, I assess on the spot. Where is Skin In The Game DC located? 1725 I St NW, Third Floor, Washington, DC 20006.
How many microchanneling sessions does it take to see results?
Most see changes after 3-6, spaced monthly.
What are the risks of microchanneling?
Minimal, with temporary redness; we use gentle methods.
How much does a facial cost in DC?
From $189 to $300 at our spa.
What is the difference between a facial and a chemical peel?
Facials cleanse and nourish; peels exfoliate deeply.
Can I get a facial during my lunch break?
Yes, express options take 45 minutes.
Is facial waxing painful?
I minimize discomfort with professional techniques.
How long do waxing results last?
Weeks, with finer regrowth over time.
What should I avoid before a treatment?
Active ingredients and blood thinners for a week.
Can I share my membership?
Yes, with friends or family.
What if I have sensitive skin?
My services are gentle and customizable.
My goal is to make skincare approachable and effective, helping you achieve the confidence that comes from healthy, radiant skin. Whether you are new to professional treatments or a regular, Skin In The Game DC is here to support your journey.
Invest in Your Skin
Memberships & Packages
Monthly Membership
The Glow Membership
$180/m
One signature facial every month
15% off all additional treatments
10% off skincare products
Priority booking access
Can share with friends and family.
Pre Paid Packages
Treatment Packages
Starting at $810
Buy 3, 5, or 10 sessions and save
Offering facials, microchanneling, or waxing
No expiration on sessions
Share with a friend or family member
Lock in current pricing
Skin in the Game - Premiere Facial Spa in Washington DC
Your Sanctuary on I Street
Your Best Skin is One Appointment Away
Skincare isn't universal. At Skin in the Game, we treat it as the personal discipline it is.
Our clients, from Georgetown townhouses to Capitol Hill residences, understand that real confidence starts with skin that reflects how they feel.
We pair clinical precision with an unhurried approach. Every session is designed to let you slow down, breathe, and actually be present while your skin gets the attention it deserves.
Total relaxation at it's finest and built into every treatment. The result: a private sanctuary where technology meets genuine expertise, and your skin health becomes our shared priority.
Getting to Skin In The Game DC
Directions to Our I Street Location
Skin In The Game DC sits in the heart of downtown Washington, directly across from Farragut Square. Easy to reach by Metro, by car, or on foot.
Our facial spa is located at 1725 I St NW, Third Floor, between 17th and 18th Streets NW. Exit Farragut West Metro (Blue, Orange, or Silver lines) at the 18th & I Street entrance and you are one block away.
Coming from the Red Line, exit Farragut North at Connecticut Ave & K Street and walk two blocks south. Garage parking is available in the building with metered street parking along I Street.
"I had an amazing experience with Maraki! "
"She was gentle, knowledgeable, and made sure I was comfortable throughout the facial. My skin looks brighter and healthier. Thank you for such a relaxing experience!." - Zelalem Barkilgn
Our mission is simple yet powerful: to empower you with the beauty of self-confidence. We believe that everyone deserves to feel comfortable and beautifulin their skin. With custom-tailored skincare solutions, we strive to make this belief a reality for each and every client we serve.
Convenient to wherever your day takes you. We're steps from Farragut West Metro in the heart of downtown DC, open 10am to 8pm so you can come in on your lunch break or after work.
Contact Us
THURS - MON: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
TUES & WED: CLOSED
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Facial Waxing
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Kid Friendly
Yes
Walk Ins
Yes
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