I'm super happy that businesses are opening back up in San Diego and that I found the best in acne treatment! Outstanding service provided by Christina. Professional, knowledgeable above standards esthetician. Very through explaining the procedure. I obtained amazing results after the first treatment! Love love the product line she recommends. My face and back had never look and feel so amazing! Thank you so much La Jolla Acne Specialist for providing the best service and products in Southern California! 5 stars! Bravo Zulú! Miguel Angel Mejia read more

Christina is great and I recommend her to anyone struggling with acne who has yet to find a solution that actually works. I've been seeing her for over a year now for upkeep, but rarely do I see more than a single blemish between sessions. Make back and face are perfect 95% of the time now and I feel so much more confident! read more

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First session with Christina. She is very personable and even more knowledgeable and caring. We very much look forward to our next session. Highly recommend her services!!!! read more

Where do I even begin, Christina is a actual wizard. I came to her in June 2024 with zero self confidence. I had acne all over my chin, cheeks, and forehead. I didn't want to do anything because I was embarrassed of how I looked. I tried Spironolactone, antibiotics, and Tretnoin from the doctor but nothing worked. I was about to start Accutane but I decided to try La Jolla Acne Specialist first. Christina started with my detailed consultation where she went through every possible acne trigger and then went through all my skincare, body, and hair products identifying what could cause my acne. We even talked about diet and supplements that can trigger acne. I then started coming every two weeks and getting my treatments. My skin is completely clear now! Christina is so kind and takes great care of your skin. Her studio is always clean and she is always on time. She's great to chat with and she is always hyping you up. I adore her and would recommend her to literally anyone struggling with acne. Also the Face Reality skin care she uses is phenomenal and have recommended it to so many of my friends. read more

La Jolla Acne Specialists - After - Acne Treatment Near Me - San Diego, California

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Don't waste your time and money coming here. Christina seemed like she knew what she was doing when it came to acne but her customer service was horrible. I paid $445 on my first visit and she basically gave me no other option when leaving her place. She didn't let me know how pricey it was going to be and when I came in for the first treatment she was just purging my face crazy and when I told her to stop she didn't listen. It took over two weeks for my face to heal and in that time people I met thought I had some crazy disease on my face. I contacted Christina during these two weeks and she didn't respond. Finally she did when I texted her a picture of my face. I had also mentioned to her I would be traveling in the summer, prior to my first session and she said that was ok and we should resume treatments after I get back in town and know I will have time to dedicate to her plan. When I finally contacted her after being out of town and ready to resume treatment, she took her sweet time to respond again and then sent a blunt text about how she didn't want to continue treatments with me due to not being consistent with her plan. I was highly disappointed being that my skin has struggled for many years and I thought she was going to be the solution to my acne worries. Don't waste your time here, there are many other skin care specialist who won't treat you with the disrespect I got from Christina. If I could give her 0 stars I would. read more

I've been dealing with acne for over 10 years, and honestly, I was starting to lose hope. That was until I met Christina. She is not just professional and friendly, she actually listen. In just 3 months, my skin has improved so much that even my friends are noticing. It's such a relief to finally see results. I'm super grateful and highly recommend them to anyone struggling with skin issues! read more

Christina Is so knowledgeable. I was experiencing bad acne at 26 years old. She recommended face reality products and I've been using them since then. I noticed the difference after a couple of weeks. My skin now looks rich and clean. Can't thank you enough, Christina read more

