You love the skin you’re in, and you don’t trust it to just anyone. If you live in the Golden State, where should you go when you need someone to pop that pimple or fight visible aging signs with something stronger than you can find on store shelves? Lucky for you, we’ve rounded uop the best dermatologists in California who are here to help with innovative treatments for dangerous skin conditions and the right aesthetic touch to keep you looking red-carpet-ready.
1. The Berman Skin Institute
Location: Multiple locations in the mid-central California San Francisco/Sacramento area
Specialties: Medical and cosmetic dermatology. Multiple providers with various subspecialties.
The Berman Skin Institute takes a slightly different approach to matching you with a provider. Each patient gets their provider’s unique number to connect directly with them. They also offer a 24-hour on-call dermatologist — not an answering service — for urgent questions about their care. Providers include Aleda Longwell, MD, FAAD, who completed her residency at the Baylor College of Medicine in Texas. She went on to specialize in skin cancer and melanoma through the MD Anderson Hospital. Dr. Charles Chiang, MD, FAAD, graduated medical school from the University of California San Francisco and specializes in hair loss and psoriasis. The Berman Skin Institute specializes in exceptional medical and cosmetic dermatology, offering services ranging from skin cancer exams and treatments to anti-aging therapies and cosmetic surgery. They emphasize patient care with state-of-the-art technology, same-day appointments, in-office and telehealth options, and accept most insurances. Their top services include Laser Skin Resurfacing, Mohs Surgery and anything cosmetic. With over 25 years of expertise, their mission is to combine innovative medical research with compassionate care, making them a trusted choice for dermatological needs.
2. The Dermatology Institute and Skin Care Center
Location: 2001 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 1160W, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Specialties: Medical and cosmetic dermatology. Specializing in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.
Dr. Paul Yamauchi leads the Dermatology Institute and Skin Care Center and serves as an assistant professor at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine. He has over 25 years of experience, has performed over 70,000 procedures and performed research in over 200 clinical trials. His specialties range from medical and complex dermatology to aesthetic procedures. He holds degrees from UCLA, UCSB and Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Yamauchi is a leader in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. He has served on the medical board for the National Psoriasis Foundation and the Scientific Advisory Council for the National Eczema Foundation. His peers routinely seek his opinions. Newsweek, Castle Connelly and Marquis Who’s Who have all recognized Dr. Yamauchi as one of the best dermatologists in California. Turn to him for your aesthetic needs, especially if you have an inflammatory skin condition.
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3. Dr. Farah R. Abdulla
Location: 1500 Duarte Road, Duarte, CA, 91010
Specialties: Dermatopathology
Dr. Farah R. Abdulla is a dermatologist affiliated with the City of Hope National Medical Center in Bradbury, California. She earned her degree from Northeast Ohio Medical University and has over 20 years of practice experience. Dr. Abdullah specializes in dermatopathology, a subspecialty of dermatology that requires additional training. She’s an expert in tricky rashes that are tough to identify. She’s also experienced in acne, shingles and psoriasis.
4. California Dermatology Care
Location: Three offices in San Ramon, Hercules and Livermore
Specialties: Medical and cosmetic dermatology
Dr. William Ting leads California Dermatology Care, a full-service clinic offering medical, cosmetic and preventive dermatology, including mole removal. Dr. Ting is a board-certified dermatologist and Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and the Cutaneous Oncology Society. California Dermatology Care serves the Bay area and Northern California. They specialize in everything from mole checks and skin cancer screenings to aesthetic procedures like Botox and Dysport. They treat medical conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and vitiligo and also perform cosmetic fixes such as fillers and lasers for fat reduction.
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5. Dr. Youn H. Kim
Location: 875 Blake Wilbur Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94304
Specialties: Various forms of skin cancer
Dr Youn H. Kim is a Professor of Dermatology and a member of the Stanford Cancer Institute. She is the Director of Stanford’s Multidisciplinary Cutaneous Lymphoma Clinic/Program and specializes in various forms of skin cancer. Dr. Kim has won the distinction of making the Best Doctors in America list by Woodward/White Inc. since 1996. She’s the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award in the Department of Dermatology by the Stanford School of Medicine and has won the Alwin C. Rambar-James B.D. Mark Award for Excellence in Patient Care. Her combined achievements rank her among the best dermatologists in California.
