Beverly Hills Dermatology
Acne Treatment in Beverly Hills
A medical approach to acne — prescription topicals, hormonal therapy where appropriate, and in-office light-based treatment, directed by a board-certified dermatologist.
- Verified Reviews
- 792
- Overall Rating
- 4.77★
- Bedside Manner
- 4.84★
- Years in Practice
- 20+
Overview
Acne develops through four interacting mechanisms: increased sebum production, abnormal keratinization that plugs the follicle, proliferation of Cutibacterium acnes within that plugged follicle, and the resulting inflammation. Effective treatment targets more than one of those mechanisms at the same time, which is why single-product regimens so often plateau. Dr. Zaks evaluates lesion type — comedonal, inflammatory papules and pustules, or deeper nodules — along with distribution, scarring risk, and hormonal pattern, then builds a regimen accordingly.
Treatment is medical, not cosmetic: topical retinoids to normalize follicular keratinization, benzoyl peroxide and topical antibiotics to reduce bacterial load and inflammation, azelaic acid for inflammation and post-inflammatory pigment, oral antibiotics for a defined course in moderate inflammatory disease, and spironolactone for hormonally driven acne in appropriate female patients. When topical and oral therapy is not enough or a patient prefers to avoid long-term oral medication, Dr. Zaks offers in-office photodynamic therapy with Levulan® and blue light. Acne is a medical diagnosis, so visits are covered by most major PPO plans and Medicare.
Treatment Options
Prescription Topical Retinoids
Tretinoin, adapalene, or tazarotene normalize follicular keratinization, clear existing comedones, and prevent new ones. The foundation of nearly every regimen; dosing is titrated to manage initial dryness and irritation.
Benzoyl Peroxide and Topical Antibiotics
Benzoyl peroxide reduces C. acnes without resistance; clindamycin and other topical antibiotics reduce inflammation. Combination products limit resistance and simplify the routine.
Azelaic Acid
Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, with the added benefit of reducing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Particularly useful for skin of color and for pregnancy-safe regimens.
Spironolactone for Hormonal Acne
An androgen receptor blocker used in appropriate female patients with jawline, chin, and lower-face acne that flares cyclically. Requires monitoring and is not used in pregnancy.
Oral Antibiotics
Doxycycline or minocycline for a defined course in moderate to severe inflammatory acne, paired with topical therapy so results are maintained after the course ends.
Photodynamic Therapy and Blue Light
In-office light-based treatment. Levulan® (aminolevulinic acid) plus blue light for moderate to severe acne, or blue light alone as a gentler, medication-free option.
The Treatment Experience
Medical evaluation
Dr. Zaks examines lesion type and distribution, reviews your history including hormonal patterns, medications, and prior treatments, and assesses scarring risk.
Individualized regimen
Dr. Zaks explains each option clearly so you understand why it is chosen and how to use it. Regimens are tailored to your skin and built to be tolerable, because consistency matters more than intensity.
In-office treatment when indicated
For moderate to severe or treatment-resistant acne, photodynamic therapy (PDT) is scheduled alongside your topical regimen. In some cases, laser treatment is added to target stubborn inflammation or scarring risk.
Follow-up and adjustment
Initial improvement can be seen in four to six weeks, with further improvement seen over time. Dr. Zaks reassesses at follow-up, escalates or de-escalates therapy, and moves you onto a maintenance plan once you are clear.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before I see improvement?
Initial improvement can be seen in four to six weeks, with further improvement seen over time. Retinoids in particular can cause a period of dryness and purging in the first several weeks before results appear, which is why follow-up matters.
Do you treat adult and hormonal acne?
Yes. Adult-onset acne along the jawline, chin, and lower face that flares cyclically is common and very treatable. For appropriate female patients, spironolactone is often highly effective, alone or with topical therapy.
Is acne treatment covered by insurance?
Acne is a medical diagnosis, and visits are covered by most major PPO plans and Medicare. Prescription coverage depends on your pharmacy benefit; in-office light-based treatments may be handled differently, and our office will review costs with you in advance.
Will treating my acne prevent scarring?
Treating inflammatory acne early and effectively is the single best way to reduce permanent scarring. If you already have scarring or post-inflammatory redness and pigment, those are treated separately once active acne is controlled.
Can I keep using my current skincare products?
Bring them to your appointment. Dr. Zaks will tell you what to keep and what is working against you — heavy occlusive products and aggressive scrubs commonly make acne worse.
What if topical treatment hasn't worked for me before?
That usually means the regimen wasn't targeting enough of the underlying mechanisms, wasn't tolerable enough to continue, or wasn't given enough time. Dr. Zaks reviews exactly what you used and how, then escalates appropriately — including in-office photodynamic therapy.
Who performs the in-office treatments?
Dr. Zaks personally performs every procedure. Your treatment is never delegated to rotating assistants.
Patient Reviews
“I have been going to Dr. Zaks for over 4 years. His outstanding skill, great bedside manner, warm personality, and artistry with Botox make me come back again and again!”
“I had Rosacea on my face for over 10 years. Dr. Zaks quickly reduced this embarrassing condition. Nobody else could help me. He's the best Dermatologist in LA hands down!”
“Dr. Zaks did not rush and he gave me 100% attention. He did not try to sell me product or convince me to try aggressive procedures which I appreciated.”
“Doctor took the time to explain the technical aspects of my condition, the treatment options and the expectations.”
About Dr. Boris Zaks, MD
Dr. Boris Zaks personally performs every procedure at Superior Beverly Hills Dermatology — never rotating assistants. He has practiced dermatology in Beverly Hills for more than twenty years.
- Board Certified — American Board of Dermatology (since 2002)
- Medical Degree — UCLA School of Medicine
- Chief Resident — Charles Drew University of Medicine & Science
- B.S. Biology — UCLA, Summa Cum Laude (age 19)
- Medical Board of California Expert Reviewer since 2009
- Super Doctors® 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 & 2027 (Southern California)
- "Rock Star Dermatologist" — Glamour Magazine
Schedule Your Consultation
435 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite 408, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · Monday–Friday · (310) 552-3376
Paid parking on-site, or free 2-hour parking at 461 N. Bedford Drive Garage, 1 block away
Areas Served
Patients seek Acne Treatment at Dr. Zaks’s Beverly Hills office from throughout greater Los Angeles: West Hollywood, Bel Air, Brentwood, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, Westwood, Century City, Culver City, Marina del Rey, Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Calabasas, Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Torrance, Long Beach, Newport Beach, and Irvine.