We understand: There are bills to handle, and spending on beauty, especially in-office treatments, doesn't always fit within the budget. Even if you have a bit more to invest in your skin, it can be challenging to determine which affordable, professional procedures are truly worth your hard-earned money. Since effective skincare can be elusive, we investigated the available options to identify the top in-office choices that will offer you outstanding results without emptying your wallet. Take a look at our top selections below.
Facial
Average cost: $150
Regarded as both relaxing and effective, facials are an excellent way to allocate your funds if you desire an immediate improvement in your skin. Generally, facials clean, exfoliate, and hydrate the skin to enhance its appearance. However, not all facials are identical. Some may include additional treatments such as LED light therapy, microdermabrasion, or a chemical peel to address conditions like dry skin, aging skin, or acne. Depending on the products utilized and the supplementary treatments, the recovery time will vary. But typically, the skin might be slightly red after a facial (especially if extractions are carried out), but this usually subsides within a few hours. The results are temporary and may last for only a few days, but with an average cost of $150, facials are an effortless (and relatively economical) way to treat yourself to better skin.
Related: 4 Things That Should Happen During Your Facial—and 4 That Shouldn’t
Dermaplaning
Average cost: $100
For skin that feels as soft as a baby's, consider dermaplaning. This treatment, which has an average cost of $100, employs a surgical scalpel to remove dead skin cells and fine hair from the face, creating a smoother texture. There's no recovery period after the treatment. In fact, the skin appears luminous and brighter afterward. It's suitable for all skin types except for those with active acne outbreaks or rosacea (the exfoliation can trigger inflammation and worsen these conditions).
Since dead skin cells are sloughed off, it's believed that this treatment could enhance the absorption of skincare products. And as an added advantage, makeup application tends to be more seamless due to the smoother surface, which serves as the ideal base for foundation. Unfortunately, this newly acquired smooth texture lasts only around three to four weeks, and it requires up to six treatments to achieve more lasting results.
Chemical peel
Average cost: $125
As a treatment with more pronounced and visible effects compared to others on this list, a chemical peel might be the most beneficial when it comes to getting the most value for your money. While some peels can cost more than $250, there are milder variations that fall below that amount. Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and Jessner peels are among the less costly options available. Each peel targets different skin concerns and reaches different layers within the skin, so it's crucial to discuss the various choices with your provider before the treatment to ensure that your skincare needs are addressed.
Here's how they operate: The chemical solution in skin peels eliminates both the surface and deeper layers of the skin where damage, such as hyperpigmentation, is present. This leads to a smoother, brighter, and more evenly toned complexion, with an average cost of only $125. However, it's important to note that the recovery time varies depending on the type of peel. The skin is likely to be red, similar to a sunburn, for a few hours after the treatment, and then it will start to flake off over the next few days. Since the depth of the peel determines the amount of recovery time you'll need, it's essential to discuss the options with your doctor to determine which peel will be most beneficial for you.
Related: 3 Pro-Strength Chemical Peels for Every Hyperpigmentation Problem
HydraFacial
Average cost: $175
A treatment regarded as generally safe for all skin types and textures, HydraFacial is a suitable option for anyone seeking to enhance their skin without having to spend an entire month's rent on a single procedure. The resurfacing device cleans the skin and clears out pores through suction (similar to that of a vacuum), eliminating dead skin cells, sebum, and debris while also infusing the skin with components like hyaluronic acid and complexion-enhancing peptides.
The entire process takes approximately 30 minutes and has an average cost of $175. Additionally, there's typically no recovery period associated with a HydraFacial, allowing you to resume your normal daily activities immediately after the treatment. The results last for only 7 to 10 days, so for long-term skin health, it's recommended as a monthly treatment.
Microdermabrasion
Average cost: $175
Another exfoliation treatment, microdermabrasion removes dead skin cells and debris to expose a fresh layer of skin beneath. There are two options for microdermabrasion: crystal-based or diamond-based. Crystal microdermabrasion uses a gentle spray of ultrafine crystals on the skin to buff away debris, which is then suctioned into a device through a vacuum-like effect. Diamond microdermabrasion doesn't emit anything; instead, it employs a diamond-encrusted tip to resurface the skin and suck up debris.
After the treatment, the skin is usually somewhat pink and occasionally dry; however, this typically fades within a day. The procedure results in smoother and brighter skin that lasts for approximately two to four weeks (since it treats only the more superficial layers of the skin), and it costs around $175.
DiamondGlow
Average cost: $175
All it requires is 30 minutes and approximately $175 to enjoy the benefits of this treatment. DiamondGlow removes dirt and oil from the skin while pushing a serum composed of active ingredients deep into your freshly cleansed pores, all in a single step. Similar to microdermabrasion, DiamondGlow uses a diamond-encrusted tip for exfoliation while vacuum suction clears away debris. There are also four serum options to choose from—Vitamin C, Pore Clarifying, Ultra Hydrating, and Skin Brightening—allowing the treatment to be customized to your specific requirements.
The skin appears radiant and clear immediately after a single session of DiamondGlow, making it an excellent treatment to undergo in the days leading up to an event or special occasion. However, it's common to need four to six treatments to achieve the best results.
LED light therapy
Average cost: $250
Rarely conducted as a standalone treatment, LED light therapy, which has an average cost of $250, is often combined with a facial or other procedure to improve the skin. It utilizes wavelengths of visible light to address various issues, ranging from acne to wrinkles.
The most common colors used for LED light are red, blue, and near-infrared, each targeting a different skin concern. Red light is anti-inflammatory and boosts collagen production; blue light treats acne; near-infrared light focuses on fine lines and wrinkles. The treatment is painless, but the results are subtle (it requires multiple sessions to be noticeable), so it's advisable to plan to pair LED light therapy with another skin treatment for enhanced and more remarkable results.
