Facials at Home Vs In the Spa-What's Worth the Coins and What to Leave to the Pros

Makei Beauty
Jul 16
3 min read

Let’s get one thing straight, boo—skincare is not a luxury; it’s a lifestyle. Whether you’re stacking your coins or living your best spa-babe life every 4 weeks, your skin deserves intentional care. And yes, facials are a whole experience—equal parts skin-saving and sanity-restoring. But the big question is this: Should you DIY your glow or book that appointment?

Sis, Let’s Get Into It.

Why Facials Matter (Even If You’re on a Budget)

Let’s not play: your skin is the largest organ you have, and she is not the one to be neglected. A good facial isn’t just surface-level cute. It:

Deep cleans your pores (because your cleanser alone isn’t always doing the heavy lifting),
Increases blood circulation
And mentally resets you (because that 60-minute nap during the steam hits different).

But here’s where we pause for the cause—you don’t always need a spa to treat your skin right. Sometimes, a robe, your playlist, and a well-stocked vanity will do the trick.

However… (and this is a big HOWEVER), some things are above your DIY clearance level. Just because TikTok says it’s “clean girl skincare” doesn’t mean you should be mixing acids in your bathroom like you’re in a lab because YOU'RE NOT CHYLE!

When At-Home Facials Make Sense

Let’s not act brand new—a proper at-home facial can be the mood. If your funds are tight or you just want some solo self-care, here's what you can do safely:

Steam + Cleanse Double-Up: Double cleanse first (especially if you wear makeup or SPF and trust and believe that you should be), then hit your face with some warm steam from your shower or a facial steamer.
Exfoliate Gently: Use a mild enzyme or a sugar-free scrub to slough off dead skin. Keep it gentle—this ain’t a floor scrubber, sis.
Hydrate + Mask Up: Clay masks for oily or congested skin, gel or cream masks for dry skin. Keep it customized.
Massage Your Serums In: Don’t just slap product on. Take your time. Lift, drain, and glow, baby.

What to Leave to the Professionals (No, Really)

I love a good DIY queen, but some things need licensed hands. Here's the “don’t try this ish at home” list, straight from a 13-year licensed esthetician (a.k.a. ya girl).

1. Essential Oils

They’re cute in theory. But let me say this loud for the people in the back: undiluted essential oils will light your face up like Fourth of July. These are potent, and unless you know how to properly dilute and pair them, leave them in your diffuser—not your skincare.

2. Pore Vacuums

Let’s talk. These tools are powerful, and if you go in with the suction too high or use it too long, you can bruise your face or damage capillaries. That’s not a facial, that’s a hazard. If you’re going to use one at home, start with the gentlest setting and keep it moving. No dragging, no overuse.

3. Chemical Peels

You saw your fave influencer peel like a snake and now you think it’s your turn? Girl, stop.Yes, you can find light peels over-the-counter (look for glycolic, lactic, or mandelic), but you still need to know the percentage, pH level, and how to neutralize it if things go left. Overdoing it can lead to burns, scarring, and hyperpigmentation. Trust me, the glow is not worth the damage if you’re not trained.

Final Verdict: Home or Spa?

Need a mental reset, skin refresh, or budget-friendly pamper night? Do your thing at home, baby. Light candles. Play Solange. Pour some tea. Glow up.
Struggling with acne, texture, or need deep exfoliation and extractions? Book the spa. The trained hands, pro-grade tools, and controlled environment are worth every coin.

At the end of the day, your skin tells your story. Whether it’s self-led or spa-assisted, the goal is health, consistency, and that rich auntie glow.