Professional Acne Treatments in Northern California

01 The role of photodynamic therapy in treating acne and other skin conditions

Blackheads, whiteheads and pimples are all examples of acne, a common skin problem that affects people of various ages. While acne can sometimes be treated and managed with over-the-counter products, more severe cases often require treatment from a dermatologist. The Berman Skin Institute offers multiple acne treatment options.

What Acne Treatment Options Are Available?

People with mild cases of acne may see improvement in their skin with at-home treatments, such as using a product with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. 

A more severe case of acne, or acne that doesn’t respond to at-home treatments, often requires treatment from a dermatologist. Berman Skin Institute offers several acne treatment options overseen by our dermatologists:

What Our Clients Have to Say

Julie Delagnes
03:06 20 Feb 25
Very pleasant and efficient.
Jamilah Al-Rahman
06:59 15 Feb 25
Went in for botox for aging skin because it was cost effective, non-invasive, no downtime and was told flat out NO and was recommended a harsh laser treatment which is not cost effective, invasive and has downtime. Was told NO by a doctor that had so much botox he couldn't smile. It had nothing to do with what I wanted - it had to do with who I was as a person #bigot #genderphobe
Lydia Dick
17:04 13 Feb 25
Update: Appreciate the quick response and action on this review. Their text reminders were picked up by my spam filter, so be sure to add their # to your contacts! Updating to 4 stars because otherwise I had a good experience with this office and Dr. Pyles.I went here for a 1-off skin concern a year ago. The front desk scheduled a follow-up appointment without my knowledge for a year later. I missed their reminder call the day before the appointment (they called at 8 am and it went to voicemail). By the time I listened to their voicemails 2 days later I found out I would be charged $150 for missing the appointment.
Celeste Molleur
02:48 05 Feb 25
Completely trust Dr Pyles. He’s thorough, personable and an excellent doctor.
Michelle Malone
04:46 02 Feb 25
North shore Outdoors
21:34 31 Jan 25
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Frequently Asked Questions about Acne

Pimples and other types of acne form when the pores or hair follicles on the skin become clogged. Several factors can contribute to acne:

  • Excess oil production
  • Bacteria on the skin
  • Dead skin cells
  • Inflammation 

Hormone fluctuations can often trigger acne — particularly testosterone, an androgen hormone.

The hormonal changes associated with puberty and adolescence often trigger acne breakouts, which is why many people associate pimples with teenagers.

However, adults can get acne, too, even decades past their adolescence. While teenage acne is more common in males, adult acne is more common in women. Women who get acne are likely to notice breakouts during their menstrual cycles or while pregnant.

Certain triggers can make breakouts more likely, such as some types of medications or using lotions or beauty products that clog pores. High humidity and environmental pollution can also trigger acne.

Many people think their acne will clear up after adolescence, only to discover it continues into adulthood. Others may have never broken out as teenagers but find themselves with acne as adults.

Adult acne is caused by the same factors that cause acne in adolescence:

  • Inflammation
  • Bacteria
  • Clogged pores
  • Excess oil production

In adults, acne can also be exacerbated by several factors, such as:

  • Hormone fluctuations — particularly around the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy
  • High stress levels
  • Skin and hair care products
  • Medications — including hormonal birth control, corticosteroids and lithium

Acne can also be a sign of an underlying medical condition in adults, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome.

 

Acne Treatments Before & After Gallery

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The treatment that is right for you depends on the severity of your acne and how it has responded to previous treatments.

Schedule Acne Treatment With a Dermatologist in San Francisco

To learn more about your treatment options, schedule a consultation with an acne dermatologist near you at the Berman Skin Institute today.

Find Your Nearest Location for Acne Treatments

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