Let’s face it: So many skin-care treatments are available for anyone to indulge in – from hydrafacials and dermaplaning to microneedling. It can be tricky to determine which one will give you the smooth and glowy skin you’ve been dreaming of, especially when treatment costs can vary. But there’s one service that provides incomparable results at a reasonable price: facial peels.
Sure, the word “peel” can sound scary – but its primary purpose is to improve the skin’s appearance, resurfacing the dermis to reflect optimal light. As the name indicates, peels typically involve some controlled peeling of the skin to encourage regeneration. Depending on your skin’s needs and any additional treatments you may want to cocktail with your facial peel, its cost can vary from affordable to over a thousand dollars.
If you’re contemplating booking a facial peel but not sure how much it’ll cost you, experts break down the full cost of facial peels below – from a standard peel to a souped-up service.
Experts Featured In This Article
Kristina Collins, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist and surgeon and a cofounder of Austin Skin Physicians in Austin, TX.
Simone Steele, PA-C, is a surgical physician’s assistant and injector at Houston Medspa in TX.
Lucia Miranda, LE, CCMA, is a licensed aesthetician and certified medical assistant at The Skin + Laser Lab at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue in New York City.
What Is a Facial Peel?
A facial peel, also known as a chemical peel, is like hitting the refresh button for your skin. It’s a skin-resurfacing treatment that uses a chemical solution to remove the outermost layers of the skin. “The goal is to improve the skin’s texture, tone, and appearance by reducing fine lines, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage,” board-certified dermatologist Kristina Collins, M.D., tells PS.
Think of it as giving your face a fresh start by sloughing off dead skin cells to reveal the smoother, brighter, and more even skin underneath. “There are different types of peels, but chemical peels are the rock stars of the bunch – using a blend of acids to gently exfoliate and trigger new skin growth,” says physician’s assistant and injector Simone Steele, PA-C.
How Much Is a Facial Peel?
The cost of a facial peel can vary widely, ranging from around $150 to over $3,000, depending on the purveyor plus the depth and complexity of the treatment. On average, lunchtime (non-invasive) peels start at $250 and can reach $650, according to Miranda. Dr. Collins says the following can influence the price:
- Type of Peel: Light peels, like glycolic or lactic acid, are generally more affordable. Medium-depth peels harnessing trichloroacetic acid and deep peels with phenol are more expensive due to their intensity and longer recovery times.
- Provider’s Expertise: A peel performed by a board-certified dermatologist or in a high-end medical spa may be more costly than treatments performed by a less experienced technician.
- Quality of Ingredients: Premium, medical-grade ingredients often have a higher price tag due to their purity and effectiveness.
- Location: Costs can also vary depending on the clinic’s location, with urban areas generally charging higher prices.
What Does the Facial Peel Process Entail?
The chemical peel process should begin with a consultation to determine the best type for your skin – ranging from light peels with no downtime to deeper peels that spur days of shedding. Your dermatologist or aesthetician will then apply the peel, which can feel slightly tingly. Minor tingling shouldn’t be cause for concern, as it signifies it’s working.
“Depending on the peel you’re getting, the whole process usually takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour,” Steele says. “If you’re getting a deeper peel, you might spend a little extra time in the office chatting about aftercare and post-treatment tips.”
A few days after receiving the treatment, your skin may peel or flake for several days. “Light peels typically need minimal downtime, while medium-to-deep peels may take a week or longer to fully recover,” Dr. Collins says.
What Are the Different Types of Facial Peels?
You can choose from a variety of peels, and how much you pay for the treatment depends on the type of peel you get. “Lighter peels like glycolic acid ones tend to be more affordable, while deeper treatments such as TCA peels usually come with a heftier price tag,” Steele says. This is because deeper peels may take longer to apply, require more skill, and may involve a little extra recovery time. “It’s an investment in your skin, but the results are so worth it.”
To supercharge results, your provider can also cocktail ingredients. “Combining ingredients or choosing multi-acid peels enhances results for specific concerns to treat different skin types,” says Miranda. “Sensitive skin will tolerate lactic or mandelic acid.” On the other hand, oily and acne-prone skin types typically benefit most from salicylic acid. Miranda says those looking to treat hyperpigmentation should opt for TCA or retinoic acid. See a breakdown of the ingredients behind the most common chemical peels below.
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Lactic acid is considered hydrating and gentle on sensitive skin; mandelic acid is mild and great for acne-prone skin; glycolic acid penetrates deep into the skin and boosts collagen.
- Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs): Salicylic acid penetrates pores, ideal for oily/acne-prone skin.
- Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA): Treats pigmentation, wrinkles, and sun damage.
- Retinoic Acid: Stimulates cell turnover and targets pigmentation.
- Phenol: Deepest peel for severe wrinkles and damage.
Facial Peel Add-Ons
If you’re already making time for an appointment, an add-on can maximize your investment. Post-peel treatments include hydrating masks, laser skin resurfacing, or even microneedling. “These add-ons help your skin heal, hydrate, and enhance the peel’s effects,” Steele says. “A hydrating mask can calm your skin and lock in moisture, especially after a deep exfoliation, while LED light therapy is great for reducing redness, speeding up recovery, and calming any irritation.”
Here’s an overview of additional treatments commonly coupled with peels.
- Microdermabrasion: A mechanical exfoliation done before the peel to prep the skin and enhance penetration.
- LED Light Treatment: A post-peel treatment to calm the skin, reduce redness, and promote healing.
- Hydrating Serums or Masks: To replenish moisture and soothe skin after the peel.
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma): Applied after a peel to accelerate healing and boost collagen production.
- Extractions: Manual removal of blackheads or clogged pores before the peel, particularly for those with acne-prone skin.
These additional treatments can cost an extra $50 to $300, depending on the service.
Should You Tip For a Facial Peel?
Tipping is a great way to show appreciation for the service you just received, but it can vary based on location and setting. It’s important to note that doctors, such as dermatologists, generally don’t accept tips.
The same can go for some medspas, but not all. “In our industry, the standard is usually around 15 percent of the treatment cost,” Steele says. So if you’re getting a peel from an aesthetician that costs $300, consider tipping about $45. That said, you should check the spa’s policy to confirm if gratuity is included in the total or allowed.
Sydney Wingfield has been a freelance writer in the beauty and wellness space for six years. She has written for Women’s Health, Marie Claire, Glamour, and other publications and loves to cover all things skin care, makeup, and hair.
