DIY vs. Professional Skincare - What’s the Difference?
We need to take skincare seriously. Remember that the first thing a person notices in us is our face! However, all the challenges that we encounter in our personal or professional lives cause us to neglect taking care of ourselves. Our busy lifestyle may take a toll on our skin, especially if we forget to do our skincare routines religiously.
The ongoing pandemic also added a reason for us to push aside taking care of our skin. Going to professional skin care clinics became hard, and many people needed to save money as the budget became tight. A lot are suddenly interested in exploring more affordable options for skincare. But the question is, what is the difference between DIY vs. professional skincare? And between the two, which is better?
First things first
Before choosing which style is more suited for you, make sure that you have identified your skin type and skin concerns. Get to learn the different skin types and their characteristics:
Normal skin- characterized as balanced as it is not dry nor oily. There are no or few imperfections and barely any visible pores.
Dry skin- usually with visible patches and lines. No visible pores. Skin is less elastic and feels rough, tight, and flaky.
Oily skin- may have enlarged pores, shiny complexion, and imperfections like blackheads, whiteheads, and blemishes
Combination skin- skin is oily, usually in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) and dry in the other parts of the face. This skin type can have open pores and blackheads
Here are some of the common skin concerns that anybody can experience:
Blemished skin- skin that has marks, discoloration, spots, and imperfections
Aging skin- skin has fine lines, is dry, loose, and saggy
Sensitive skin- skin tends to be reactive and is easily irritated
Dull skin- skin is tired-looking and has a lackluster appearance
It is crucial to pinpoint your skin type and skin concerns to know the right products and treatments for you, whether you get them from a spa, a clinic, or at the comforts of your home.
Now let’s get to know the advantages of DIY and professional skincare.
DIY Skincare
The most significant advantage of a DIY skincare routine is that it is simple and easy to do! You get to use natural skincare ingredients readily available at home. Everyday household items like oatmeal, honey, mayonnaise, milk, yogurt, and sugar can be used to make masks and scrubs. Apple cider vinegar, cucumber, and green tea can be the ingredients for your homemade facial toner. And since you get to choose the ingredients you put on your face, you are also sure that these are natural and sustainable skincare items. It means you can easily replicate this routine in the future.
DIY skincare is also more affordable as compared with going to spas for professional facial treatment. In addition, it is more convenient since you don’t need to set an appointment and travel to your dermatologist or esthetician. You can do your DIY regimen anytime you get free time.
Professional Skincare
On the other hand, with professional skincare, you are guaranteed that those handling your skin have the expertise to do so. You can be confident that these skincare professionals know the needed procedures to give you based on your skin type and concerns. This assurance is a relief, especially if you have sensitive skin or have many skin issues!
Aside from that, the products that skincare professionals use have more active ingredients than the DIY regimen. Cosmetic companies have put in a lot of scientific research to ensure that these products will address different skin concerns and produce the wanted results. Professionals also have complete tools for facials and other procedures, especially extraction. Take note that extraction should only be done by a professional to prevent scarring and worse skin issues.
Which is better?
Both styles have their own benefits. So why choose one skincare approach when you can have the best of both worlds? Don’t skip the professional help and do the DIY skincare as a supplement to further take care of your skin. Pamper your skin once in a while with a professional facial, then do homemade facials to sustain the results.
With this approach, you may even solicit beauty hacks from your trusted skincare professional. You may also ask them what DIY step you can do to support your treatments with them. Through this, you get to take care of your skin in the best way possible.
In conclusion
Self-care is essential nowadays, especially with everything that is happening lately. One effective self-care technique is to make sure that you look good so you can feel good too. Skincare routines are effective ways to be confident in your own skin. Make the most out of professional and DIY skincare to guarantee the most pleasing results!
About The Author:
Katreena is a scientist and a life hack specialist. She's authored scientific journals on biotechnology and molecular biology. To take a break from scientific journals, she puts her mind into writing about lifestyle, health, and sustainability. She strongly believes that kindness makes the world go round.
