Acne Can Cost $36-$2.5K To Treat. Here's Why

Topical acne gels and creams typically cost between $36-$336 a year; oral acne medications cost between $72.53-$1,304.09 for a normal prescription cycle and can cost between $167-$2,509 for common acne procedures. There is also an additional cost for visiting the dermatologist, which on average, is around $221.

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How Much Are Acne Treatments?

Acne is a skin condition that over 50 million Americans struggle with. Several different treatment routes depend on the intensity and type of acne, including gels and creams, medical procedures, and oral medications. Acne treatments can cost up to $2,509.

Average Price of Common Acne Treatments

Sources: aafp.org, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, sciencedirect.com

*Per 90-179 day period (recommended time of taking oral acne medications)

Acne Gels & Creams

Topical acne treatments, such as gels and creams, are part of the solution for moderate acne in almost all patients. Examples include topical retinoids and benzoyl peroxide. The average cost per year for this type of treatment is $24-$336 and varies depending on the product used and its effectiveness.

Cost of Common Topical Treatments for Acne

Source: aafp.org

Typically, gels, creams, and lotions are applied to the face twice a day. They can be purchased over the counter, but some may require a prescription. Depending on your insurance, the cost of prescriptions may not be covered.

Oral Medications

Oral medications are typically used with topical acne treatments. The average cost is about $72.53-1304.09. Below is a breakdown of some common oral medications prescribed for acne.

Cost of Common Oral Medications for Acne Treatment

These medications require a prescription. The above prices are out-of-pocket costs without insurance. Most insurance providers will cover costs for prescription acne treatments.

Procedures

Certain procedures are performed in a dermatologist's office to treat acne. The cost will be separate from the visit, which averages $221. Examples include chemical peels and laser therapy.

Cost of Common Procedures for Acne Treatments

These are usually performed when topical treatments and oral medications haven't worked. Previous treatments may also cause acne scarring.

What Causes Acne and How to Prevent It

To avoid costly treatments, prevention is essential for healthy skin. Dr. Viseslav Tonkovic-Capin, a board-certified dermatologist, discusses healthy habits:

• Getting a good night's sleep (8 hours).
• Avoiding smoking and vaping.
• Eating fresh foods and drinking water.
• Engaging in physical activity regularly.

Acne Treatment Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I know which acne treatment is right for me?

For acne with blackheads and blemishes, over-the-counter treatments with salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or adapalene are recommended. It may take 2-3 months to see results.

What are some low-cost over-the-counter acne treatments?

Some recommended treatments include:

• Acne BLU pads with salicylic acid
• Clearasil pads
• Differin 0.1% gel
• Benzoyl peroxide creams

How long until I see results from my acne treatments?

Most acne treatments take 2-3 months to show good results. However, oral isotretinoin can show improvement in about 6 weeks.

Bottom Line

Different treatment options for acne exist, ranging in cost. Effective skincare practices can help maintain skin health and reduce the need for costly treatments.