The average price for a chemical peel treatment is $500, but can range from $200 up to $6,000 and depends on a variety of factors. Learn about the different types of peels, how much they cost and which may be best for you.
Chemical peels are absolutely worth it! Chemical peels are one of the most effective non-invasive cosmetic facial treatments and a great way to achieve brighter, smoother skin. This non-invasive treatment removes the outer layer of skin to reveal the healthy, beautiful skin underneath.
How much does a medium chemical peel cost
Tired of those fine lines and wrinkles? Ready to do something about those acne scars and skin discoloration? Consider a chemical peel, which can be an easy, non-surgical, minimally-invasive way to look younger and improve many common skin issues such as fine lines, acne scars, hyperpigmentation and sun damage. It’s no surprise that according to the most recent Plastic Surgery Statistics Report, chemical peels rank fourth on the list of the most common minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures. 1
If you’re considering a chemical peel to improve your skin, this guide can provide useful information to help you better plan and budget for expenses related to the procedure.
What Is a Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is a skin-resurfacing cosmetic procedure where a chemical solution is applied to the skin in order to cause exfoliation and force the skin to regenerate. Once the old skin cells slough off, the new skin is often smoother, clearer, less wrinkled and appears younger.2
Types of Chemical Peels
There are three types of chemical peels that correspond with the depth of treatment, recovery time, potential results and cost of the chemical peels. Each type of chemical peel uses a chemical solution, such as glycolic or salicylic acid, to treat the skin. The different types of peels may also induce varying levels of discomfort, recovery time, skin peeling and post-peel results.2
The three main types of chemical peels are:
- Light/superficial chemical peels
- Medium chemical peels
- Deep chemical peels
1. Light/Superficial chemical peel
A light or superficial chemical peel is designed to remove the epidermis, or the outer layer of skin. A superficial peel can be used to brighten and even out the skin tone by gently treating skin concerns such as acne, wrinkles or blotchiness.3
A light chemical peel often relies on a low-dose application of glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid and/or maleic acid. While you may experience some stinging, redness and light flaking, the side effects are usually minimal.4
Recovery is usually minimal, too, giving light chemical peels their nickname of “lunchtime peels.”2
2. Medium chemical peel
A medium chemical peel goes deeper than a superficial peel, removing skin cells from both the epidermis as well as portions of the dermis, the middle layer of the skin. Medium chemical peels can be used to lighten age spots, improve acne scars, decrease fine lines and wrinkles, smooth rough skin and improve moderate discoloration.2
Acids such as glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid may be used for medium chemical peels.
Recovery from a medium chemical peel can take seven to 14 days and include such symptoms as redness, swelling, blistering, scabbing and peeling.2
3. Deep Chemical Peel
A deep chemical peel is designed to penetrate deep into the middle layer of the skin, providing a more dramatic treatment of wrinkles, acne scarring and sun damage.2
Deep chemical peels typically use trichloroacetic acid or phenol and often require sedation, follow-up appointments and two to three weeks of healing time.2
How Much Does a Chemical Peel Cost?
The average cost of a chemical peel is around $500, but the price can range from $200 up to $6,000. This wide price range for chemical peel treatments can be attributed to a number of factors that can impact the price of treatment, including:
- Type of chemical peel
- Chemical peel provider
- Consultation fees
- Geographic location
- Recovery expenses5
One of the biggest impacts on the cost of a chemical peel is what type of chemical peel you receive. Below is a breakdown of the average cost by type of chemical peel.
- Light chemical peels can cost between $100 to $300 per session. This type of chemical peel is the least expensive. Multiple treatments may be recommended for best results.6
- Medium chemical peels can cost from $1,000 to $3,000 per session. Again, multiple treatments may be recommended for best results.6
- Deep chemical peels can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $6,000. The final price for the chemical peel will depend on your specific provider and geographic location. These are the most costly type of chemical peels available.6
Does Insurance Cover Chemical Peels?
Health insurance plans may not cover the cost of chemical peels if the health insurer doesn’t consider the treatments to be medically necessary. With insurance coverage, out-of-pocket costs for a chemical peel can include deductibles, coinsurance and co-pays. It’s a good idea to contact your insurance company in advance for details about your specific plan and benefits.