6. The American Skin Institute
Location: Three locations in Sherman Oaks, Westlake Village and Beverly Hills
Specialties: Medical and cosmetic dermatology, spa services
The American Skin Institute is a one-stop shop for your dermatological care. They have numerous board-certified dermatologists on staff to meet your every need. From skin cancer screenings to plastic surgery, from Botox to fillers to lasers to facials, they do it all. The medical team consists of Ilya Reyter, MD, Elise Herro, MD, and Renee Sheinin, MD, along with PAs, FMPs and aestheticians. Treatments include restoration for thinning hair and options for varicose veins. They also offer a full shop so you can maintain your fresh look from home.
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7. Dr. Jashin J. Wu
Location: 23832 Rockfield Blvd., Suites 210 and 220, Lake Forest, CA 92630
Specialties: Psoriasis, multiple cosmetic and laser procedures
Dr. Jashin J. Wu began his dermatology career with Kaiser Permanente. He is a graduate of Northwestern University School of Medicine, completed his internship at Baylor College of Medicine and residency at UC Irvine Medical Center. He is now associated with Saddleback Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Center. Dr. Wu has served on the American Academy of Dermatology National Psoriasis Foundation guidelines committee. He is the editor or co-editor of six books on the subject. He has written over 500 PubMed articles, including 300 on psoriasis and been awarded three Presidential Citations from the American Academy of Dermatology.
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8. Dr. Jenny C. Hu
Location: 830 S. Flower Street, Suite A100, Los Angeles, CA 90017
Specialties: Mohs surgery, cosmetic laser
Dr. Jenny C. Hu is a clinical professor who serves as the Chief of the Division of Mohs and Dermatologic Surgery at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California. She’s a certified Mohs surgeon and serves on the interdisciplinary tumor board for melanoma and high-risk cancers. Dr. Hu earned her medical degree at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, along with a Master’s in public health. Despite her extensive surgical background, she also specializes in cosmetic treatments, including lasers. Los Angeles Magazine named her among their Best of the Best from 2020 to 2024, and she has won numerous other awards across her illustrious career.
9. Dr. Stephen L. Swengel
Location: 800 Pollard Road, Building A, Los Gatos, CA 95032
Specialties: Medical and cosmetic dermatology
Dr. Stephen L. Swengel leads Refined MD, a medical and cosmetic dermatology practice in Los Gatos, California. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois School of Medicine, with Mohs training at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. He’s a member of Phi Beta Kappa and has been named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor.The team at Refined MD performs a full array of medical and cosmetic procedures, including Mohs surgery. Their treatments include reducing acne scarring and hair loss treatments, along with cosmetic surgical procedures, including cheek augmentation, rhinoplasty and eyelid lifts.
10. Dr. Amanda A. Lloyd
Location: 477 N. El Camino Real, Suite D304, Encinitas, CA 92024
Specialties: Medical and cosmetic dermatology, Mohs Hismicrographic surgery
Dr. Amanda Abramson Lloyd leads the Skin and Vein Institute, located in Encinitas, CA. She is among the first in the nation to win board certification in micrographic dermatologic surgery. This procedure entails the gradual removal of cancerous tissue until only the healthy tissue remains. Dr. Lloyd has earned recognition as a finalist in the San Diego Business Journal Woman of the Year. She has won numerous awards, including San Diego’s Best and Favorite, and her multiple certifications attest to her dedication to her profession. The Skin and Vein Institute offers a full array of medical and cosmetic procedures, from treating contact dermatitis, skin cancer and vitiligo to injectables, fillers and laser skin therapies.
Best Dermatologists in California
Whether you harbor concerns that a mole may have turned cancerous or simply want to indulge in a pick-me-up for your appearance, the best dermatologists in California have what you need. Find more skincare, detox with a full body scrub at one of these spots.