La Jolla Acne Specialists - Acne Treatment Near Me - San Diego, California

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I have been seeing Christina since January and she has absolutely changed my life. I started breaking out in eighth grade and had deep, cystic acne. I struggled. Since then, I never had clear skin and had the worst hyperpigmentation that seemed to never go away. Once I started breaking out I felt so embarrassed and wouldn't go a day without make up. My confidence was at an all time low. I tried every product in the market from drug store to high-end that you can find in Sephora and probably spent thousands of dollars on skincare that never worked for me. After just a few treatments my skin has gotten significantly clearer! I stopped breaking out completely about three months into starting my regimen and it was a game changer for me. Since I was thirteen I always had some sort of active blemish on my face. Those days are finally over (even around that time of the month - I don't break out which is a MIRACLE). We went over my diet and targeted foods that can cause acne and also the products that I was using from my laundry detergent to my makeup. She helped me find what works best with my acne prone skin and helped heal it. I will continue to see her routinely for facials and extractions. She helped me gain back the confidence I had lost and I finally feel like I can be comfortable in my own skin. Not only have I found the master of healing acne, but I also found a friend in her. She is so relatable and a joy to be around. I don't feel like I'm going in for just a routine appointment, which I love! We can talk about literally anything which makes seeing her a win-win! She clears my skin and is also an amazing soul to be around. I'm also so proud of her for opening her own practice! She used to work at San Diego Acne Clinic, but decided it was time for bigger and better things for herself. Of course, I had to follow her! I wouldn't trust anyone else with my skin. I AM SO PROUD OF YOU CHRISTINA! You're an amazing self-made boss woman and your new business is going to THRIVE. The photos attached are a comparison of my skin now to how it was before my first two treatments! AMAZING results. Please please please, just go see her. You won't regret it. read more

La Jolla Acne Specialists - Acne Treatment Near Me - San Diego, California

As somebody who has had previous estheticians, Christina is by far the best! Christina's knowledge on FaceReality products have been so much higher than my past esteticians. My skin has improved 2x faster than my past experiences. I am so grateful to have Christina treating my skin! read more

Not sure why this comes up with a dermatologist search because Christina is not a dermatologist. Horrible experience, my acne worsened and created more of a problem after the first appointment when I received my first peel.. I was told not to do anything to my face for 24 hours but after the 24 hours to start the regime I purchased. Which included mandelic acid and benzoyl peroxide sulfur and acne med. complete eruption within a couple days after.. I reached out saying I felt I was having a bad reaction and never could talk to her personally but only through her assistant David. I was told that I was purging and to make sure I was following the strict diet plan and that my psychiatric medications were also culprit of my acne... long story short after 3 visits I had enough and went to one of the top ten dermatologists in San Diego. EVERYTHING WAS totally not true that Christina had told me. You can take your meds, eat the food that you want sugar and all... I got another peel at the new place I found too and received the most mild peel they have and I was instructed by the aesthetician there to only use gentle wash and moisturizer for 7 days after! Turns out the reason why my skin erupted and worsened was due to the harsh peel I got from Christina and I also had two more and each time it got worse. I had never in my life had any acne problem anywhere close to how bad it got after going to this place. I was very polite and tried to express my concerns throughout my time and would be shot down and told I was wrong and she was right and that my skin just was especially bad and unfortunately I would be purging for months... once again this was not true. I had researched a dermatologist and saw this place and the good reviews (the bad ones get hidden) and honestly thought I was going to see a dermatologist. Surprised when I got there and that wasn't the case but i went with it bc I needed the help and thought why not: the price is ridiculously high for the room she rents in a building. Be cautious and talk to a real professional too... not saying she won't work for you but know that she isn't the all knowing never wrong person for acne. This happened approx 5/6 months ago and my skin is now completely clear and was noticeably better after my first visit at the dermatologist where I was put on retinol and a topical prescription (that Christina can't provide) clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide and a benzoyl peroxide wash. Also I was told not to throw all my stuff away. Shampoo and all that stuff Christina says you need to clear out from your life is ridiculous. New place felt disappointed and mad at the misinformation I was given and that I should report her to the Board of Barbering & Cosmetology. Which I plan on doing. I think it's messed up to claim your business to be one offering dermatology service when the only person is a licensed aesthetician. Lame and I wasted sooo much money and treated in the rudest way. Worst experience. Attached are non filtered or edited pics so you can see the severity of damage my skin went through The first is prior Christina. I am in make up but I think you can tell. the two terrible ones are after my first two appointments with Christina. & then me now wearing no make up no filter just clear skin. Hope this helps. I'm glad she works out for some and or most people. Obviously didn't go well for me. Good luck :) read more

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Christina has literally saved my skin!! I started seeing her in the beginning of the year and my skin has only improved since then. I believe that the combination of the products, treatments, and Celluma LED have worked tremendously for me. I have to add that she's also incredibly caring and kind! I will continue seeing her because this has been the only thing that's worked for my skin after trying countless products and medications! read more

