How Much Is a Facial? Average Costs Broken Down by Type

One of the most common skin problems in the United States is acne, which affects 50 million people each year of all ages.¹ Skin conditions like acne can occur well into your 40s, and problems like rosacea usually affect those between ages 30 and 60.¹ These along with other issues like dryness, fine lines, sun damage and age spots can make you feel uncomfortable and self-conscious about your appearance.

Maybe you want healthier, clearer and younger-looking skin, or you just want to lay back, relax and be pampered. Whatever the reason, having a facial at your favorite spa could be one of the best investments you can make in your appearance and well-being. Read on to discover the types and costs of spa facials for you to consider.

What Is a Spa Facial?

Spa facials help hydrate the skin, exfoliate it, increase circulation and relieve stress. When performed by an esthetician — someone with special knowledge and training in skincare — a spa facial is a multi-step skin treatment that starts with a consultation where the esthetician cleanses and analyzes the skin of the face before starting the facial. The total process usually takes around one hour.² However, some "mini" facials are quick — around 30 minutes — so you can fit them in during your lunch hour.³

How Does a Spa Facial Work?

After cleansing your skin to properly evaluate it, your esthetician will perform a variety of steps that typically include:²

• Exfoliation
• Extractions to remove acne (if needed)
• A facial massage to improve lymphatic drainage
• A mask application to help with acne or dryness
• The application of toner, serums and moisturizer to protect and nourish the skin

What Does a Spa Facial Treat?

A spa facial may help treat conditions such as:²

• Mild acne
• Dry skin
• Fine lines
• Hyperpigmentation
• Age spots⁴
• Rosacea

What Are the Different Types of Spa Facials?

There are several types of facials that target different skin issues. They include:

• European facial
• Deep pore acne facial (a type of European facial)
• HydraFacial
• Oxygen facial
• LED light facial
• Vampire facial
• Dermaplaning
• Acupuncture facial
• Microneedling
• Microdermabrasion
• Chemical peel

How Much Does a Facial Cost?

The cost of a spa facial varies from around $75 to $200, depending on the type of facial, geographic location and provider.⁵ On the low end, a very basic facial can cost around $35 to $50, with the national average costing around $80.⁶

However, most spa facials cost between $150 and $200⁷ with some ranging as high as over $1,000.⁸ Note that higher-priced facials usually involve deep chemical peels and other complex techniques like microneedling.

There are several factors that will affect the cost of a spa facial. These include:⁹

• The type of facial
• The skill level and training of the esthetician or dermatologist/practitioner
• The quality of the equipment used for more complex facials
• The number of add-on services you need
• Whether a physician or dermatologist is supervising the facility
• The geographic location of the facility
• How many facial treatments are needed (such as for acupuncture facials)

To choose the right facility for your needs, think about factors like cost and location. You'll want to choose a spot that's easy for you to commute to, offers the type of facial that you need and has a helpful staff who can assist you with any questions you may have.

Typically, more highly skilled practitioners with an extensive portfolio of clients will charge more than those who are just starting out. And, those located in larger metropolitan areas with a higher cost of living will charge more than those who are located in less populated areas with a lower cost of living.⁹

European Facial

A European facial, or classic facial, is a common type of spa facial¹⁰ and one of the least expensive, starting between $35 to $50.⁶ During this type of facial, your esthetician will cleanse the face before exfoliating it and apply steam to the skin to open up the pores.¹¹ After the steaming process, they will extract any blackheads or whiteheads from the skin before applying a face mask. Finally, the mask is removed and the skin is soothed with a calming moisturizer.¹²

In some cases, if you are getting a deep pore acne facial, the products used will specifically target acne-prone skin.⁷ Overall, this procedure usually averages around $85 per session,¹² but can range up to $250.⁹

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion gives your skin a thorough exfoliation with the use of a handheld device. After cleansing your face, your esthetician will use the device to exfoliate your skin and vacuum away the dead skin particles. They will then apply a soothing moisturizer and sunscreen to your face.⁴

This type of facial can help with conditions like acne, acne scarring, age spots, fine lines and sun damage. It typically costs around $167.⁴

HydraFacial

A HydraFacial is a deep cleansing option that can help moisturize your skin¹⁰ and help with conditions such as non-inflammatory acne, skin discoloration and dryness. There are three steps in this facial.¹³

During this type of facial, the esthetician will apply serums containing glycolic and salicylic acid to your face to get rid of dead skin cells, and then use a special exfoliating wand on your skin to give it a deep cleaning. Finally, they'll apply various hydrating serums to soothe your skin.¹⁴

Overall, the process takes about 60 minutes and costs between $199 and $300.¹⁴

Oxygen Facial

An oxygen facial can help brighten and moisturize your skin. This facial lasts anywhere from 30 to 75 minutes and after your esthetician cleanses and exfoliates your skin, they use a special device to deliver a high-pressurized stream of oxygen onto the skin. Your provider will then apply serums like hyaluronic acid to the skin to keep it plump and moisturized.¹⁵

On average, an oxygen facial costs between $75 and $150, though it can cost as much as $500 in some spas.¹⁵

LED Light Facial

An LED light facial involves the use of LED light to different wavelengths of light for short periods of time. The most common are red and blue lights, though yellow and green may also be used. This light can stimulate skin healing and tissue growth, as well as reduce inflammation and kill bacteria.¹⁶