What Can a Chemical Peel Treat?
Depending on the type of chemical peel that you get, chemical peels can help treat and improve the following skin conditions:2
- Acne scars
- Fine lines, especially around the eyes and mouth
- Crow’s feet
- Sun damage
- Wrinkles
- Melasma
- Hyperpigmentation
- Age spots3 2
What a Chemical Peel Can’t Treat
Despite all the skin conditions that chemical peels can help with, it is important to note what chemical peels cannot do.
Chemical peels are not designed to treat deep scars or wrinkles or tighten loose or sagging skin. For these types of skin concerns, you may want to talk with your provider about a facelift.7
Chemical Peel Side Effects
Depending on the type of chemical peel you receive, they can cause redness, swelling and scabbing. Some deeper chemical peels may cause scarring, hyper- or hypopigmentation or infection. Deep chemical peels that use carbolic acid can also carry a risk of damaging the heart, kidneys or liver.3
Talk with your doctor and dermatologist to determine if a chemical peel is right for you.
CareCredit Financing for Chemical Peels
If your insurance doesn’t cover the treatment, you may have other options for paying for a chemical peel. Light and medium chemical peels may be offered by certain providers in a series for a discounted price. Using your CareCredit credit card* is another way you can pay for cosmetic procedures such as chemical peels. Use our Acceptance Locator or download the CareCredit Mobile App to find a qualified chemical peel provider near you who accepts the CareCredit credit card.
What is the average cost of a medium chemical peel?
A thorough research into the chemical peel cost – find out what’s the price of a light, medium-depth and deep chemical peel.
A chemical peel is one of the more invasive skin treatments you can get. It’s a form of skin resurfacing that uses different acids to cause controlled trauma to the top layers of the skin, destroying them and allowing new, better skin to emerge.
It takes a lot of experience to perform a chemical peel right, achieving the desired results without causing any permanent damage to the skin. After all, we’re talking about putting directly onto people’s faces! Or necks. Or hands.
In any case, you want to find a professional as experienced as possible, and the price of the treatment can be a good indicator of this. So, let’s find out how much does a chemical peel cost for every category of the treatment.
What’s the Average Chemical Peel Cost?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of a chemical peel is $519. However, it’s important to understand that chemical peels are divided into 3 categories based on intensity – light, medium, and deep – and there are significant price differences between them.
We’ve done thorough market research and figured out the cost of all 3.
So let’s look into the chemical peel price for each of those categories:
Light Chemical Peel Cost
The average cost of a light chemical peel is around $160, but the price range is quite wide. Certain types of light chemical peels – mainly glycolic peels – are usually under $100. Other, more intense types go up to $300.
It’s important to note that there are many light chemical peel systems and formulations, many of which are branded, and the price can vary significantly.
Medium Depth Chemical Peel Cost
The average price of medium depth chemical peels is around $350, but the price range starts at around $200, and can go up to $1500. It all depends on the intensity and complexity of the treatment.
Again, there are many systems available on the market, so the price range is quite wide.
Deep Chemical Peel Cost
A deep chemical peel costs an average $3000, but depending on the complexity of the case, it can vary from $1000 up to as much as $6000. This is due to the fact that this is a serious procedure that often requires anesthesia and sedation, as well as check-ups, all of which contribute to the high price point.
NOTE
The line between a light and a medium-depth chemical peel is often blurred, and the treatment is customized to the needs of the client’s skin, so don’t be surprised if you come across something marketed as a light peel priced the same as a medium depth peel, and vice versa.
What Does the Chemical Peel Cost Depend On?
The main factors that determine the cost of chemical peel are the intensity of the peel, the type of peel, the size of the treated area, the expertise of the practitioner, and the location.
Since this is a highly customizable treatment, it may also include add-on services, which may be included in the initial price, or charged extra. It’s also worth noting that chemical peels can be done as single sessions, or as a series of treatments.
Let’s look into each factor.
The Intensity of the Peel
The more intense the peel is, the more expensive it will be.
Light peels are the cheapest options, as their effects are limited. They work great at treating superficial skin conditions (fine lines, superficial hyperpigmentation, large pores, dull skin, etc.) and improving the overall appearance of the skin, so if you’re not dealing with a more complex skin issue, chances are a light peel will do a great job.