La Jolla Acne Specialists - Acne Treatment Near Me - San Diego, California

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Christina is one of the best people I have ever worked with! I've been to many dermatologists before for my face and back acne, and they either prescribe me with oral medications or provide me with treatments that only worked for a short period of time. But with Christina, on top of her treatments, she goes in depth about the food we consume and ingredients that might trigger acne which really helped to clear my acne in the long run! I would definitely recommend this place if you are in the area. read more

I have been coming to Christina since January 2024 and my skin has seen a total makeover in the last 8 months. I went from having too many blemishes to quantify all over my entire face to essentially clear skin besides a little bit of remaining acne along my jawline. I've seen dermatologists and tried many products and treatments over the course of nearly two decades, with minimal results. Since starting with Christina, I'd say it's a 90% change that took place over the course of about 6 months. I have been told my skin looks soft and glowy...a compliment I never dreamed of getting. Christina is so knowledgeable about what causes acne and she knows how to effectively treat existing acne. She doesn't gate keep, she'll educate you fully in the first session, giving you some control and power over your skin. You will need to be consistent and put in sometime and effort, but in the end it is so worth the results. Working with Christina has changed my skin and my confidence level immensely. She knows what's up when it comes to skin care and is a pleasure to chat with. read more

I've been visiting for 9 months and my acne situation has become so much better. I've had acne since high school and never really completely got rid of it until now! What's more impressive is that my acne hasn't come back! My face has been clean for more than half of year! Strongly recommend. read more

Christina has absolutely changed my life. From May 2016 to February 2018, my skin was the worst it's ever been in my life. I never had acne in high school and then right after I turned 23, all hell broke loose. I tried natural remedies, and I tried just about every OTC product available and nothing worked. I mean I spent thousands of dollars on products. I was crying every morning and every night and never wanted to go out with friends or really do anything. The depression that came with my skin battle was really really bad and I had almost given up hope until I found Christina. At my first appointment, she went through every single product that touches my face, from my face wash to my makeup, and told me not only whether it was good or not for my skin but WHY it was good or not. She went through my sleeping habits, diet, stress level. And she educated me on everything. From that, she created a treatment regimen and an at home regimen specifically for me. I went home and threw away every product she didn't recommend and stayed consistent to my at home regimen. And I saw results almost immediately. Just after the first treatment alone, my skin was immediately less aggravated. The cystic acne was starting to die down. I couldn't believe it. I've now had about 5 treatments with her and I have no active acne and my hyper-pigmentation is practically non-existent. Now I get compliments on my skin ALL the time and it glows like never before. Sometimes I don't even wear makeup on purpose when I go out so I can get compliments LOL. My experience with Christina changed me not only on the outside but on the inside too. Because I'm so much happier, and so much more comfortable in my own skin because of her and the care she puts in to each and every one of her clients. And not only is she good at what she does, but she's just an amazing person who is so fun and so easy to talk to. Acne is a very personal struggle and she's never made me feel bad about my skin or uncomfortable. She's so positive and bubbly and makes you really feel cared about. Please please please give her a try if you struggle with acne and feel like there's nothing else you can do. I promise she will change your life! (Photos are from before my first treatment and a week after my 4th treatment) read more

La Jolla Acne Specialists - Acne Treatment Near Me - San Diego, California

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Christina helped my skin so much and also gave me such insight on what I should and shouldn't be eating to help keep my skin clear more long term. Couldn't thank her enough :) read more

Christina is so amazing! I'm so happy I've followed her to her new location. Her knowledge about acne (way beyond just your face- she goes into diet, lifestyle, everything!) and her patience with my millions of questions is hard to find! Easy to talk to and so real with her clients which I love! It took me a while to finally commit and take charge of my mid 20s acne. I can definitely say I am grateful I've finally took the plunge. Christina's services and the face reality products have made a huge change and I've only just begun. Be sure not to confuse her with other "acne specialists" in the same area/building. She's the real deal and would highly recommend her! read more

