DIY Beauty Trends: The Good, The Bad, and The Dangerousin Rockford, IL

The idea of making your own skincare products from everyday household ingredients can be enticing; Both cost effective and convenient, DIY beauty trends are continuing to grow in popularity. While some of these practices may have their benefits, it is important to do your research and understand how such remedies might impact your skin over time. Even regimens claiming to be “all natural” can compromise the skin barrier, clog pores, cause irritation, and stimulate other undesirable effects for certain skin types.

Let’s break down 5 DIY beauty trends and whether or not they help support a healthy self-care routine.

Slugging

What is it: A more recent beauty trend, slugging has skincare experts reaching for the Vaseline. Slugging uses an occlusive petroleum jelly-based product, which is applied to the face before bed. Petroleum jelly seals in moisture and creates a barrier for skin at night, locking in the benefits of serums and other skincare products layered beneath.

Pros and Cons: Slugging can improve symptoms of conditions like dry skin and eczema. Occlusive products like Aquaphor and Vaseline are made of oils/waxes that form a physical layer on your skin to help protect it and aid in healing. The added moisture maintained beneath the barrier also keeps skin looking and feeling more hydrated the next day. While slugging may be a great practice for those with dry skin, applying an occlusive product to oily or acne-prone skin may cause breakouts. You should also be cautious if you’re prone to milia in the undereye area, as petroleum jelly can be known to make this condition worse. Finally, slugging can be a bit messy and lead to oil staining of fabric.

PryorHealth Alternatives: If you’re not sure about slugging but are intrigued by the potential benefits, there are plenty of other options to keep your skin hydrated. A Hydafacial is perfect because it cleanses, purifies, hydrates, and adds vitamin boosts (like vitamin c) back into the skin- Learn more about our HydraFacials here. Be sure to check out some of our amazing TransformRx skincare products for hydration as well!

Face Rollers

What is it: Face rollers come in different shapes and materials. The most common is a jade face roller, claiming to reduce inflammation, promote lymphatic drainage, and improve circulation.

Pros and Cons: Face rollers can be used in the morning and are said to work best after being in the fridge overnight, as the cooling component may help to reduce puffiness. Jade rollers are inexpensive and can be used when applying serums or creams. While the application may feel soothing and there doesn’t seem to be any inherent danger when using face rollers or other similar tools, they are unlikely to provide very noticeable or lasting results. Any results or improvements may only last until the next day at best.

Alternative Treatments: If you’re looking for lymphatic drainage, our PryorHealth lymphatic drainage treatment is perfect for you. We use suction and a special massage to drain your lymphatic system, which improves circulation and reduces swelling. Schedule a consultation for our lymphatic drainage treatment here.

Face Therapy High Frequency Wands

What is it: There are many different types of beauty gadgets online, but these wands usually come as a small handheld device with different attachments. The wand emits a high frequency electric current, which claims to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and pore size in the convenience of your own home.

Pros and Cons: High frequency electric current wands have been shown to live up to their claims in some instances, but beware- not all wands are created equal. An effective, high-quality wand could cost you upwards of $120. There are cheaper options available, but anything involving an eclectic current on the skin requires top notch equipment and practiced hands. Any treatment involving lasers or electro currents comes with a risk of burns or electric shock; leaving these devices in contact with the skin too long or not using the correct protection can increase these risks. For these reasons, we recommend that only trained professionals administer these types of treatments.

Alternative Treatments: These treatments can work when done properly with the correct equipment, but the risk of unintentional damage to the skin remains. Investing in a professional service by a skilled, licensed practitioner will ensure you achieve the best possible results. Our Ultherapy or IPL lasers can target your skin concerns and deliver more consistent, higher quality outcomes in fewer treatments. Learn more about our microcurrent facials here.

LED Light Masks

What is it: LED Light Masks are plastic masks with LED lights on the inside, which is supposed to help promote collagen production and kill bacteria that can lead to breakouts.

Pros and Cons: LED Light Masks are relatively inexpensive, can help improve the overall condition of the skin if used consistently, and are generally safe for all skin types. The biggest drawback here is that most LED Masks available to the public for purchase are not as powerful or effective as devices available to professionals in the Aesthetic space.

Alternative Treatments: If you’re looking for a way to combat and prevent breakouts, our Transform Rx skincare line includes medical grade acne-fighting products that are effective yet gentle enough for sensitive skin. Chemical peels can also help clean and reset the skin. For collagen production, Microneedling is a great option - as the skin repairs itself post-treatment, collagen is produced resulting in a tighter, firmer appearance and reduction in imperfections such as acne scars. To learn more about these treatments or to schedule a consultation, click here.

Overall, DIY treatments are a great way to save some money as long as the treatment is safe and expectations are realistic. Injecting or puncturing the skin in any way at home can be dangerous, so it’s best to leave anything invasive to a professional. At PryorHealth, we have plenty of services to help your skin glow. Our Aesthetic experts will evaluate the current state of your skin, take time to understand your concerns, and design a customized treatment plan to address your unique needs and goals. Schedule a consultation for any of our aesthetic services on our website!