RefinedMD
800 Pollard Road, Building A
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Phone: (408) 688-2082
Office Hours:
Monday–Friday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Saturday: Please call for availability
Closed Sundays & Holidays
Acne isn’t just a teenage concern—it can affect men and women at nearly any age. Bacteria do not cause acne, although bacteria play a role in its development. Acne is a condition affecting the hair follicles of the face, chest, and back, which is prevalent in people of various ages and skin types. Just about anything can trigger acne, from stress to inadequate sleep and poor skincare products. The good news? Pizza and chocolate don’t cause acne, though a consistently poor diet can contribute.
Regular, in-office exfoliation is one of the most recommended approaches for combating acne. Breakouts may be triggered by hormones, stress, or lifestyle factors, and they often persist despite over-the-counter remedies.
I strongly recommend RefinedMD. I have been going to see Dr. Swengel and his amazing team for over 10 years. Recently I saw Hannah for a wonderful facial. She has magic hands, is incredibly knowledgeable about products and helped me refine my home skin care regimen.
Tracy G., 5-Star Google review
Since establishing RefinedMD in 2012, Dr. Swengel has earned a reputation throughout the South Bay as one of the area’s top cosmetic and medical dermatologists. He is sought out for his expertise as a Mohs micrographic surgeon and laser treatment specialist, as well as his warm, attentive style of patient care.
Meet Dr. Steven Swengel
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Steven Swengel leads our dermatology team in evaluating the root causes of your acne and tailoring treatments to your unique skin. Options may include:
Our goal is not just to treat active blemishes but also to protect your skin’s health and prevent future scarring.
Even after acne clears, scars can remain as a lasting reminder. These scars may appear as depressions, raised areas, or lingering discoloration. Acne scar treatments at our Los Gatos practice are customized to each patient, often combining multiple modalities for optimal results.
Dr. Swengel collaborates closely with double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Sudeep Roy to create comprehensive plans for patients seeking more advanced scar correction. Depending on your needs, treatments may include:
This team-based approach ensures that every aspect of your skin’s health and appearance is considered, from active breakouts to long-term scar improvement.
RefinedMD is an out-of-network clinic, which means we do not have a contract or communicate with any health insurance providers. A payment receipt along with a super bill will be provided following your appointment, which you can use to seek possible reimbursement from your insurance provider. Please note that payment is due in full at the time of your appointment. Learn more about insurance at RefinedMD.
Every patient’s skin tells a different story. During your consultation, we’ll carefully assess your acne or scarring, discuss your goals, and design a plan that balances effectiveness with your comfort and lifestyle. Our treatments are designed to help you look refreshed and feel more confident, whether your concern is preventing breakouts or addressing scars left behind.
RefinedMD understands that acne isn’t just a teenage problem, and it certainly isn’t limited to winter months. In fact, many patients are surprised to find their breakouts become more frequent or severe in the spring. …
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the world, affecting nearly 85% of people at some point in their lives. Despite its prevalence, acne is often misunderstood, stigmatized, and poorly managed—but that’s …
Acne is a common and often distressing skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Its impact ranges from physical discomfort to emotional distress, making effective treatment crucial, which is why so many RefinedMD patients …
Acne, a common skin condition, affects millions of people worldwide. While many experience acne during their teenage years, it can also persist or even emerge in adulthood. Interestingly, certain seasons, particularly summer, can exacerbate acne …
Curious about peptides and how they may fit into your wellness plan? Join us virtually on September 22nd at 6:00pm for an educational event on medically supervised peptide therapy. Learn what peptides are, how they are administered, and how our providers determine which options may be appropriate based on your individual goals and health history.
Refresh, replenish, and give your wellness routine a boost with RefinedMD’s physician-developed IV Therapy. Designed to deliver hydration, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants directly into the bloodstream for rapid and efficient absorption, our IV treatments make it easy to choose support aligned with how you want to feel. Whether your goals include hydration and recovery, immune support, antioxidant support, or energy and metabolism, there’s an IV designed with your needs in mind. And now is the perfect time to experience IV Therapy at RefinedMD: choose from five of our most popular IVs and receive 20% off when you book your treatment on a Thursday or Friday with Nurse Denise. Want to personalize your drip even further? Ask about available add-ons, including glutathione, NAD+, and vitamin D3, for an additional wellness boost.
Reviewed for clinical accuracy by a RefinedMD Medical Editor on August 26th, 2026.
