Can I recreate cosmetic treatments at home?

The internet and social media are full of DIY beauty hacks, but can you really perform cosmetic treatments on yourself and expect the same results as a trained professional? At our Little Rock med spa, we are all for at-home skincare, however, some treatments are best left to the experts. Here’s what you need to know before trying to recreate professional cosmetic treatments at home.

The Risks of DIY “At Home” Cosmetic Treatments

Many professional cosmetic procedures rely on advanced technology, thoroughly tested devices, and medical-grade products—most of which cannot be sold to the general public because usage should only be overseen by a trained professional to achieve safe and effective results. When attempted at home (typically with lesser-quality devices and products), treatment results can be underwhelming—or worse, can potentially cause damage to your skin and health. Here’s why:

• Injectables require precision – Botox® and fillers are designed to be administered by trained professionals who understand facial anatomy (FDA-approved injectables are exclusively sold to medical providers). Misplacement can lead to uneven results, drooping, or even severe complications like vascular occlusion—when a blood vessel becomes blocked and prevents blood flow.
• Lasers aren’t one-size-fits-all – At-home laser devices may claim to offer hair removal or skin resurfacing, but they lack the power and precision of professional-grade lasers. Improper use can result in burns, scarring, or ineffective results.
• Chemical peels can go wrong fast – Medical-grade chemical peels are carefully formulated and applied based on your skin type and concerns. Using high-strength acids at home without proper guidance or technique can cause burns, hyperpigmentation, and prolonged irritation.
• Dermaplaning uses a medical-grade scalpel – While it’s very popular right now to purchase small disposable razors to perform at-home dermaplaning treatments, the tool used by an aesthetician is actually a scalpel, and will be much more effective than the cheap handheld razors you get at the drugstore or online.
• Microneedling at home isn’t the same – Professional microneedling uses precise needle depths for different treatment areas to safely stimulate collagen. DIY dermarollers often cause micro-tears that can lead to infection and scarring or permanent hair loss if you’re using it on your scalp.

What You Can Do at Home

There are many ways you can safely and effectively maintain and enhance your skin at home:

• Medical-grade skincare – Aesthetician-approved products with active ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid will support your skin’s health between treatments and help you age more confidently.
• Sun protection – The best anti-aging treatment is prevention. A high-SPF sunscreen protects your results and prevents premature aging caused by the sun (as long as you remember to wear it daily!)
• Hydration and nutrition – Drinking water and maintaining a nutrient-rich diet play a crucial role in skin health.
• Gentle exfoliation – Mild exfoliation with enzyme-based products or low-strength AHAs can help maintain smooth, radiant skin without the risks associated with aggressive at-home treatments. We can help you find the best exfoliant for your skin and explain how to work it into your current skincare regimen for maximum benefit. 
• Waxing & tinting – Many women have mastered the art of performing their own body waxing and brow/lash tinting at home. (But we do offer professional waxing & tinting services if you’d rather leave it to us!)

“Let me start by saying I’ve been getting chemical peels from Crystal on and off for approximately 2-3 years now, and she always makes me feel very comfortable and does a phenomenal job; she’s very attentive and listens to what I want her to do she’s the best! Keep up the fantastic work Crystal!”

—5-star Google review

Why Professional Treatments Matter

Getting a treatment by a cosmetic professional means you’re receiving expert care tailored to your skin’s unique needs. At our Little Rock medspa, our trained providers use advanced technology and medical expertise to achieve visible improvement in your skin’s health and appearance, and provide beautifully natural enhancements to your look. Professional care makes all the difference when you’re looking for smoother skin, a youthful glow, and long-lasting results.

Looking to glow on the go? Here are our top “lunchtime” treatments that will have you in and out in no time »

Schedule a consultation with our expert team at our award-winning Exhale Med Spa in Little Rock to learn more about treatments that work and get personalized recommendations for your skincare journey. Call (501) 227-0707 or fill out our contact form to book your appointment today!