Chasing clear skin costs me mentally, emotionally, and financially. When my acne was at its worst, I said no to skin care deals for months. Her routine also includes acupuncture to reduce stress, a major trigger for her acne ($95 a session), and over-the-counter skin care products. Seeking Clarity, Not Just For My SkinThe cost of clear skin is not just financial. “I think what weighs on me more [than the financial aspect] is the emotional and mental impact of not having clear skin,” Leshner says.