Dr. Caren Campbell, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing at CCMD Dermatology in Union Square, San Francisco. Known for making complex skin science simple, she is a trusted expert source for national media on acne, skincare ingredients, sun protection, hair loss, lasers, and cosmetic dermatology. Her commentary has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Allure, Women's Health, Teen Vogue, Fortune, InStyle, Byrdie, the San Francisco Chronicle, Oprah Daily, New York Magazine, Business Insider, Well+Good, and more, and her research has been published in peer-reviewed journals including JAMA Dermatology and the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. Below is a selection of her press features, organized by topic.
Journalists and editors: for interviews and expert commentary, visit our media & collaboration page or contact the practice.
As Seen In
Allure
Board-certified San Francisco dermatologist Dr. Caren Campbell helped Allure readers understand the benzene findings in benzoyl peroxide acne products, explaining how to weigh the reports against benzoyl peroxide's proven role in treating acne.
Forbes
Dr. Campbell walked Forbes through which treatments actually improve acne scarring — from lasers to microneedling — and why matching the treatment to the scar type matters. Learn more about acne scarring treatment at CCMD.
CNET
Dr. Campbell explained why acne happens and laid out the same evidence-based approach she uses with acne patients at her San Francisco dermatology practice — from over-the-counter ingredients to prescription therapy.
Well+Good
Dr. Campbell broke down what drives inflammatory acne and shared a practical three-step plan for calming active breakouts.
Teen Vogue
As a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Campbell shared clinically backed strategies for treating body acne, including ingredient picks and habits that make breakouts on the back and chest worse.
Glam
Dr. Campbell explained the common culprits behind forehead breakouts, from hair products to habits, and how to address them.
Business Insider
Dr. Campbell explained why hormonal shifts in pregnancy trigger acne and which treatments are safe to use while pregnant.
Struggling with breakouts? Learn about medical acne treatment at CCMD Dermatology in San Francisco.
Fortune
Drawing on her experience performing skin cancer screenings at her San Francisco practice, Dr. Campbell discussed the research on nutrition and skin cancer risk — which foods show protective potential and why sunscreen remains non-negotiable. Learn more about skin cancer screening at CCMD.
Teen Vogue
Dr. Campbell shared how to choose a sunscreen that protects acne-prone skin without clogging pores or triggering breakouts.
New York Magazine (The Strategist)
Dr. Campbell, a board-certified dermatologist, weighed in on powder sunscreens: where they fit in a sun protection routine and their limits as a standalone SPF.
POPSUGAR
Dr. Campbell shared the sunscreens dermatologists actually reach for and what to look for on the label.
Business Insider
Dr. Campbell explained why SPF in makeup rarely delivers the labeled protection in real-world use, and how to layer sun protection correctly.
Sun protection questions? Visit our sun safety page or learn about skin cancer detection and treatment.
Forbes
Dr. Campbell gave Forbes readers a dermatologist's framework for layering exfoliating acids and retinoids without irritating skin — which combinations work, which to avoid, and how to build tolerance, the same guidance she gives patients in San Francisco.
Byrdie
Dr. Campbell provided expert context on vitamin C serums — how they work, what concentrations matter, and how to store them for potency.
Business Insider
Dr. Campbell called out popular DIY skincare habits that damage skin, including why apple cider vinegar doesn't belong on your face.
Business Insider
As a physician, Dr. Campbell explained why "natural" is an unregulated marketing term and what to actually check on an ingredient list, especially for sensitive skin.
Well+Good
Dr. Campbell explained how grain size affects exfoliation and how to exfoliate without creating micro-tears in the skin.
Well+Good
Dr. Campbell shared a repair plan for irritated, over-treated skin — what to stop, what to simplify, and when to see a dermatologist. Related: dermatitis treatment at CCMD.
YourTango
Dr. Campbell explained how lactic acid works as a gentler alpha-hydroxy acid and who benefits most from it.
Brit + Co
Dr. Campbell helped match night cream ingredients to different skin types and concerns.
TODAY
Dr. Campbell weighed in on the Japanese beauty philosophy of gentle, consistent skincare and which J-beauty staples have real dermatologic merit.
Business Insider
Dr. Campbell explained how climate, humidity, and environment change what your skin needs, with practical routine adjustments.
