Program

How does the Holistic Acne Program for acne treatment work?
Our Holistic Acne Program combines facial acupuncture and customized herbal medicine to address the root causes of acne. We provide a holistic approach to acne treatment, including personalized treatment plans to improve your skin health and overall well-being.

Is the Holistic Acne Program right for me?
If you are struggling with chronic acne and prefer a natural, holistic approach rather than traditional medications, our program might be ideal. The program also addresses perioral dermatitis, rosacea, and melasma. We assess your individual needs during the initial consultation and customize the program to fit your specific acne concerns.

To sign up, book your initial session here.

How is this program different from other acne programs?

1) Compared to treatments from your Western medical provider, this program does not use pharmaceutical medications, either topically or internally. The side effects from herbal medicine are minimal.

2) Compared to programs with estheticians, this program uses herbal medicine internally to correct imbalances from within. I also do not insist you use the products I recommend at the clinic. I also do not do extractions or pimple popping.

3) Compared to other holistic providers, I do not insist upon elimination diets, expensive functional medicine testing, or general supplements. This program also includes the cost of all your herbs.

4) Facial acupuncture also has graceful aging benefits and makes you glow :-)

What can I expect during my initial consultation for acne treatment?
During the initial consultation, we discuss your acne history, current skin condition, skincare regimen, and treatment goals. We then create a personalized plan, which may include either facial acupuncture and herbal medicine or just herbal medicine, based on your chosen track.

During your initial consultation for the Comprehensive Program, we’ll meet at my acupuncture clinic in San Francisco.

For the Herbal Program, we can either meet at my office in San Francisco or via telemedicine for California residents.

What are the benefits of combining facial acupuncture with herbal medicine for acne relief?
Combining facial acupuncture with herbal medicine provides a comprehensive approach to acne relief. This dual treatment addresses both internal and external factors contributing to acne, leading to more effective and lasting results.

Most acne cases have some degree of lymphatic stagnation, which is why I strongly recommend combining a physical modality (like acupuncture or massage) with herbal medicine.

What if I have severe acne?

Severe cases may require additional support and higher doses of herbal medicine. If this seems to be the case, I will discuss those costs with you.

This program is not suitable for acne conglobata.

Contact Lizzie to discuss your specific needs; you can book a free 15 minute consult to discuss what might be best for you.

How do I track my progress in the acne treatment program?
We track your progress through regular sessions and assessments, especially through photographs, making necessary adjustments to your treatment plan based on your skin's response and improvements. We also pay attention to how many lesions you have, how frequently they are appearing, and how quickly they resolve. Sometimes acne does get worse before it gets better, so this is important to consider.

What happens after I complete the Holistic Acne Program?
Once your skin has cleared, we will discuss strategies for maintaining your results and offer any follow-up options to help you continue to support your skin health.

Do you help men with acne?

I’ll help anybody with acne!

Do you help teenagers with acne?

Yes! I’ll just need consent from your parents if you’re under 18.

Additional Conditions

I have PCOS. Will this program work for me?

If you are struggling with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and prefer a natural, holistic approach rather than traditional medications, I recommend this program. Acne is a common symptom of PCOS, and by helping your acne, we also bring your body into greater balance. Research suggests that one of the most common herbs for acne, Hedyotis diffusa or bai hua she she cao may even have androgen-inhibiting properties. Many herbs used for acne also have hormonal balancing properties.

When it comes to PCOS, I do recommend the Comprehensive Relief Program, as regular acupuncture is really supportive. That said, both tracks are excellent for folks with PCOS.

I have rosacea. Will this program work for me?

If you are struggling with rosacea and prefer a natural, holistic approach rather than traditional medications, the program might be ideal. I use different herbs and different topical recommendations for rosacea than for acne, but the process and cost is the same. We also spend a little more time talking about digestion, as digestive support is often a huge component in rosacea care (though this depends on the individual).

You can choose either the Comprehensive Support program or the Herbal Support program as rosacea seems to respond well to facial acupuncture and topical support.