This facial can be used in conjunction with other techniques like microneedling and chemical peels for better results. Typically, you'll need a series of LED light facial treatments, which can each cost $25 or more, with an average total cost of about $250, depending on how many treatments are needed.¹⁶

Microneedling

Microneedling involves the use of a special device like a Dermapen® to create micro-injuries to the skin of the face. The micro-injuries are caused by very small needles that create pinprick channels beneath the skin's surface. These channels encourage collagen production and provide for better absorption of the various serums and moisturizers that your esthetician will apply after the treatment. It can help with acne scarring, fine lines and skin firmness.¹⁷

The cost of a microneedling facial can range from $100 all the way up to $800, but averages around $650.¹⁷

Acupuncture Facial

This type of facial uses techniques from traditional Chinese medicine. During an acupuncture facial, small needles are placed directly into the skin of the face to help increase circulation, smoothness, and help with puffiness. Similar to microneedling, the procedure also causes micro injuries to the skin to increase collagen production and improve the firmness of the skin.¹⁸

This procedure may require several treatments before you achieve noticeable results. These treatments average around $700 in cost, with a single treatment costing between $25 and $150.¹⁸

Vampire (PRP) Facial

The vampire facial doesn't actually involve vampires but does involve the extraction of your own blood by your dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Your blood is then run through a centrifuge to separate out the plasma from the white and red blood cells. This plasma is then run through the centrifuge again to separate out the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from the platelet-poor plasma.¹⁹

After microneedling the face, your provider will then apply the PRP to your skin, which may promote cellular turnover and new collagen production. Because this procedure is more complex than a normal facial or microneedling session, it costs anywhere from $250 to $1,500, but averages around $825.¹⁹

Chemical Peel

A chemical peel is a type of facial in which the esthetician will cleanse your face and then apply different types of acids to your skin to exfoliate it. Typically, the average chemical peel facial will range in price from $100 to $300 and provide light exfoliation to your skin.¹⁰

For medium-depth chemical peels, expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $1,500. Deep chemical peels are the most expensive type of facial and prices can range from $1,000 to $6,000. Note that deep chemical peels may require sedation to perform, which accounts for the high price tag.¹⁰

Dermaplaning

Although not technically a medical procedure, dermaplaning involves the use of a scalpel or other sharp blade to remove the dead skin cells, dirt and hair from the skin of the face. The provider holds the blade at a 45-degree angle against the skin to exfoliate it and allow it to properly absorb the moisturizers and serums they apply.²⁰

The average cost of dermaplaning ranges between $100 and $250. Note that sometimes dermaplaning is combined with a chemical peel or other type of facial, which may increase the price.²⁰

How Much Do I Tip for a Spa Facial?

In general, for any spa services, you should tip your aesthetician or esthetician anywhere from 18% to 20% of the total cost. Of course, if you love your facial, feel free to tip more.²¹

What Do I Talk About During My Facial?

During your facial, you'll likely make small talk with your aesthetician but feel free to ask their opinion about the condition of your skin and ways you can improve it. Your aesthetician can recommend products that may work best for your skin and can advise you about how often and what type of facials you might want to consider.

How Often Do I Need a Facial?

How often you go in for a professional spa facial depends on the type of facial you choose. Your provider can recommend how often you need a facial based on your skin type and the condition of your skin. Generally, if you've gotten a facial that involved heavy exfoliation, you should wait at least two to four weeks before returning for another facial to let your skin recover.²²

What Should I Ask My Esthetician Before a Facial?

Before your facial, it's important for you to understand what your esthetician will be doing, what products will work best for your skin type and any aftercare you'll need. Some questions to ask include:

• What do you recommend for acne marks?
• What should I avoid after my facial treatment?
• What products are used in this type of facial?
• Are there any potential allergens in the products you will use?
• What do you recommend for fine lines or age spots?
• Do I need to wear sunscreen after my facial?⁴
• Can I apply makeup right after my facial?
• Should I combine more than one type of facial on the same day?
• How long will this facial take?
• What is the total price for my facial and any add-on services?

Does Health Insurance Cover Spa Facials?

Elective, cosmetic or spa treatments like facials or facial fillers are not typically covered by health insurance plans. Your insurance may cover a visit to your dermatologist to treat conditions such as acne, psoriasis, skin allergies or a rash. However, if the doctor recommends a treatment such as a facial, including microdermabrasion or a chemical peel, it typically won't be covered by your insurance.²³

How Much Does a Facial Cost Without Insurance?

A facial will typically cost between $80 and $250, depending on the type of facial and the add-ons for the facial.⁶ With a 20% tip, that averages around $96 to $300.

How Can I Pay for Spa Facials?

If you are looking to pay for a spa facial, there are several payment options that you can consider:

• You can pay for your service with cash or a debit card if you have the funds readily available at time of delivery.
• Your provider will likely accept a general-purpose credit card, allowing you to pay over time.
• Many providers accept the CareCredit credit card, which may be a way for you to get the spa services you want immediately and pay over time* with convenient monthly payments that can fit your budget.

CareCredit Financing for Spa Facials

When getting spa facials or another cosmetic procedure, the CareCredit credit card can help you pay for costs not covered by insurance.* Apply today and 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 hub for more great articles, podcasts, and videos.

Author Bio

Susan Paretts is a freelance writer with 18 years of experience covering health and wellness, pet care, and more. Her work has been published by the American Kennel Club, Bayer Animal Health, Elanco, LIVESTRONG.com, The San Francisco Chronicle, Chewy and more.