Business Insider
Dr. Campbell highlighted overlooked everyday factors — from stress to shower habits — that quietly affect skin health.
POPSUGAR
Dr. Campbell forecast where skincare was headed, from simplified routines to science-backed ingredients over hype.
Business Insider
Dr. Campbell weighed in on beauty fads that do more harm than good, from a dermatologist's perspective.
Dermstore
Dr. Campbell made the case for streamlined, consistent skincare over complicated multi-step routines.
Bustle
Dr. Campbell discussed the connection between what you drink and how your skin looks and behaves.
Want a routine built for your skin? Explore physician-guided skin care at CCMD or shop Dr. Campbell's physician-formulated products.
Well+Good
Dr. Campbell revealed the cosmetic concern she sees most in her San Francisco practice and how she approaches treating it. Explore cosmetic dermatology at CCMD.
Women's Health
Dr. Campbell explained how hormonal changes in menopause — and hormone therapy — affect collagen, hydration, and skin aging.
InStyle
Dr. Campbell brought a dermatologist's diagnostic lens to dark circles — pigment, volume loss, and vasculature — explaining why the cause determines the right treatment, from topicals to under-eye filler.
Brit + Co
Dr. Campbell explained how gold microinfusion microneedling works and who it's best suited for. Learn more about microneedling at CCMD.
The Knot
Dr. Campbell advised brides and grooms on which treatments deliver visible results before a wedding and how far in advance to start each one — the same timelines she maps out for pre-wedding patients at her San Francisco practice.
San Francisco Chronicle
Dr. Campbell provided a dermatologist's reality check on the science behind stress-relief skincare claims.
Robb Report
Dr. Campbell evaluated the evidence behind seaweed-based anti-aging treatments for luxury wellness readers.
Everyday Health
Dr. Campbell discussed how facial muscle patterns create a resting expression and how wrinkle relaxers can soften a persistently stern look.
Curious about lasers? CCMD offers the deepest laser bench in San Francisco, including Vbeam Perfecta, Fraxel, PicoWay, and Clear + Brilliant.
The Wall Street Journal
The Wall Street Journal turned to Dr. Campbell, a board-certified dermatologist in San Francisco, for expert commentary on emerging in-office hair loss procedures for men and how they compare with established treatments. Learn more about hair loss treatment at CCMD, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP).
Oprah Daily
Dr. Campbell explained the difference between a dry scalp and dandruff, and which shampoo ingredients treat each. Related: dandruff treatment at CCMD.
InStyle
Dr. Campbell separated fact from hype on coconut oil for hair, including who benefits and who should skip it.
Oprah Daily
Dr. Campbell, who treats eczema patients at her San Francisco dermatology practice, recommended creams with proven barrier-repair ingredients and explained what to look for and what to avoid. Learn more about eczema treatment at CCMD.
Brit + Co
Dr. Campbell shared the moisturizers she personally relies on in dry winter months and the ingredients that make them work.
BuzzFeed News
Dr. Campbell explained which lip balm ingredients actually repair chapped lips and which common ones make dryness worse.
Insider
San Francisco dermatologist Dr. Caren Campbell debunked common misconceptions about what dermatologists do and when to see one.
TODAY
Dr. Campbell advised on choosing foundations that manage shine without clogging pores.
Teen Vogue
Dr. Campbell shared guidance for teens on choosing deodorants that are effective and gentle on sensitive underarm skin.
Byrdie
Dr. Campbell explained why tattoo blowout happens and the options for correcting it, including laser tattoo revision with PicoWay.
HelloGiggles
Dr. Campbell warned about the risks of at-home extraction tools and explained why extractions belong in a professional setting.
Haute Living
A profile of Dr. Campbell and her physician-led approach to cosmetic dermatology in San Francisco — board-certified care as the alternative to the med spa model.
Nob Hill Gazette
Coverage of the opening of CCMD Dermatology's Union Square practice.
DrChrono
A feature on how Dr. Campbell designed CCMD as a patient-first, direct-care dermatology practice.
Dr. Caren Campbell is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of CCMD Dermatology at 450 Sutter Street in San Francisco. She offers medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology with one of the most comprehensive laser suites in the Bay Area. Read more about Dr. Campbell or book an appointment.
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