You Put What on Your Face? At-Home Chemical Peels & Other DIY Treatments Best Left to Professionals

Posted on May 11, 2015 | by Boston Plastic Surgery

Magazines and beauty blogs are quick to tout the newest skincare craze, but should you slather your skin with the latest fad? Whether you’re tempted by DIY chemical peels or at-home fruit facials, it’s important to know how your skin will react to these foreign substances before you put them on your face.

While some homemade beauty treatments are harmless and sometimes even beneficial, there are others that should be avoided at all costs.

Just Say No to At-Home Chemical Peels

Chemical skin peels involve applying acid directly to your skin. In the hands of a licensed aesthetician or dermatologist, this can be an effective way to encourage a youthful glow. In the wrong hands, acids can ravage your face.

Applying chemical peels at home can be very risky and may result in scarring, burning, and pain. We did mention it involves applying ACID to your skin, right? Experience and an expert-touch are of the utmost important when it comes to ensuring your safety.

Additionally, most at-home chemical peels are only a fraction as effective as a professional chemical peel, making them both dangerous and, likely, a waste of time and effort.

Skip DIY Fruit Facials

It’s easy to get swept up in facial recipes on Pinterest or beauty blogs, and you may be asking yourself just how much damage a papaya and citrus facial could really do. While many ingredients in at-home facials are harmless, some may have skin-damaging side effects.

Many vegetables and fruits, such as pineapples and lemons, contain acids that can burn your skin and cause unexpected harm even after the treatment is over. You might not even realize you’re doing damage until it’s too late! Stick with medical-grade, professionally performed therapeutic facials for safe, beautiful results.

Use Caution with Homemade Scrubs

Exfoliation is a great way to keep your skin soft and healthy, but don’t put just anything on your face. Even something as simple as sugar can be too harsh for sensitive skin and may cause irritation and redness if you aren’t extremely careful.

Definitely skip DIY scrubs that use kitty litter or other abrasive ingredients that are not intended to be used on skin. Not only are they far too coarse, they may also contain dangerous chemicals or perfumes that could cause long-term damage.

Don’t Waste Money on At-Home Lasers

Professional laser treatments can dramatically reduce signs of aging and make your skin tighter and smoother. However, expensive at-home laser devices can have disastrous effects on your skin, often leading to burning, redness, and even scarring.

Aside from coming with health risks, at-home laser products are also significantly less effective than professional laser treatments. The laser technology at your doctor’s office is truly in a different league than at-home laser devices! These high-tech lasers provide excellent anti-aging results when the right laser is matched to your needs, and the treatment is administered by an experienced, highly-trained professional.

Leave it to the Pros

Fads come and go, but there are some tried and true ways to keep your skin looking fresh and vibrant. The Boston Plastic Surgery Skin Wellness Center offers several skincare and anti-aging treatments that have been proven to be safe and effective. All of our laser and skin treatments are performed by a medical aesthetician who has the experience and training to help you look your best.

If you’re curious about how professional skincare treatments can help your skin look more youthful and radiant, schedule a personalized consultation with one of our highly-trained skin experts. We can evaluate your skin and help you design a treatment plan that can safely deliver the improvements you’re seeking.