I have perioral dermatitis. Will this program work for me?

If you are struggling with perioral dermatitis and prefer a natural, holistic approach rather than traditional medications, the program might be ideal. I use different herbs and different topical recommendations for perioral dermatitis than for acne, but the process and cost is the same.

In terms of timeline, perioral dermatitis seems to clear more quickly than either acne or rosacea.

Timelines

How often do I come in for sessions?
You will have an initial acupuncture session in San Francisco and follow-up sessions every two weeks.

How long will it take to see results from the Holistic Acne Program?
Most clients notice improvements within a few weeks. However, full results from our holistic acne program range between 3-12 months, depending on the severity of your acne and your adherence to the treatment plan (ie: drinking your herbs!)

How long will I need to stay in the program?

Treatment duration varies based on individual response. On average, expect 6-9 months for mild to moderate acne. Severe cases may take longer, and potentially require higher doses of herbs. We’ll discuss your expected timeline during your initial consultation.

Herbal Medicine

How are the herbal formulas for acne customized and prepared?
Our customized herbal formulas are tailored to your individual needs based on a thorough assessment. I have specialized training in Traditional Chinese Medicine dermatology, and every time I see you I will tailor your formula based on how your acne is presenting, how your digestion is doing, what your sleep cycle looks like, what the lesions look like, and where you are in your menstrual cycle. I’ll also consider what your stress level is, and your underlying constitution. There’s a lot to think about!

Yes, every two weeks you get an updated formula. These formulas are adjusted regularly to match your progress and evolving skin conditions.

I prepare the formulas in-house, unless we’re working via telemedicine or you’re traveling and need the formulas shipped. Then I work with Fat Turtle Pharmacy in Los Angeles, which uses really high-quality herbs.

What do the herbal formulas taste like, and how do I take them?
The herbal formulas come in powder form, which you mix with hot water. I work with companies that have a high degree of integrity, and I order my granule powders through Spring Wind.

They may have a strong taste, but many clients find them manageable due to their effectiveness.

Are there any side effects of herbal medicine?

Herbal medicine may cause mild digestive changes initially. Sometimes this is desirable, especially if there’s a history of constipation. We will monitor your response and adjust the treatment as needed to ensure your safety and comfort.

Do I have to take the herbs forever?

Nope! I have strategies for weaning you off the herbal medicine so your skin stays stable. This point in the process is critical for ensuring your skin stays stable. We’ll discuss this when you get to that point.

What should I do if I experience an allergic reaction or adverse effect from the herbs?
During your initial consultation, I take great care to ask what allergies or sensitivities you might have.

If you experience an allergic reaction or adverse effect from the herbs, stop taking them immediately and contact us. We will provide guidance and adjust your treatment program to address any issues.

Diet

Are there any dietary or lifestyle changes I need to make while on the program?
We may recommend dietary adjustments and lifestyle changes to support your acne treatment. These recommendations are personalized based on your specific acne issues and overall health.

Note: I’m not a practitioner who generally advises cutting foods out cold turkey, going on elimination diets, or solving your acne through food alone. I want to make sure that your diet is nutritious, sustainable, and pleasurable for the long run.

Facial Acupuncture

What exactly is facial acupuncture? What should I expect?

Facial acupuncture sessions take place at the clinic in San Francisco. Facial acupuncture involves the insertion of tiny needles in various acupuncture points on the face. It stimulates collagen production and increases circulation, as well as stimulating lymphatic movement. From a TCM perspective, it regulates qi and blood, drains dampness, and calms the spirit.

During a session, we’ll generally start by treating your back and neck. Why? A lot of people with acne have tension in their upper back, shoulders, and neck that prevents the smooth flow of qi and blood. Cupping on the back, if desired, can also help the body process clear “damp heat” and improve circulation. These treatments also support folks with acne on their back.

