If facials at the spa or exfoliating facial products aren’t giving you the results you need, a chemical peel may be the next best solution. 

Chemical peels are a powerful non-surgical treatment that can literally ‘peel’ away the top layer of skin to reveal a fresh and youthful layer underneath. Still, some of these anti-aging and skin rejuvenation treatments cost upward of $500 each; are they worth the investment?   

Read on to learn which chemical peels will fit within your budget:  

Chemical Peels and Cost – Choosing the Best Match for Your Budget  

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the 2008 national average of a chemical peel treatment is $870. This price varies considerably by location and venue; some medical spas charge upward of $1,000 for the treatment, while dermatologist offices and day spas may offer treatments for under $500. 

Finding a qualified professional to administer the treatment is an essential part of the process, so in some cases, the cost will depend on the experience and credentials of the professional you are working with. A cost breakdown of different types of chemical peel treatments is as follows:  

Mild chemical peels: $150 - $300

Medium chemical peels: $1,000 - $2,000

Deep chemical peels: $2,500 - $6,500  

These price ranges include consultation fees, anesthetic treatments and any medication required for downtime. Another cost factor to keep in mind when choosing a treatment is the frequency of the procedure you’ll need for results; mild peels can be repeated every six weeks while a deep chemical peel may only need to be performed once every 1-2 years (Source:  Plastic Surgery Network).  

The Lure of At-Home Chemical Peel Treatments  

If spending hundreds of dollars on a facial treatment is well beyond your budget range, at-home chemical peel treatments offer a more cost-friendly solution. These over-the-counter kits can be used as a mild treatment and come with safety instructions and specific guidelines. However, there is no guarantee that you will achieve in-office results with these types of treatments and in some cases, may be left with blisters and peeling skin that will require a trip to the doctor’s office. Unless you have experience with chemical peels and are confident your skin can handle the potent ingredients, an at-home chemical peel treatment may not be your best choice. 

Understanding How Chemical Peels Work  

Chemical peels are a popular non-surgical treatment for removing acne, blemishes, and even fine lines – a consultation with a cosmetic dermatologist will help you determine which level of a peel is the best match for your skin and goals.  

By creating trauma deep within the skin's layers, chemical peels can trigger collagen production and remove dead skin cells in one step.  The collagen boost makes skin stronger and more resilient, while the removal of dead skin cells pulls away dirt, debris and toxin buildup on the skin’s surface.  

The process of a chemical peel can leave you with healthy and rejuvenated skin, and results canbe maintained with ongoing facials and lighter peels throughout the year. These types of results are difficult to achieve with facials and other over the counter cosmetic products alone, so spending the extra money for a quality peel can be more cost-effective for the long-term.

If you are considering a chemical peel treatment to improve your skin’s appearance, learning more about the procedure and treatment options can help you decide which type will get you the results you need. Many cosmetic surgeons also offer convenient payment plans and low-interest patient financing to help you meet your budget, and just one chemical peel could be all it takes to acheive healthy, vibrant and youthful looking skin.