I started struggling with acne during the senior year of my undergraduate career. That's when Christina came to my rescue! What I loved about our time together was that she ensured that the appointments were tailored to me. Prior to our first appointment, she had me bring in my typical facial products, shampoos, conditioners, and body washes. She went over the ingredients with me and helped decide what particular chemicals may be affecting my skin! We even went over my diet and informed me about certain foods that may be triggering my acne. She is extremely caring as well! With every appointment, she always checked in with my facial routine and ensured that I still had enough product(: She also made things so comfortable. Definitely one of the least painful extractions I have experienced!! I am proud to say that my face is clear! I wish I took a before picture but my face is no longer consumed by angry red pimples! I highly recommend her service! read more

About a year ago, I couldn't seem to get my skin under control and that is when I knew I needed to change up my routine. As someone who has battled with skin issues from cystic acne and breakouts since I was a teenager, I have tried everything under the sun from antibiotics, to chemical peels and facials, and intensive skin care programs. If you're someone who has experienced or continues to struggle with acne, you understand how it feels to wake up without clear skin and feel like it is totally out of your control. I knew I needed a solution and that was when I found Christina!!! Christina has truly changed my skin, my outlook on skin care, and has helped me build positive habits to maintain it! Christina helped me understand what was breaking me out on a molecular level by going through all of my skin products, makeup, haircare, and even diet. She then introduced me to the Face Reality method and switched me to the Face Reality product line. I committed to Christina's process (new products, diet, and bi-monthly facials) and she constantly checked in with me and made me feel as comfortable as possible. Not to mention, extractions were virtually painless. Within three months of committing to this new process, I noticed the most incredible change in my skin. It has now been a year and I am so thrilled to say that my skin is clear and I feel comfortable enough to walk around makeup-free!! I have not had a cyst, a breakout, or a skin issue. My skin is hydrated, even-toned, and smooth. It is the most incredible feeling in the world and Christina made all of this possible. I highly recommend Christina and know that if you walk through her door, your skin will be the best it has ever been!!! read more

Christina has been a joy to see and my skin has improved significantly since I've begun seeing her. She is super professional and knowledgeable about acne and the root cause and was able to help me get mine under control! I previously took an antibiotic pill to help my acne, but I didn't want to take a pill for the rest of my life so I tried a lot of home remedies and ointments and washes without super satisfying results. The products Christina uses as well as the extractions and facials she does every appointment are the reason I've had clear skin for the first time since middle school! As soon as begin to falter on the topical regimen Christina has laid out for me I notice I'll start to break out again, so it is definitely a motivation to keep up the facial routine. At the start I was seeing Christina every two weeks for a couple of months and she would change home routine depending on how my skin was changing. I've now been seeing her for about 7 months and only see her once a month now, and my routine is stable. If you're having trouble controlling your acne and want a more holistic approach you should definitely contact Christina !! read more

Christina has been SO wonderful!! She knows EXACTLY what she's doing! My skin started feeling so soft and alive on the second day! After I was over with peeling my husband noticed my skin looking so smooth, with less acne scars & clearer! Just went to my second appointment today got a second peeling after extraction. I can't wait to see how my skin will look after this second peeling! I 100% recommend her! Her personality and friendliness is the cherry on top! read more

Christina at LJAS is amazing!! I'm in my 30s and am so thankful to have found her. In just 6 visits she's cleared out my problem skin and made it the CLEAREST and BRIGHTEST it has ever been!! First she educated me on all the culprit acne inflammatories in my food, makeup, skincare products, fabric softener, etc. Then she recommended a new skin care line and makeup line which were affordable and would not cause breakouts. After heeding her advice and getting 6 facials.....I'm happy to say that I went from wearing a lot of makeup to only mascara and bronzer because my skin is so clear and vibrant!!! Christina truly cares about her clients. Without hesitation she works with your schedule to book regular facials. I recommend her if you have ever wanted clearer skin. It's one of the best things I've ever done for myself. read more

Specialist like Christina are rare to find these days; she is The Acne Specialist. She takes the time to understand you and your skin type and provides a tailored routine suitable to you uniquely. Her regime has helped me improve my acne condition significantly. I went to n number of specialist, tried all the tips and tricks on YouTube, friends, family and Google but nothing worked. Christina has the solution you need for a clear skin, free of acne. Just trust the process and follow the regime and it will work. read more

