Chemical Peel Costs, Types and Benefits for Your Skin

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:

1. Light/superficial chemical peels
2. Medium chemical peels
3. 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 spots^{3 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.

Financing Chemical Peels With the CareCredit Credit Card

When getting chemical peels or another cosmetic procedure, the CareCredit credit card can help you pay for costs not covered by insurance.* Use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic specialist near you that accepts CareCredit. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to cosmetic procedures, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for 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 an experienced health and wellness freelance writer with 15 years of experience. Her work has appeared in Parents, Women's Health, Beachbody, and OpenFit.