True Story: I Have Cystic Acne

cystic acne cost graph

Cost roundup (and other tips)

I’ll admit, if I didn’t have a beauty editor as a friend, this wouldn’t have been cheap. Below is a breakdown:

Facial: $50 to $80

If you can’t afford regular facials, give yourself a DIY facial at home with these tips. And think about investing in a Clarisonic Mia Skin Care Cleansing System, $103 — it works well on smaller pimples, blackheads and minimizing pores.

Peel: $50 to $300

If you have oily skin or severe acne, Shamban recommends getting several peels before your first laser treatment. For a cheaper option, try using an at-home chemical peel kit like IQ Natural Complete Glycolic Acid Chemical Facial Peel Kit, $25, or a sulfur mask like DDF Sulfur Therapeutic Mask, $38.

Laser: $500 to $3,000

For most acne patients, Shamban recommends at least three laser treatments, every two to three weeks.

Photodyamic Therapy: $800 to $3,000

For the best results, Dr. Shamban recommends that acne patients get two to four treatments, three weeks apart.

Finally, watch the amazing Shamban answer your skin questions in this exclusive video.