Christina is incredible. She is knowledgeable about what she does, and genuinely cares about her clients. After seeing countless dermatologists, I had long given up on ever finding help with my skin. I am so thankful I took a chance and made an appointment with Christina. The first photo is right after a treatment, and the second photo is 5-days post extractions and peel. read more

La Jolla Acne Specialists - Acne Treatment Near Me - San Diego, California

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Immediately after seeing Christina for the first time my face started to improve drastically! Not only did I start to have clear skin for the first time EVER but she educated me on ingredients in products and foods in my diet that could be causing irritations and breakouts and helped me find safe alternatives. She tailored my regimen specifically for my skin and what I needed there in the office and at home which is unlike any other dermatologist I saw previously. I always say that Christina is like my second therapist because she is always willing and eager to hear how life's been since our last session and I just love going every time! read more

Christina is my skin hero!!! I was experiencing horrible acne at 26 years old (worse than it had ever been), and I had tried just about everything. I tried going dairy free for a month, all the dermatologist medications like clindamycin and doxycycline, super expensive skincare, and nothing was working. My dermatologist at the time recommended I change my birth control, which I did, but then he recommended that my next course of treatment would be Accutane. I was desperate and googled acne specialists in the area and am so glad I found La Jolla Acne Specialists. Christina is so knowledgeable, she walked me through diet, skin care products, my makeup, everything. I then started getting treatments from her and overhauled my entire skin care routine (the products are very reasonably priced btw). I saw her every 2 weeks and within about 3 months I really started to see a huge difference. Fast forward a year, my skin has not felt this clean and clear in my entire 20s. I'm so glad I found her and would recommend her to anyone struggling with acne! read more

La Jolla Acne Specialists - Before and after: pics taken a little under a year apart. - Acne Treatment Near Me - San Diego, California

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This place is AMAZING. Christina changed my skin and my life. I was breaking out with terrible cystic acne for years. I went to several dermatologists and was always waved off with a prescription that only made things worse. Not only did Christina help my skin but she helped me understand and get to the bottom of why I was breaking out which turns out I have PCOS, a hormone imbalance. The dermatologists I went to never even thought to have me check for something like that. Because of Christina I changed my diet and products and for the first time in over 5 years I got to experience the joy of clear skin. I cannot recommend her enough. read more

Christina is the best!!! I've been coming to her for about a year now and she is a miracle worker. Her space is clean and easy to find parking outside. I was having trouble with hormonal acne on my chin and when I consistently come to her, my acne is GONE! It's easy to get an appt too. She put me on a regimen with products I LOVE and want to use forever!! She is gentle and confident and I only trust her with my face!! Come to her with all your acne needs!!! read more

LJAS isn't like most skin care clinics. Your appointment is very personalized and educational. You go over your diet, and Christina gets to the root of what's causing your acne. She goes over stress, diet, do's and don'ts and makes a personalized plan just for you. I've been to dermatologist that barely ask me questions or examine my skin. Normally they would provide a topical medication that would make my acne worst and destroy my skin. I saw immediate results with LJAS, I couldn't believe how much my diet and products that I used on my body and hair were affecting my skin. Very nice and professional certified skin care provider. I would definitely recommend it to my friends! It's worth it to learn how to control your acne. read more

I have worked with Christina for a over a year now, and words can't explain how happy I am with my results! I am a busy college student and had never experienced any breakouts until my first year of college. I found Christina and with her help and constant treatments my face has never been clearer! :) she thoroughly reviewed my entire face and makeup routine and pointed out products that were harming and breaking out my skin. She also reviewed my diet and gave me tips on how to eat healthier to help my skin! Love Christina and LJAS! read more

CHRISTINA IS AMAZING!! I'm so glad that I went to Christina for my skin. I just woke up one day and I had really bad acne and that's when I started seeing Christina, she helped me for couple of months and my skin improved drastically. She is also extremely nice and kind and always cares about her clients and treat them very well. I highly highly recommend Christina. You will not regret going to her. read more

