How to Use Your FSA for Skincare

Posted on: November 28th, 2023 by Our Team

A flexible spending account, or FSA, is a special account that users can put funds into to use toward certain healthcare services or products. These funds are not taxed, and are a great way to save on expenses you’re already paying for, such as visits to the doctor’s office, prescription medications, and much more.

But, did you know you can also use your FSA dollars for treatments and skincare products at California Skin Institute? Many recommended treatments for medical conditions are eligible to be paid for with FSA funds, and you can also use your FSA for several of our products (look for the “FSA-eligible” icon in our online shop!). Note: FSA accounts can differ. Always verify with your insurance company which purchases can be covered.

Be sure to check the balance of your FSA. As the end of the year draws near, and with it, the use-it-or-lose-it deadline for your FSA, now is the time to take a personal inventory of any skin issues that your FSA funds can be used for. Of course, some skin treatments are definitely considered cosmetic and not eligible to be paid by your FSA. It’s important to know the difference. We’ve made it easier for you with a few specific suggestions.

Acne Treatment

Are you dabbing on concealer or hiding behind your COVID mask due to breakouts and blemishes? It could be acne. Acne affects 80% of Americans at some time during their lives. 20% have severe acne, which can result in permanent scars and mental health issues. And yes, it is considered a medical condition and can be FSA-eligible.

Not only can your visit to a board-certified dermatologist be considered FSA-eligible, but prescribed follow-up treatments (including acne extractions), oral and topical prescribed medications and even over-the-counter acne care products, such as acne cleansers and toners that your dermatologist recommends, may also be covered.

Skin Cancer Screening and Mole Removal

Skin cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer in the U.S., so at the first sign of irregular skin growths, you should consult a board-certified dermatologist. All cancer screenings are eligible for FSA reimbursement, and skin cancer is no exception. If you have a family history of skin cancer, suffered severe sunburns as a kid or spend lots of time outdoors, you should probably see a dermatologist at least once a year for skin cancer screening.

Unusual moles, sores, lumps, blemishes, markings, or changes in the way an area of the skin looks or feels may be a sign of melanoma or another type of skin cancer, or a sign that it might occur. Any suspicious-looking mole or growth will be removed by your California Skin Institute dermatologist and sent to one of our labs to be biopsied.

It’s important to know if a skin growth might actually be unhealthy. And your FSA can help towards treatment at your dermatologist’s office.

Dry Skin Treatment

Do you have patches of dry skin? That can be bothersome, especially if they itch. Dry skin could also be a symptom of a medical condition. Dermatological conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and rosacea often require prescription-strength creams and gels. These medications can be costly and are sometimes not completely covered by insurance. Your FSA funds may be able to help.

California Skin Institute’s state-of-the-art dermatology offices also offer specialized new lasers that can treat some stubborn skin conditions to manage symptoms without the need for additional topical creams and oral medications.

SPF Products

No more excuses for not wearing sunscreen. All products containing SPF are eligible to be paid for using your FSA! This includes not only sunscreen, but also lip balms, tinted products, and other cosmetic products with SPF.

Visit our online shop to see which products are covered by your FSA.

Conclusion

There are many ways to spend your FSA funds on skincare products or treatments before the December 31 deadline, so request an appointment today with your California Skin Institute practitioner, and avoid losing those hard-earned healthcare dollars.

And be sure to check with your FSA account to make sure any item you submit is covered!