How Much Does Acne Treatment Cost? Pricing and Options Explained

Regardless of when or how it appears, acne is never a welcome visitor. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, impacting an estimated 50 million people each year.¹

Although acne is commonly associated with adolescence, it can continue to persist well into adulthood.¹ Whether you are just bothered by the occasional breakout or are suffering from more severe acne flare-ups, there are a variety of acne treatments on the market to help clear up current spots and help prevent future ones.

Types of Acne Treatments

When looking at your skincare options for addressing breakouts, there are three main types of acne treatments to consider:²

• Topical acne treatments
• Oral acne medication
• Procedural acne treatments³

Topical acne treatments

Topical acne treatments are those that are applied directly to the skin. This may include cleansers, gels or creams and are often available in various strengths. Some topical acne treatments are available over the counter, while others may only be available by prescription. Topical acne treatments are usually best suited for mild to moderate acne.²

• ​​Azelaic acid. Azelaic acid works to clear pores, decrease inflammation and reduce the bacteria that cause acne. It can also address hyperpigmentation from past acne.²
• Benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide destroys acne-causing bacteria on the skin and works best when used in combination with other treatments that address the causes of acne.²
• Retinoids. Retinoids help to encourage cell turnover to clear pores. It can treat scars from past acne.⁴
• Salicylic acid. Best suited for treating whiteheads and pimples, salicylic acid helps to clear clogged pores and exfoliate the skin.²

Oral acne medications

For moderate to severe cases, oral acne medication may be recommended to provide a systemic treatment to work throughout your body.²

• Antibiotics. Antibiotics such as doxycycline, minocycline or sarecycline may be prescribed to address the bacteria that cause acne and are often used in conjunction with topical treatments.²
• Hormonal therapies. Hormone acne treatments such as birth control pills or spironolactone may be prescribed to help address hormone imbalances that contribute to acne.²
• Isotretinoin. Isotretinoin is a type of retinoid that targets severe acne. Although commonly known as Accutane®, which is no longer marketed, the same acne medication is still available under other brand names such as Absorica®, Claravis™ and Zenatane.²

Procedural acne treatments

Although not commonly used as a primary acne treatment, other skincare procedures may be recommended as part of your acne treatment plan.

• Chemical peels. Using a chemical solution to exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells, chemical peels can help address clogged pores and encourage cell turnover.³
• Corticosteroid injections. Best for providing immediate relief for large, painful breakouts, a cortisol injection can address clogged pores and individual pimples almost immediately.³
• Extractions. Extractions or the manual removal of blemishes with a sterilized tool can be performed by a trained professional.³
• Laser therapy. Laser and other light-based therapies may be recommended to reduce redness, skin discoloration and scarring.³ 

Average Cost of Acne Treatments

The cost of acne treatments can vary based on the specific treatment, number of treatments and whether it is available over the counter or by prescription only.

Topical acne treatment pricing

Topical acne treatments can include over-the-counter products like cleansers, toners, lotions or treatment gels. A daily anti-acne regime that includes a cleanser, toner and non-prescription lotion can cost an average of $30 to $60 a month.⁵

The national average cost* of prescription topical acne medications like azelaic acid is $377 and ranges from $298 to $731.⁶

Oral acne medication pricing

The cost of prescribed oral acne medications, such as hormone therapies or antibiotics, will depend on the specific medication, your geographic region and whether your insurance covers it. Below is a list of average cost* ranges for common oral acne medications for a one-month supply.⁶

Talk with your dermatologist to learn more about the benefits, side effects and effectiveness of different oral acne medications.  

Procedural acne treatment pricing

The total cost of procedural acne treatments may depend on the type of procedure, number of treatments needed and size of the treatment area, as well as your geographic region. Below is a list of average cost* ranges for common acne treatment procedures.⁷

Will Insurance Cover the Cost of Acne Treatments?

While some topical acne treatments are available over the counter, prescribed topical, oral or procedural acne treatment may be covered by your health insurance. Coverage may depend on the severity of your acne as well as your specific health insurance plan.⁸

Check with your health insurance to see which procedural acne treatments may be covered under your plan. If they aren’t, see if the service provider offers payment plans or accepts the CareCredit credit card as a way to pay for the procedure.

How Acne Treatments Work

Acne treatments work by targeting the internal and external factors that cause breakouts while also helping to clear existing blemishes. Depending on the type of acne treatment, it may be used to:⁹

• Address hormone imbalances
• Destroy acne-causing bacteria⁵
• Encourage cell turnover⁴
• Reduce inflammation
• Remove excess sebum
• Unclog pores⁵

Other factors such as diet, stress and physical abrasion from items like sports gear or headbands can also contribute to acne and can be addressed with lifestyle changes.⁹

Tips to manage your acne

Once you’ve decided on an acne treatment plan, be sure to follow your provider’s instructions, and keep these tips in mind.⁴

• Avoid combining acne treatments unless advised by your dermatologist 
• Be consistent
• Continue medication as directed, even after your skin clears
• If stomach irritation occurs, take oral acne medications with food
• Moisturize with an oil-free, non-comedogenic lotion to prevent dryness
• Use a daily non-comedogenic sunscreen since many treatments increase sun sensitivity

Managing acne takes consistency and patience. It may take several weeks to months to begin to see improvements in your skin.⁴

Possible Side Effects

Side effects of acne treatments can vary greatly based on the treatment type, strength, frequency of use and individual skin differences. Here are some of the most common side effects by acne treatment type:¹⁰

Be sure to talk with your doctor about any acne treatment side effects to see if your treatment strength or treatment plan should be adjusted.

Your Acne Treatment Plan

Treating acne isn’t a one-size-fits-all plan. From over-the-counter topical products to prescription oral medications and in-office skincare procedures, there are a variety of acne treatment options to consider. By understanding the treatments and their costs, you can make more informed decisions about investing in caring for your skin.

CareCredit Credit Card Financing for Dermatology

The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for dermatology visits, over-the-counter treatments and prescription medications at locations within the CareCredit network.** Start enhancing your skin today and find a dermatologist near you that accepts CareCredit. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to dermatology, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for other cosmetic procedures, dentistry, pet care, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Kate Bayless is a health and wellness freelance writer with 20 years of experience. Her work has appeared in Parents, Women’s Health, Beachbody and OpenFit.