From there, you’ll flip over, and I’ll use balancing acupuncture points on the body to support your entire system. We’ll cleanse your face, insert the facial acupuncture needles, and let you rest. After about 20 minutes, we’ll take the needles out, and use either facial cupping, gua sha, reiki, or massage on your face to round out the treatment. Sometimes I’ll also use an herbal mask, if that seems supportive.

People leave their sessions feeling glow-y and relaxed!

Can I do acupuncture alone for acne?

While facial acupuncture can be beneficial, combining it with herbal medicine typically provides more comprehensive results.

If you’re hesitant about herbs or already receiving other holistic treatments (ie: working with a naturopath or Ayurvedic practitioner), consider our Facial Rejuvenation Program for manual support.

What are the side effects of facial acupuncture?

Facial acupuncture is generally well-tolerated, with minimal side effects. The most common potential side effect is bruising.

Skincare and Topicals

What brands do you recommend?

I recommend various products from Dermatology-M, Laurel Skin, and CMD Solutions for most acne cases. That said, I’m good at reading ingredient labels, and I’m happy to go through the products you’re using and figure out what’s helping and what might be a waste of money (or causing symptoms). I try to keep a really open mind, as there’s a lot of great products out there!

Do I have to use the recommended skincare products?

No, you can choose products you love and the products that fit your budget. Helping you develop a solid, pleasurable skincare ritual is one of the goals of this program.

Medications

Can I combine this acne relief program with other treatments or therapies?
Yes, but please inform us about any other acne treatments or therapies you are using, especially internal medications or topical medications.

This allows us to coordinate your care and ensure that our program complements other treatments you may be receiving. I’m happy to work with your dermatologist, naturopath, esthetician, herbalist, or other acupuncturist to provide you the best care possible.

That said, if I feel like the treatments will conflict with the effectiveness of this program, I will be honest with you about the potential interactions and work with you to provide a good plan-of-care.

I’ve been taking birth control for a long time to manage my acne, and I want to get pregnant and discontinue my birth control. Can you help me with my acne?

This is one of my favorite populations to support. I can’t advise about birth control or medication (that’s under the purview of your gynecologist) but I can help you with your acne as you work with your MD to come off your medication. In these cases, I keep an eye on two things:

1) Supporting your body to clear acneic inflammation

2) Supporting your body to optimize your fertility

In both your acupuncture treatments and herbal medicine treatments, I’ll support your whole person and goals, so you get the best support possible for both glowing skin and regular menstrual cycles.

Logistics

Do you offer telemedicine?
For clients in California, we offer telemedicine consultations via video call. Herbal formulas are shipped directly to you. Please note there may be additional costs for herbal remedies and shipping, as I work with an outside herbal pharmacy to provide the herbs.

If I am seeing you via telemedicine, I will ask you to send me high quality photos of your skin.

Obviously, we’re unable to do facial acupuncture sessions, so the cost of the program is reduced. Contact me if you’re interested in this option, and I can send you more information.

Do you offer services for clients outside of California?
Currently, our telemedicine services are available for clients within California. I recommend finding a practitioner through the International TCM Dermatology registry.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule an appointment?
Please give at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Late cancellations or missed appointments may incur a fee. We aim to accommodate your scheduling needs as best as possible.

What if I miss a follow-up session or need to skip a month?
Missing a session or taking a break may impact your progress. We will work with you to adjust your treatment plan and get back on track to ensure continued effectiveness.

Is this covered by insurance?

These treatments are generally not covered by insurance, but you can talk to me about your options. That said, you can use your HSA or FSA benefits.

Do you offer any program guarantees?

I cannot guarantee clear skin. It would be irresponsible to do so, as everybody’s skincare journey is so unique. That said, whenever I have worked with somebody and they diligently take their herbs, they’ve seen positive changes in their skin.

If the program doesn’t seem right for you, however, you can always discontinue the treatments.

How does billing work?

I’ll bill your card on file at the beginning of each month. The monthly fee for the Comprehensive Program is $645. I accept all major credit cards, including HSA and FSA plans.

How do I sign up?

Book your initial consultation here.

Have More Questions?

Feel free to email us or book a 15-minute consultation here.