Acne is the most common skin problem faced by many and can range from mild blemishes or pimples to severe cystic acne.

Depending on your type of acne, there are several treatments available that have been proven effective in managing it.

Many times people become overwhelmed with the variety of options for treating their acne and find themselves unsure about which approach will be best for them, particularly when cost becomes a factor.

Here we’ll discuss some common treatments and provide an overview of their associated costs so you can make a better-informed decision regarding your own treatment plan.

Acne/Pimples Treatments:

1. Topical Treatments:

These are over-the-counter creams or gels that can help reduce the appearance of acne, as well as prevent future breakouts.

Popular topical treatments include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids. Cost for these products ranges from Rs.100 – 500 depending on the brand and strength of active ingredients.

2. Prescription Medications:

Oral antibiotics such as tetracycline or topical medications like retinoids may be prescribed to treat more severe cases of acne; they kill bacteria in the pores and reduce inflammation.

The cost of prescription medications can range anywhere from free with certain generic brand medications to Rs. 400- 1000 for brand name prescriptions.

3. Chemical Peels:

Chemical peels are another option for treating more severe cases of acne and can help reduce the appearance of scars caused by acne.

This procedure involves applying a chemical solution to the skin that causes it to peel off, revealing new, healthy skin underneath. 

There are three types of chemical peels: light, medium, and deep. Light chemical peels involve the use of mild acids that exfoliate the skin’s surface, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as improving overall skin texture and tone. 

Medium and deep chemical peels involve the use of stronger acids that penetrate deeper into the dermis, removing dead cells and reducing acne scarring.

Chemical peels can provide long-lasting results with minimal downtime required.

Chemical peels used in acne treatment 

Chemical peels used in acne treatment include glycolic acid, salicylic acid, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and Jessner’s solution. 

Glycolic acid is the most popular choice for light chemical peels, as it works to exfoliate the skin and improve overall texture and tone. 

Salicylic acid is a popular choice for medium-depth peels due to its antimicrobial properties and ability to help reduce pore size. 

TCA can be used in both light and medium-depth peels to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as acne scars.

Finally, Jessner’s solution is a combination of three acids (salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol) that helps to break down dead skin cells and increase cell turnover.

The cost for a chemical peel treatment typically ranges from Rs. 1500 – 4500 depending on the complexity and area being treated.

4. Extraction/Exfoliation:

Exfoliation is an important part of acne treatment as it helps to remove the excess sebum from the pores that can lead to comedone formation.

In some cases, a dermatologist will recommend extraction or exfoliation to remove blackheads or whiteheads. Exfoliation can be done using either chemical or physical methods. 

Chemical exfoliants involve the use of mild acids, such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid, that help to loosen and lift away dead skin cells and unclog the pores. 

Physical exfoliation involves the use of gentle scrubs or brushes to physically buff away dead skin cells and dirt. Regular exfoliation can help prevent comedones from forming and also helps to reduce existing acne lesions.

This procedure is usually performed in an office setting and requires additional time and effort so it tends to be more expensive than other treatments; expect costs to range from Rs. 1000- 1500 depending on the number of extractions.

In some cases, we provide it at free of cost to our patients.

5. Laser and Light Therapy:

For more severe cases of acne, laser and light therapy may be recommended to reduce the size of pores, kill bacteria in the pores, or reduce the appearance of scars caused by acne.

The average cost for this type of treatment can range from Rs. 2500 per session depending on the length and complexity.

Laser therapies used in acne treatment should be  done in a qualified dermatology clinic.

It’s important to note that while laser treatments can provide effective results, they are not risk-free and require multiple sessions for lasting results.

Ultimately, the cost associated with treating acne will depend on a variety of factors such as the type and severity of your condition, whether you are using over-the-counter or prescription medicines/treatments, and how many sessions you may need.

If you find that cost is a barrier to obtaining proper treatment, talk to your dermatologist about possible payment plans or budget friendly options they may be able to provide.

With any type of acne treatment, it’s important to speak with a dermatologist about the best options for your individual needs.

A qualified skin expert can help provide guidance on which treatments are most suitable and cost-effective for you.

No matter what type of acne treatment you choose, it’s important to remember that consistency and patience will yield the best results.

Acne treatment can take time, but with the right approach you can expect to see positive changes in your skin over time. Good luck!