Acne Treatments Cost

• For over-the-counter daily regimens that can include a cleanser, a toner and a non-prescription medicated lotion, acne treatment costs $30 to $60 and up per month.
• For prescription antibiotics, topical creams and ointments -- or for hormone therapy, from birth control pills to a more aggressive regimen -- acne treatment typically costs $45 to $200 per month, which includes a doctor visit and prescription.
• For physical treatments such as facials or chemical peels, acne treatment typically costs $75 to $200 per session, with one or more sessions required per month.
• Even after acne clears, treatment must be continued to prevent a recurrence.
• Some acne treatments, such as prescription drugs and topical creams, are covered by some health insurance plans; others consider acne treatment cosmetic.

• Over-the-counter acne creams and gels most commonly use benzoyl peroxide, which removes dead skin cells to reduce clogging, and reduces the bacteria that cause acne. Another common active ingredient, salicylic acid, helps to unclog pores. AcneNet^[1] explains how the most common over-the-counter acne treatments work.
• Various prescription medications work in different ways. Oral antibiotics -- such as erythromycin and tetracycline -- and topical antimicrobials work to reduce the bacteria that cause acne. Oral contraceptives can work for women by calming glands that are producing too much oily sebum. AcneNet^[2] offers descriptions of the various doctor-prescribed treatments.
• Physical procedures performed by a doctor -- or in some cases, a nurse -- can treat acne. Chemical peels remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. AcneNet^[3] provides a guide to physical procedures used to treat acne.

• Once acne is cleared up, some patients choose to undergo additional treatments for scarring. These can include microdermabrasion and dermabrasion, which can cost up to $2,000 or more, depending on the number of sessions needed. AcneNet^[4] has a primer on acne scarring and treatments.

• For skin resurfacing treatments, doctors sometimes provide discounts to new patients or offer package deals on multiple treatments.
• For prescription drugs. generic versions often cost as much as 50 percent less.

• Tip: Before pursuing a treatment option, it is important to determine the severity of the acne, as treatment can vary. AcneNet offers guides to identifying and treating mild acne^[5] , moderate acne^[6] and severe acne^[7] .
• Over-the-counter acne remedies that can treat mild acne can be found at most drugstores. Walgreens.com and CVS offer a number of products.
• For moderate to severe acne, consult a dermatologist to determine the best treatment regimen. The American Academy of Dermatology^[8] offers a list of board-certified dermatologists by location.
• Tip: When you find a dermatologist, ask about his or her credentials and experience with acne treatment, and ask to see before-and-after photographs of patients who have used the type of treatment you are considering.
• You can help acne treatment work better by taking steps such as avoiding excess sun exposure or tanning beds and using only "noncomedogenic" cosmetics, which do not clog pores.AcneNet^[9] offers a guide to getting the most out of your acne treatment.

1.  www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/treatotc.html
2.  www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/prescriptmeds.html
3.  www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/physicalprocedures.html
4.  www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/scarring.html
5.  www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/treatingmildacne.html
6.  www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/treatingmoderatesevereacne.html
7.  www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/treatsevereacne.html
8.  www.aad.org/find-a-derm/
9.  www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/tips_acne_medication.html

Check Out All Costs for Health & Personal Care		How Much Do Braces Cost?		How Much Does Hip Replacement Cost?		How Much Does a Mammogram Cost?

Today's Featured Cost Articles

The hot summer weather has started. We cover the cost of central air conditioning. Is this the summer to finally take those swimming lessons? June is Camping Month and the Great Outdoors Month. A BBQ grill could be handy with Memorial Day coming up. Spring has sprung. Are you thinking about allergy shots?

About CostHelper

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

Ventolin/Albuterol inhaler Paid: 67.53 If purchased at WalMart on March 24th, 2017, the co-pay would have been 67.53; if ordered from the Humana Mail Order Pharmacy, the cost would have been $50.I could not afford it... [more] -vineyridge Albuterol Inhaler Cost Lizard Paid: 150.00 The beardie was adopted for $20.00 at a local repticon. Tank was over 30 inch long, cost less than $70-80 at Petsmart during Xmas sale. Everything else were bought online from Dr. Foster, Amazon and Chewy... [more] -Gaga Pet Lizard Cost My Entertainment Company Went Above & Beyond The Call Of Duty Paid: 2100.00 All I can say is WOW. When I hired Evan Nine Entertainment, I had no idea I was going to get so much extra for my money. His company handled The DJ/MC, Photography, Uplighting, and Wedding Officiant... [more] -Linda Grayson Wedding DJ Cost TTE 93306 Paid: 1208.00 Went for echo at cardiologist's office. Hadn't met deductible and my BCBS estimate online was $408 done in doctor's office. Well, the cardiology office had been acquired by Mission Hospital so they charged their rate which was ~$1980... [more] -C. V. Wynne, M.D. Echocardiogram Cost Broken drain line replacment Paid: 7600.00 After Roto-Rooter inspected the drain line which could not get passed 35 feet from the cleanout, serviceman suggested for a new cleanout to be installed near the area where the camera could not pass, this at a cost of $1,450... [more] -#IFEELTAKEN Sewer Line Replacement Cost Cost should be capped Paid: 4550.00 In August of 2014, my husband need to be transported to the helicopter pad at the hospital and we received a bill for $4,550 and when we questioned why so much no one could provide a valid answer. The helicopter pad is less than ... [more] -dkoz Ambulance Cost