Christina is AMAZING! She has completely guided me in managing my adult acne. I have tried EVERY acne system in the book and this has been the only treatment to work consistently. She is full of knowledge on products to use, food to cut out of your diet and environmental issues that could be causing acne. The products are safe and truly work! I highly recommend anyone dealing with acne to go in for a consultation. read more

Christina is GREAT! I have never had someone put their all into my treatments like she did. By that I mean that she researched my problems on her own time to make sure that I got the most effective treatment that I could. She would look at one of my zits and explain to me the type, what I might be doing to cause it and the best way to prevent it. I appreciate the way she plans the best way to move forward. read more

I started treatment with Christina back in April of this year. I came in with acne mostly on my chin and my one final hope of finally clearing my problematic skin. After trying many different methods of trying to clear my skin, my mother booked an appointment with Christina. Since then, Christina and I have made a good connection with each other and I have seen amazinggg improvement with my skin! Her skin care recommendations and her treatments have helped my skin severely and I couldn't be more thankful. I do live about 30 minutes away, but I will continue to drive the distance because I love the services and results so much. I Highly recommend this place to anyone suffering with acne!! read more

Christina is a miracle worker! I suffered from the most deep, painful hormonal acne, which onset as an adult which made it even more frustrating. I went through her treatment protocol and she has taken my skin to a whole new level, where I am now completely clear! I never thought the day would come where I could leave the house confidently without makeup and now I rarely apply. She is worth every penny. read more

La Jolla Acne Specialists - Acne Treatment Near Me - San Diego, California

I first started coming to Christina over a year ago after my acne started getting out of control. I had blemishes, white heads and pimples almost everywhere on my cheeks and chin area. I wasn't sure how this would go as I didn't have much luck from a dermatologist. After our first initial visits I could see the improvement in my skin. Not only was it starting to clear up but you could start seeing a glow to my skin. My skin felt great treatment after treatment and the products she recommended aided a big part in achieving clearer skin. I cannot say enough great things about Christina, she takes the time to really understand each patient and what they are having problems with. She even goes through detergents, dietary changes, and products used on your face. My skin has been great since seeing Christina and I'm so thankful that I can go out of the house without feeling insecure about my skin. Highly recommend booking a consultation with Christina if you're struggling with acne. read more

La Jolla Acne Specialists - Progression of skin improvement throughout a year span - Acne Treatment Near Me - San Diego, California

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Christina is amazing!!! About a year a ago my daughter started to see her. She suffered from severe acne for about 5 years . We tried different treatments and visited more than 8 dermatologists. Nothing worked . Finally after we started to see her , we can say that her skin is 90 percent clear. Christina changed my daughter's life . She took time to explain the different types of acne and how to treat it . My daughter now has a skin routine that's made specially for her skin and type of acne . Christina is very caring and is passionate about her work . Honestly if you suffer from acne don't waste time and get an appointment with her ,you will be amazed with the result . read more

I have added some photos below just to reiterate the results I have been seeing and feeling. The photos taken on October 9th was the peak of my acne - it was consistent months of just waking up with worse breakouts every morning until I had enough and made my first appointment. The photos from November 21st were taken after my 4th appointment and there's not just a huge difference in the breakouts but the texture of my skin. If this is what just FOUR appointments has given me, I can't wait to see the progress my skin will make in four more! read more

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I wanted to pay a forward to anyone struggling with acne by writing a yelp review because about a year ago I looked all over online from dermatologists to estheticians that could help calm my inflamed skin. I found a page with all five stars about Christina at an old location and was skeptical but found out they were just that good! I've only had two appointments so far and already my skin has experienced rarely any breakouts and my scars are slowly healing! Please give it a try if you have been disappointed with your past dermatologist treatment strategies. She has a college special for you first appointment which is cool and rare. In that appointment she will explain why you may need to change your diet or makeup products and then continue on with extractions and a peel and optional blue light. She is very knowledgeable, sensitive, and caring! read more

I rarely write reviews, but Christina is so great at what she does! My skin was not looking its best after I got an IUD and after starting my appointments with Christina and using her products it has completely changed and is nearly 100% clear. I never thought it would be clear again while still on the IUD, but she helped direct me to the right foods/supplements to also help fix my skin from the inside, out. I absolutely recommend her!! read more