Dr. Boris Zaks, MD is a Beverly Hills board-certified dermatologist specializing in Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) and laser acne treatment — advanced, in-office solutions for cystic, hormonal, and treatment-resistant acne.
"Rock Star Dermatologist"
— Glamour Magazine
Boris Zaks, MD
Board-Certified Dermatologist · Beverly Hills
Most acne treatments suppress symptoms. PDT targets key contributors — the bacteria and overactive oil glands that drive breakouts — using targeted light energy and a naturally occurring topical solution.
Photodynamic Therapy for acne uses a photosensitizing agent called Levulan (aminolevulinic acid, or ALA), which is selectively absorbed by acne-causing sebaceous glands and Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) bacteria. When activated by blue light, Levulan generates reactive oxygen that reduces bacterial load and sebaceous gland activity.
Unlike systemic medications, PDT acts precisely where the problem is — with minimal impact on surrounding healthy tissue. Its precision is what allows for such targeted, effective results with a favorable side effect profile.
Dr. Zaks often combines PDT with laser treatment — such as the Vbeam pulsed-dye laser — to simultaneously address inflammation, redness, and early scarring. This combination protocol delivers results that are often significant and long-lasting for many patients, particularly those with cystic or treatment-resistant acne.
"Photodynamic Therapy has been very effective in helping to control cystic acne. Since acne cysts are responsible for acne scarring, it has become a key option for both immediate acne management and prevention of post-acne scars." — Dr. Boris Zaks, MD | as featured in Glamour Magazine
PDT acts locally — on the targeted oil glands and bacteria — with minimal impact on the rest of the body, making it well-tolerated for most patients.
Levulan is selectively absorbed only by abnormal cells — acne bacteria and overactive oil glands — leaving healthy tissue untouched.
Most patients see significant improvement within a short series of in-office sessions, often with long-lasting results.
By helping to reduce cystic lesions, PDT may help limit the deep ruptures that can cause permanent, pitted acne scars.
Dr. Zaks combines PDT with laser therapy for enhanced results — addressing active acne, redness, and early scarring in one protocol.
Every PDT protocol is tailored by Dr. Zaks to your specific acne type, severity, and skin characteristics.
Dr. Zaks offers a curated range of proven, in-office procedures — each selected for its efficacy, safety profile, and ability to deliver lasting results without systemic medications.
Signature Treatment
Levulan + blue light — targets C. acnes bacteria and sebaceous glands. For cystic, nodular, and treatment-resistant acne. Featured in Glamour Magazine.
Advanced Protocol
PDT combined with Vbeam laser — addresses active acne, redness, and early scarring simultaneously. For moderate-to-severe inflammatory acne.
Severe Acne
PDT and intralesional injections for rapid cyst reduction and scarring prevention. Specialist care for the most difficult presentations.
Adult Women
Jawline, chin, and cyclical breakouts in adult women. Post-pill acne. Perimenopausal acne. PDT and targeted medical protocols.
Scar Correction
Laser resurfacing and Vbeam for pitted, rolling, and boxcar scars. Post-inflammatory redness. Staged after active acne is controlled.
Pricing Guide
Typical Southern California pricing for PDT, laser, Vbeam, peels, and medical management. Consultations may be covered by insurance.
Dr. Zaks treats the full spectrum of acne conditions in adults and adolescents, with a focus on delivering clear skin through targeted, non-systemic treatment.
The most severe and scarring-prone form of acne. PDT is frequently used in Dr. Zaks' practice — reducing cysts and helping to limit the deep ruptures that cause permanent scars. PDT's ability to reduce oil gland activity and reduce bacterial load at the source makes it particularly effective for patients with cystic disease.
Jawline, chin, and cheek breakouts triggered by hormonal fluctuations in adult women. PDT combined with targeted topicals and oral options can achieve lasting control of hormonal acne patterns.
Red, painful papules and pustules that can be rapidly addressed with PDT and laser combination therapy. The Vbeam laser specifically targets inflamed lesions and the post-inflammatory redness they leave behind.
Blackheads and whiteheads caused by blocked pores. Chemical peels, blue light therapy, and targeted topicals effectively unclog pores and prevent new comedone formation — often without the need for any oral medication.
Acne that hasn't responded to antibiotics, topicals, or other dermatologists. PDT and laser protocols are often considered for patients who have not responded adequately to conventional treatments.
