FAQ
Common questions + answers
I've tried everything for my acne - what makes your approach different?
Most solutions to acne focus on skincare, prescriptions, and sometimes acne facials.
My focus is on identifying the root cause of your acne and providing the right solutions and changes to clear your skin naturally and keep it clear for life.
You deserve to know why you are breaking out and what you can do about it. And truthfully, you can do a lot!
The right combination of dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, and targeted skincare creates lasting results. In my program, they typically clear acne in around 3 months, even in the most challenging cases.
How long does it take to clear acne?
Most clients see clear skin within 90 days, with noticeable improvement starting around week 4 (or sooner). That can vary client to client. There is often substantial improvement in their pigmentation during that time. Some more time and/or treatments may be useful to work on the remaining acne scarring.
How can I find a holistic dermatologist to help with my acne?
Unfortunately holistic dermatologists are extremely hard to find. Most Dermatologists are trained to diagnose skin conditions like acne and then provide the tools prescription topicals and creams to alleviate the symptoms.
Dermatologists are often not trained in nutrition. In medical school, they typically receive 9 hours of nutritional training.
As a holistic acne practitioner, I am trained in nutrition, skincare, and wellness coaching, to bring about the unique changes needed in your body to be free from these symptoms. Going straight at the root cause stops acne from forming in the first place.
I have been told my acne is genetic and hormonal. Will this still work for me?
Yes! This is exactly what I specialize in. Genetics do play a role in how sensitive we are to acne triggers. But once acne triggers are dealt with, even people with genetic sensitivity to acne get clear skin.
Hormonal imbalance is a driving force of most acne. But most of that hormonal imbalance is created by things we eat and how we live. These things can be changed and they don't have to be overwhelming or drastic either. My clear skin protocol is very approachable for all. I find my clients feel it's way easier than they expected and that they experience other health and life benefits along with their skin clearing up.
What's your actual process for clearing acne naturally?
The best natural acne treatment is to find why you are breaking out and make permanent, sustainable corrections to remove those acne triggers from your life. For most of my clients, that is a combination of a few dietary changes, a customized skincare routine, and biweekly professional sessions for approximately 10-12 weeks.
How long does it take to clear acne naturally?
The answer to this question can differ slightly person to person depending on their history with and severity of their acne. But in general, my experience is that it takes about 6 sessions every 2 weeks (10-12 weeks total) to naturally clear acne in my clients. That is sometimes a little more or less depending on the client's unique situation.
What is the best treatment for acne scarring?
It depends on the kind of acne scarring you have.
If your acne scarring is red pigmentation, a series of acne facials and the right home skincare routine can be extremely effective.
For indented scarring, a series of microneedling treatments may be best. Note that in order to undergo microneedling, your skin needs to be acne-free. Getting clear skin is primary to treating underlying scarring.
Where are you located?
My acne clinic is located in San Francisco at 1801 Bush St (near Japantown). I service neighborhoods Nob Hill, Russian Hill, Marina, Mission, Noe Valley, Daly City, Richmond, Sunset, NOPA, Alamo Square, Hayes Valley, Haight, SOMA, North Beach, Marin county, Mill Valley, north bay, Corte Madera, Tiburon, Berkeley, Oakland, east bay, Burlingame, Palo Alto, south bay and more.
I also work with clients virtually with a similar success rate (diet + skincare changes can be made remotely!). I have been in business since 2011 and proudly stand by my results.
Do you take insurance?
While I don't accept traditional insurance, I do accept HSA/FSA cards - and many clients find the investment pays for itself in avoiding years of expensive products that don't work. I also offer payment plans to those need them. If finances are a block to you, reach out and we'll figure it out together.
How do I get started?
Ready to finally get clear skin? Book a New Client Visit to discuss your unique acne triggers and create your personalized clear skin plan.
Click "Book a Session" below to see my next available appointments!
Book a session >