As all skincare junkies know, a stellar routine can get pricey. When we see yet another trending facial, the first thing budget-conscious beauties do is see how they can do a DIY version at a fraction of the cost. While there is a tonne of facials you can do from the comfort of your own home, there are some that need to be done by an expert to avoid any dangerous mishaps.
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LED Face Masks
LED facials are arguably the hottest skincare trend around right now, touting benefits of treating acne, fine lines, scarring and rosacea. The thing with this kind of treatment is you need several sessions to see a result, making it a big cost – in terms of both time and money. The convenience of being able to do an LED session at home with a budget buy is hugely tempting but beware that some brands have recalled their LED masks as there’s a risk they can damage your eyes. Repeated use of these masks may cause irreversible damage to your retinas as well as possibly accelerating the loss of your peripheral vision.
While some DIY LED masks are still available (with no evidence of eye damage), the good ones are just as exxy as a professional treatment so you’re best off booking in to see an expert anyway.
Trying to tackle acne on your own can be super tricky, so those whose main concern is in this arena, you’ll save yourself time and frustration if you book in to see a dermatologist. They will be able to assess your skin needs and give you a plan tailored to your skin type and goals.
bh loves: Bioré Charcoal Acne Clearing Cleanser, Natio Acne Clear Starter Pack, Botani Rescue acne cream, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Anti-Acne 3 Step System, Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Acne Control Kit
High-Strength Chemical Peels
The temptation to try and cut costs by trying that cheap at-home chemical peel you’ve found online is huge, but the risk is huge too. Chemical peels work by removing the top layer of your skin, in order to reveal fresh and glowing skin underneath. When done by a pro the results can be incredible, but an amateur attempt at home can result in a serious burning sensation and even permanent damage to your skin. According to The Australian Society of Cosmetic Chemists, AHAs with a concentration of 10 per cent or lower is safe for home use, while professionals can use products up to 30 per cent. Reputable retailers will stick to these guidelines, but you have to be careful when shopping online that you’re not accidentally buying the formula intended for professional use only.
There are plenty of great chemical exfoliants that are totally safe to use at home, so just stick to those and invest money into getting anything stronger done by a trained professional.
bh loves: Natio Apricot & Orange 10 Minute Brightening Mask, Paula’s Choice Resist Skin Revealing Body Lotion with 10% AHA, Nu Skin® 180°® AHA Facial Peel and AHA Facial Peel Neutralizer, Nutrimetics Ultra Care+ AHA-Complex Peel Creme
Microneedling
Microneedling, also known as skin needling or derma-rolling, is a technique used to both stimulate collagen production and help your skincare products to absorb properly. When done correctly, the benefits are massive with a reduction of acne scars, pigmentation and fine lines. While there are some derma rollers you can buy that are safe to use at home, the at-home ones aren’t nearly as effective and will only give you a light exfoliation.
If you looked hard enough online you’d be able to find the microneedle devices used by professionals, but don’t be seduced into trying; you can cause permanent damage. When you have a consultation with someone who knows what they’re doing, they’ll be able to take all factors into consideration before they start your treatment. If you try and DIY you could be left with scarring and other complications such as Necrotising fascitis – a bacterial infection that damages your skin tissue (sometimes known as the “flesh-eating disease” – cute!).
If you’re keen to try micro-needling this is definitely one to leave to the experts, but there are plenty of exfoliators you can try at home that will help safely resurface the texture of your skin.
bh loves: Nimue Exfoliating Enzyme, Trilogy Gentle Facial Exfoliant, Ella Baché Refining Exfoliating Gel, Glow Lab Brightening Exfoliator, CLINIQUE Exfoliating Scrub
What’s your favourite kind of facial to do at home?
I have had LED treatments professionally and would much rather leave it to them. I saw great results but I had been tempted to save some money and purchase my own to use at home. I have since seen LED masks (i.e Neutrogena) available on the market but I don’t trust that they have the same effect and see them as rather a gimmick, so its nice to be assured I was right in not purchasing one. I personally love to go between a gentle physical scrub and a chemical peel (Drops of Youth by The Body Shop). I would rather leave these more complex tasks to the professionals.
No I have not used any of these treatments at home. I would prefer going to a person who knows exactly what they are doing.
i do all these myself. i have so many devices – i dont agree with this article- theres so many great ones now – you just have to do research and follow ingredients.
All these sound too difficult to DIY anyway
I loved reading this too! It updated me even though it was written a while ago I still learnt things.
There are non-roller microneedling tools where you use a new ‘head’ every time you use it. This makes it sterile and hygienic.
The LED mask is super easy but after reading that I think I’ll invest in some protective eye goggles!
I’d love to do a chemical peel at home but after reading that I’ll know to stick to the 10% or less factor!!
I loved reading this as well! : )
I had a dermaroller and I did like it but I went on to buy the dermapen because of the deeper needles!!
I wonder if it depends on what colour is used?
I had one of those once – I’d bought it for my daughter mainly but then there was a recall on it and I got money back. I didn’t really want to send it back because we liked it! I did end up sending it back and I suppose that was the right thing to do. I’m not sure why they were asked to be sent back.
I used to have a handheld LED thingy years ago but it conked out. It wasn’t cheap either!
I wouldn’t bother going to a salon either – I’d just do these in the comfort of my own home with no appointment needed.
I won’t risk it, eyes are precious. Good idea for you to use an eye googles next time though.
Yeh I think I may even have some around here somewhere from the laser hair removal gizmo that I have. I’ll def wear goggles next time I use the LED mask.
Me too, always learning something new.