Acne Prescription in San Diego
Prescription acne treatment, topical and oral medications including isotretinoin when appropriate, is prescribed and monitored through SOM's dermatologist-led aesthetic center in Encinitas.
How is prescription acne treatment handled in San Diego?
At SOM Aesthetics in Encinitas, our medical team prescribes and monitors acne treatment through a dermatologist-led aesthetic center. Options include topical retinoids and antibiotics, oral antibiotics, hormonal therapy for jawline and cyclical breakouts, and isotretinoin (Accutane) for severe or scarring acne with required monitoring. Pricing depends on your plan and insurance. The goal is to clear acne and prevent new scarring.
In consult
Topical, oral, hormonal
Isotretinoin available
Dermatologist-led
Clear + prevent scars
1–2 years
By acne type
Weeks to months
Ongoing plan
Varies by med
Topical, oral, hormonal
Dermatologist-trained provider
Medical acne treatment, prescribed and monitored.
Prescription acne care is medicine, tailored by a dermatologist to your acne type. It can include topical retinoids and antibiotics, oral antibiotics, hormonal therapy (such as spironolactone or combined pills) for hormonal acne, and isotretinoin for severe, cystic, or scarring acne.
SOM's medical team selects the right combination and monitors your progress and safety, including the required bloodwork and pregnancy prevention for isotretinoin. The aim is clear skin and no new scarring.
✓ Dermatologist-led medical team
Real medical acne care, not just products.
✓ Hormonal expertise
Targeted therapy for jawline and cyclical breakouts.
✓ The SOM Method
Dermatologist-trained providers follow the SOM Method.
✓ Isotretinoin when needed
Safe, monitored Accutane for severe or scarring acne.
✓ Scar prevention
Clearing acne early prevents permanent scarring.
Is prescription acne treatment right for you?
✓ Good Candidates
• Acne not controlled by over-the-counter products
• Inflammatory, cystic, or nodular acne
• Hormonal acne (jawline, cyclical)
• Acne that is starting to scar
• Want a dermatologist-led plan
• Severe acne considering isotretinoin
✗ May Not Be Right For
• Pregnant or trying to conceive (esp. isotretinoin)
• Breastfeeding (medication-dependent)
• Certain liver conditions (with some orals)
• Unable to attend isotretinoin monitoring visits
• Allergy to a prescribed medication
• Prefer in-office procedures only (ask about lasers)
A consultation with the SOM medical team determines the safest, most effective plan.
Acne treatment paths compared.
Acne Prescription guided by dermatologist-led standards and the SOM Method.
Dermatologist-trained SOM providers plan and deliver Acne Prescription through the SOM Method, with consultation, candidacy review, individualized treatment planning, documentation, and follow-up.
How much does prescription acne treatment cost in San Diego?
Visit + medications
New patient rate
10% off retail + priority
Available after first visit
Until clear, then maintain
Costs vary by medication and insurance; confirmed in consultation
Final pricing is confirmed in consultation. 0% APR financing through Cherry and CareCredit for qualifying patients.
Four steps. One personalized plan.
Your SOM provider examines your acne type and history and builds a medical plan.
Prescriptions are started, and isotretinoin includes required monitoring.
Follow-ups track progress and adjust, with bloodwork where needed.
Once clear, a maintenance plan keeps acne and new scarring away.
Before · During · After
How to prepare for your acne visit
Bring a list of products and medications you have tried, including any past acne treatments. Note any pregnancy plans, mood changes, or liver issues, which matter for some medications.
• List products and medications you have tried
• Note past acne treatments and results
• Share pregnancy plans (affects some meds)
• Mention mood or liver history
• Come ready to start a plan
What happens during your acne prescription visit
Your visit takes about 20 to 30 minutes. The SOM medical team examines your skin, reviews your history, and builds a medical plan with prescriptions and any required monitoring, such as bloodwork for isotretinoin. It is a consultation, not a procedure.
• 20–30 minute medical visit
• Skin and history reviewed
• Personalized prescription plan
• Monitoring set up if needed
• A consultation, not a procedure
After starting acne prescriptions
Take medications exactly as prescribed and use sunscreen, since some increase sun sensitivity. Mild dryness or purging can occur early. Attend follow-ups and any required labs. Most people see steady improvement over several weeks to months.
• Take meds exactly as prescribed
• Daily SPF (some increase sensitivity)
• Early dryness/purging is normal
• Attend follow-ups and labs
• Improves over weeks–months
Is prescription acne treatment safe?
✓ Do
• Take medications exactly as prescribed
• Attend monitoring visits, especially on isotretinoin
• Use sunscreen, some acne meds increase sun sensitivity
• Report mood changes or side effects promptly
• Follow pregnancy-prevention rules for isotretinoin
• Call us right away with any unusual symptoms
✗ Don't
• Do not take isotretinoin if pregnant or trying to conceive
• Do not share prescription acne medication
• Do not stop abruptly without guidance
• Do not skip required bloodwork
• Do not combine with conflicting medications without review
• Do not replace medical review with online advice
Prescription acne questions patients ask
Explore other acne treatment options
Compare other approaches to acne care.
Acne Treatment in Encinitas / North County San Diego.
SOM Aesthetics is at 25 E E St, Encinitas, CA 92024, accessible from Del Mar, La Jolla, Carlsbad, Solana Beach, and Rancho Santa Fe. Call (760) 766-7546.
