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

Who is planning your big holiday event? A catering company may be able to help. Are you bringing a pet to the big family Thanksgiving? We cover the costs of pet air travel. November is Child Safety Awareness Month. Is your home baby-proofed? Be ready if the worst weather hits -- a portable generator means fewer power outages. Change the batteries on the smoke alarm the same time you set the clocks back for Daylight Savings.

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

Bat bite Paid: 0.00 On October 25th I was bitten by a bat during mid morning, animal control told me to get the rabies shots due to the fact that several rabid bats had been found in the area... [more] -Rita W Rabies Vaccine Cost 7 stitches to shin Paid: 371.00 My son had 7 Stitches to his shin he fell in the woods and was cut by a old fence. They were super nice in and out, in about one hour. 155.00 for the visit and the remainder was for the Stitches ... [more] -Tavanna Stitches Cost 2 Car Garage Paid: 1700.00 Looks FANTASTIC! The guys done a fabulous job and did it in one day! Highly recommend! 615-739-2146... [more] -Chad Dunn Epoxy Flooring Cost Commercial Real Estate Brochure Paid: 200.00 Quick turn around time! 4 revisions with PDF and hyperlinks embedded. Website management available too... [more] [email protected] Graphic Designer Cost Fairly priced Paid: 0.00 My baby boy choked on some food this evening. While we were on the phone to the emergency services the blockage cleared. Ambulance was sent anyway to make sure everything was ok... [more] -Thank you NHS Ambulance Cost Ripped Off Paid: 46.00 I asked the nail technician how much for a full set. He said he will let me know as soon as he gets the nails on my fingers (WTH?) ... anyway on the board the price said $28 and up...... [more] -Kay. Manicures and Pedicures Cost