As we prepare to commemorate a year spent in a pandemic, we’re still being encouraged to stay home as much as possible. But does that really mean you have to take the DIY approach to everything? Although these techniques can save money and keep you safe, many wonder whether they’re actually effective — or whether they’re really just a waste of time. Whether you plan to quarantine until you receive your vaccine or you simply want to weigh your options, here’s what you need to know about at-home beauty regimens.
Effectiveness Can Vary
At-home beauty options were already popular, but they really took off when non-essential businesses temporarily closed. That said, not all beauty brands or products are created equal. Despite the fact that the cannabis industry is predicted to reach $80 billion by 2030, not every CBD company provides the same quality of body scrubs and rubs infused with cannabidiol. The same goes for facial tools, sheet masks, moisturizers, and even homeopathic or holistic methods that have been around for centuries. When it comes to beauty, there’s no one-size-fits-all. But that’s also true of professional beauty services; a facial that works wonders for one person might cause another person’s skin to break out. It’s important to identify the products that you like and work for you to determine whether an at-home alternative will be effective. If you regularly get treatments at the salon, spa, or dermatologist, it may be worth asking about the specific ingredients in certain products or doing ample research to learn about what others have found to be effective alternatives to try at home. Still, know going in that you’re taking a gamble. That way, you could be pleasantly surprised instead of disappointed.
Professional Services May Be Safer
It’s worth noting that there are some services that really should be performed by a professional. Around 80% of Americans say they want whiter teeth, and while there are plenty of at-home whitening products on the market, many dental professionals say that there are certain ones that can actually be harmful. Although these whitening products may work at first, the effects may be temporary or could actually hurt your tooth enamel. At-home teeth aligners have also become a popular way to bypass orthodontist appointments, but many people have reported that the effects have been subpar (and some have even needed their smiles corrected by professionals afterward). If you’re opposed to having a treatment performed in an office right now, you might want to consult with your doctor or dentist to see what they would recommend. It might be worth waiting for or finding out what kinds of precautions they’re taking to keep you safe if you come in. The same can be said for at-home hair bleaching or certain kinds of skin treatments. If it’s anything beyond the basics and could pose some kind of danger, you might want to forgo the DIY route.
DIY Approaches Can Tide You Over
That said, there are some at-home beauty treatments that can work wonders and hold you over until you feel okay about making a professional appointment. Hair masks or homemade skincare products don’t pose a big risk and can be fun to do. While even pharmacy-brand creams can lose 50% of their antioxidant capability after six months, creating your own versions with ingredients from your pantry and fridge can be immensely satisfying. While they may not do any miracles, even just having a self-care routine and focusing on repairing your hair damage or staying hydrated can have major effects on your well-being overall.
In the end, there’s no one right answer to the “is at-home beauty effective?” question. It largely depends on the products you use, the regimen you follow, and your personal concerns. But it can be a great way to relieve stress and improve how you feel about yourself while you stay home. However, it might be worth turning to the experts when it involves anything more than something simple to avoid damaging your hair, skin, or teeth.