But if the condition is more severe (deeper wrinkles, more intense hyperpigmentation, acne scars, etc.), it’s likely that a light peel won’t do much and you’ll need a more intense treatment. Medium-depth chemical peels are more efficient, but they’re also more expensive, as they’re done with highly-concentrated acids.
Deep peels are complex treatments verging on plastic surgery that require a high level of expertise. They affect a very thick layer of skin, so they’re done with local anesthesia and sedation. They also include several weeks of preparation. Recovery often includes wearing surgical dressing and having check ups. When you take all this into account, it’s no surprise that the deep chemical peel price is 4 figures.
Type of Peel
Chemical peels are done with a wide variety of different acids which are mixed into solutions optimal for each client’s needs.
Based on the type of acid or acid blend used, chemical peels are divided into many types. Peel type and peel intensity are closely related categories, and a certain type of peel can be light or medium-depth, depending on the concentration of the peeling agent.
Other types of peels can only be done at a certain intensity.
There are also many branded systems of chemical peels, which are priced in accordance with the franchise they fall under, regardless of intensity.
We know this sounds complicated, but the choice of peel is down to the practitioner who assesses the situation and decides which option is the best.
The Expertise of the Practitioner
Ideally, chemical peels should only be performed by board-certified (cosmetic) dermatologists, or at least a registered nurse. The treatment implies using intense chemicals to create intentional trauma to the skin at varying depths, essentially destroying its outer layer, and if anything goes wrong, there could be permanent damage.
But in reality, these treatments are also performed by cosmetologists in med spas and beauty salons.
The chemical peels price is higher at a skin clinic, when it’s performed by a medical professional. And justifiably so – this is a serious treatment you only want done by a dermatologist, using top-quality products, especially if you’re getting a medium-depth or deeper peel. Even if it means cashing out a bit more.
If you just want a light, superficial skin refresher, you can go for the less expensive option of a med spa. But be very careful which one you choose!
Size of the Area Treated
Chemical peels are almost always facials, but other areas of skin can be treated, too, like the hands, feet, or the back. A back peel will cost more than a facial or a hand peel. Foot peels are generally the least expensive.
However, since these treatments aren’t that sought-after, most practitioners don’t really have fixed prices for them.
Location
As with any treatment, where the clinic is located plays a huge role in price formation. In large cities with a higher living cost in general, you can expect skin treatments to be priced higher. In smaller towns, the price will probably be lower in comparison.
Add-On Services
Sometimes, lighter chemical peels are done in combination with other skin services, like dermaplaning, microdermabrasion, or LED therapy. If multiple treatments are done, the price of the treatment will be higher, but probably cheaper than they would be if you get them done separately.
Number of Sessions
Depending on the severity of the condition targeted, light and medium-depth chemical peels are often done as a series of treatments spaced out over several months. Some clinics charge the full price for each session, others offer package deals.
Deep peels are one-off treatments.
How Do I Choose a Practitioner Based on Chemical Peel Cost?
In general, chemical peels are not something you want to try and save money on, and it’s often worth paying a higher price.
However, how much do chemical peels cost is not the primary factor you should base your decision on. You should primarily be guided by the expertise and experience of the practitioner. Going with a cosmetic dermatologist is definitely preferable.
Since they go through years of medical training, their prices will probably be on the more expensive end of the scale.
If a higher price point is an issue for you, perhaps it’s better to go with another treatment that costs less but provides similar results, like microdermabrasion, than to go with a cheap chemical peel.
NOTE
Since chemical peels are highly customizable treatments, many practitioners set the price upon consultations, so you may not be able to find out how much your chemical peel will cost without seeing your practitioner first.
Chemical Peel Cost – Main Takeaways
The chemical peel price is formed based on many factors, primarily the intensity of the peel, its type, the experience and the credentials of the practitioner, and the clinic’s location.
The average chemical peel cost is proportional to its intensity, but since there are so many additional factors to consider, it’s best to give you a general price range for each: light peels cost from $100 to $300, for medium-depth peels, it’s between $300 and $1000, and deep peels can be anywhere between $1000 to as much as $6000.