Acne papules and pustules that occur in the context of rosacea require a specialized approach. Dr. Zaks incorporates PDT and Vbeam laser to address both the inflammatory acne and the underlying rosacea simultaneously.
Dr. Zaks graduated summa cum laude from UCLA with a degree in Biology at age 19, then graduated with highest honors from UCLA School of Medicine. He completed his Dermatology Residency at Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science, where he was named Chief Resident. He is board certified by the American Board of Dermatology.
His particular expertise — and passion — is designing acne treatment protocols that produce meaningful, lasting results with a favorable side effect profile. He has spent years refining PDT and laser-based protocols that deliver comprehensive acne control for a wide range of patients, including those who have not responded to conventional therapies.
His Beverly Hills clinic at 435 N. Roxbury Drive serves patients from across all of Southern California — West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Brentwood, Culver City, Studio City, Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Encino, Calabasas, Malibu, Thousand Oaks, Woodland Hills, Long Beach, Orange County, Ventura County, and everywhere in between. Centrally located and accessible via the 405, 10, and 101 freeways. Private entrances ensure discretion for media personalities and public figures.
Dr. Zaks has been the go-to expert for leading publications covering dermatology, acne, and skincare innovation.
"Beverly Hills dermatologist Boris Zaks, M.D. uses Photodynamic Therapy on severely acne-prone celebs who can't wait weeks for pills or cream to work."
Glamour Magazine"Dubbed the Rock Star Dermatologist by Glamour magazine, Dr. Boris Zaks services some of LA's most elite faces."
CEW Beauty InsiderNamed among top dermatologists in Southern California by Glamour Magazine, and among top cosmetic dermatologists nationally by Shop Etc. Magazine.
Glamour · Shop Etc. MagazinePDT is a two-step, in-office procedure. First, a topical agent called Levulan (aminolevulinic acid) is applied to the skin and left for 45–60 minutes. It is selectively absorbed by sebaceous (oil) glands and acne bacteria. Then a blue light activates the Levulan, generating reactive oxygen that reduces bacterial load and sebaceous gland activity — eliminating the two main drivers of acne at the source. Most patients need 3–5 sessions.
Yes — and this is Dr. Zaks' specialty. PDT addresses the root causes of severe acne directly: overactive oil glands and acne bacteria. By targeting these at the source, PDT and laser combination therapy can achieve meaningful clearing for many patients with cystic or nodular acne, including those who have not responded to prior treatments.
Most patients see significant improvement in 3 to 5 sessions, spaced several weeks apart. The exact protocol depends on your acne type, severity, and skin characteristics — all of which Dr. Zaks assesses at your initial consultation. Some patients require maintenance sessions to sustain long-term results.
PDT + laser combination therapy allows Dr. Zaks to address multiple aspects of acne simultaneously: PDT targets bacteria and reduces oil gland activity, while the laser (typically Vbeam) targets inflammatory redness, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and early scarring. For moderate-to-severe inflammatory acne, this combination often produces faster and more comprehensive results than either treatment alone.
Dr. Zaks treats all forms of acne: cystic acne, hormonal acne (particularly in adult women), inflammatory acne, comedonal acne (blackheads and whiteheads), treatment-resistant acne, back and body acne, rosacea-related acne, and acne scarring. He also has particular experience treating patients who have tried and failed multiple prior acne therapies.
Dr. Zaks' clinic is located at 435 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite 408, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 — easily accessible from all of Los Angeles, including West Hollywood, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Century City, Culver City, and the Valley. He treats patients of all ages and skin types. The clinic offers private entrances for patients who require discretion.
Your initial acne consultation with Dr. Zaks is a medical visit that may be covered by most insurance plans and Medicare. Coverage varies by plan — please call to confirm. PDT itself is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance. Superior Beverly Hills Dermatology Clinic, Inc. is a preferred provider for most major insurance carriers — call (310) 552-3376 with any coverage questions.
Book a consultation with Dr. Boris Zaks — a Beverly Hills board-certified dermatologist specializing in PDT and laser acne treatment. Most patients see meaningful improvement.
Dr. Boris Zaks' Beverly Hills clinic at 435 N. Roxbury Drive is centrally located and easily accessible from across Los Angeles County, Orange County, Ventura County, and greater Southern California. Patients travel from throughout the region for his PDT and laser acne expertise.
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Treatment results vary by individual. The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with a qualified physician for personalized medical guidance. Individual results may vary.