Professional Acne Treatments in Northern California

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:

Acne Laser Treatment

HydraFacial™

Acne Extraction

Blu-U Light Therapy

Facials

Chemical Peel

Microdermabrasion

Photodynamic Therapy

Silk Peel Dermal Infusion

Aesthetician Skincare

Skincare Home Therapy

What Our Clients Have to Say

Berman Skin Institute | Medical & Cosmetic Dermatology

4.4

Based on 282 reviews

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Michelle Luke

20:22 27 Jan 25

Dr.Pylws had great expertise and incredible bedside manner. Very efficient and great to work with. Best medical experience I have ever had!

Charles Steiner

05:24 26 Jan 25

I was shocked to learn that after spending more than 10 minutes filling out in detail my medical history, list of allergies, dermatological concerns, and past surgeries before my appointment, the medical assistant who led me to the examination room did not read the forms I filled out, and when I suggested she do so before she asked me again what was the purpose of my visit, she left the room and returned with the dermatologist who had already been 15 minutes late for my appointment, the dermatologist huffily informing me that his medical assistant said I refused to talk with her an that I had wanted to see him. "What can I do for you? Why are you here?" he had brusquely asked. I said, "As I said to your medical assistant, please read the medical history I filled out at the registration desk." Astonishingly, the dermatologist quite proudly announced that he had not read the forms I submitted, had no knowledge of my medical history and even though I stated on the form my reasons for making the appointment, he wanted me to accept that I had not only wasted my time filling out in detail the medical information that had been asked of me but as well wanted me to repeat everything I had spent more than ten minutes writing down before my appointment. How totally disrespectful and unprofessional! The medical assistant continued to remain in the room while I spoke with the dermatologist, and I asked the doctor what the purpose was for the medical assistant to be in the same consultation/examination room with me. He said she was there as a witness. A witness? Was this a legal matter? Surveillance? He misinterpreted my desire for private consultation with him as my feeling ashamed of taking off my clothes, exposing cysts on my skin I had hoped he might treat. He examined my skin and told me he could do little to help me except provide a referral for surgery at UCSF! Meanwhile the medical assistant literally stood at the back of the room, her back against the wall, just listening. While he told me he could do nothing himself, he volunteered to give me a steroidal injection in my back for an area of my skin that itched badly. How did the dermatologist determine that it was safe for him to inject me with a steroid when he knew nothing of my medical history, my health history, my allergies, what medications made me ill? Hmmmm? He knew nothing about me or my medical background and history, said he could do little to treat the cysts I had, but yet felt completely confident to inject this patient who was a stranger with steroids! This is what you get. I realized later, when a medical clinic operates as a DEI business. What you get is a doctor who isn't the least curious about his patient, doesn't care to be informed about the patient before seeing the patient, and perfectly capable of showing you that he can be as unhelpful and as indifferent to a patient as any drug pusher standing on the dirty, cluttered corner of the sidewalk in the Tenderloin District of San Francisco.

Juan Flores

02:25 25 Jan 25

I visited with Dr. Pyles and he was very professional and knowledgeable. Overall a pleasant experience.

Josh

02:21 22 Jan 25

Andrew Gumperz

02:21 17 Jan 25

Excellent experience! Great staff efficient front office and skilled medical specialists. Highly recommended.

Elena Pole

02:38 28 Dec 24

Wait time is minimal and staff helpful and knowledgeable

Frequently Asked Questions about Acne

What Causes 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.

Who Gets Acne?

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.

What Causes Adult 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.