Acne Specialists Alameda
Spa in Alameda, CA · 4 locations
Acne Specialists was founded by Julie Pruitt. Its protocol was designed by dermatologist James E. Fulton, author of Acne Rx, and Julie had the chance to work with him directly before he passed away. Clinics are in Oakland, Walnut Creek and Alameda, California, plus a location in Nashville, Tennessee. The business says it has treated thousands of people toward clearer skin.
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Acne Specialists was founded by Julie Pruitt. Its protocol was designed by dermatologist James E. Fulton, author of Acne Rx, and Julie had the chance to work with him directly before he passed away. Clinics are in Oakland, Walnut Creek and Alameda, California, plus a location in Nashville, Tennessee. The business says it has treated thousands of people toward clearer skin.
Care follows six steps: a consultation, an examination of the skin, a plan built around the client, a roadmap, monitoring and ongoing maintenance. Treatments address active acne and fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation at the same time. The business says most clients notice improvement within two to four weeks, with the best results appearing around three to six months.
In-person visits open with an enzyme treatment, extractions and a chemical peel exfoliation for the face, and the back can be treated the same way. New clients can choose a 75 to 90 minute face session at $170, a 60 minute back session at $135, or a 120 minute face-and-back visit at $230 that includes the consultation. A New Client Package at $175 plus tax includes eight professional-strength products for the first two to four months, saving $40. The consultation portion of new client services is $80 and is non-refundable. Once someone is a client, they can book an acne treatment at any of the locations. Walnut Creek has on-site parking, and at Nashville clients wait in their car until their appointment time and may tip in cash or by Venmo.
It includes a full consultation, an initial set of products valued at $200, ongoing support for as long as it is needed, and check-ins every two weeks to adjust the routine. Participants send three photos (left side, right side and straight-on, without makeup). After purchase, clients complete a questionnaire, receive the manual by email and then have products shipped. They change their routine and products every two weeks. The DIY program suits people with inflamed acne who are self-starters and will follow a manual. The Long-Distance Program suits people with highly sensitive skin who prefer hand-holding and have many questions. A 45 minute Zoom consultation costs $85 for clients who are not in person. Clients who are pregnant cannot use salicylic acid and should tell the business before ordering.
The business carries its own product line, which it says is free from comedogenic ingredients, and offers an online skin quiz that produces a personalized routine. It has worked with clients ages 11 to 65 and with all skin types and ethnic backgrounds. Orders over $150 require signature confirmation on delivery. Unopened products can be returned within 15 days for a refund or store credit, and customers ship them back. The business also lists outside estheticians who have completed its acne clearing program and sell its products.
Staff are estheticians rather than dermatologists and do not prescribe medication. Treatment is paired with education, coaching and ongoing support to address active acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation together.
Specials & promotions
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New Client Package: 8 professional-strength products for $175 plus tax
$175
For new clients. Price is plus tax.
On their website as of Oct 30, 2026 · Where we saw it
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Initial product set included with Long-Distance Program
On their website as of Oct 30, 2026 · Where we saw it
Services
Final prices may vary.
In-person sessions that combine enzyme treatment, extractions and chemical peel exfoliation for the face, the back, or both, with a consultation included in the longer visits.
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Extractions and chemical peel exfoliation for back $135
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Enzyme treatment, extractions, chemical peel exfoliation for face $170
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Enzyme treatment, extractions and chemical peel for face. Extractions and chemical exfoliation for back. Includes consul $230
Treatment sessions for the face using enzymes, extractions and chemical peels, with options that also include the back.
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Enzyme treatment, extractions and chemical peel for face. Extractions and chemical exfoliation for back. $175
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Face: enzyme, extractions, chemical peel. Back: 1-3 layers of chemical peel, no extractions. For Clients working on post $160
A self-guided at-home program with a manual and starter products, customized to the client's acne-prone skin.
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DIY Acne Manual + Products $250
Shorter treatments for returning clients covering the face, the back, or both.
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Acne Treatment (face) $120
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Back Treatment (existing clients) $120
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Acne Treatment & Back Peel $160
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Face & Back Treatment $175
A remote program with a full consultation, starter products and check-ins every two weeks to adjust the routine.
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Long-Distance Program $400
Initial visits for new clients, including the Zoom consultation option and face, back or face-and-back treatments.
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Zoom Consultation $85
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Back Treatment (extractions and chemical peel) $135
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Acne Consultation & Treatment (face) $170
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Face & Back (includes consultation) $230
Photos
Meet the team
Their website doesn't list the team, so we don't either.
- Highlights
- Six-step process running from consultation through maintenance
- Long-distance program with check-ins every two weeks
- DIY at-home program with a customized manual and starter products
- Enzyme treatment, extractions and chemical peels for the face and back
- Own product line, which the business says is free from comedogenic ingredients
- Clients can book at any location once they have started
- Good for
- Inflamed acne
- Clients who want in-person treatment
- Clients outside the clinic cities
- Self-starters comfortable following a manual
- Highly sensitive skin
- Clients ages 11 to 65
- All skin types
- Treats
- Active acne
- Inflamed acne
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Clogged pores
- Back acne
- Acne-prone skin
- Techniques
- Enzyme treatment
- Extractions
- Chemical peel exfoliation
- Multi-layer back peels
- PCA peels
- Skin therapeutic peels
- 302 enzymes
- Salicylic acid
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Ingredient checks for pore-clogging ingredients
Products & treatments
- Acne Specialists own product line
- DIY starter set: cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, spot treatment, antibacterial and SPF
Other locations
- Oakland 3645 Grand Ave Suite 106, Oakland, CA 94610 Rated 4.6 out of 5 (30 on Google Maps) (opens in a new tab)
- Walnut Creek 1430 Arroyo Way Unit B, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 Rated 5.0 out of 5 (31 on Google Maps) (opens in a new tab)