At-home skin care treatments carry risks such as irritation, infection or uneven results, while clinical experts can provide safer and more reliable outcomes through personalized care, according to information released on June 9. The popularity of skin care procedures continues to grow as more people seek ways to enhance their skin health and appearance.
The market for at-home treatments and devices claiming professional-level results has expanded rapidly. Many consumers are drawn to these options because they appear convenient and cost-effective for addressing concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, uneven texture, acne scarring and dullness. Social media has contributed to this trend by making these techniques more visible and often presenting them as easy to perform outside a clinical setting.
However, certain treatments—such as dermaplaning, microneedling and chemical peels—require specialized tools and training for safe application. Dermaplaning uses a sterile surgical steel blade to remove dead skin cells and fine hairs from the face. While this treatment can leave the skin smooth and improve product absorption, over-the-counter blades are typically lower quality. "These single-use blades tend to be duller, and they’re more prone to causing nicks, cuts and microtears in the skin," which may result in infection or scarring if not performed correctly.
Microneedling involves using fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries that stimulate collagen production. In clinical settings, medical-grade devices with adjustable needle depths allow precise targeting of specific concerns under sterile conditions. At-home kits often have shorter needles with less precision; repeated use may lead to dull needles that increase the risk of irritation or scarring due to inadequate sterilization practices.
Chemical peels exfoliate outer layers of the skin using chemical solutions tailored by clinicians based on individual needs after thorough evaluation. At-home peel solutions are generally formulated for broad use without accounting for personal differences in sensitivity or underlying conditions. Improper application can cause prolonged redness or pigmentation changes—and in severe cases blistering or burns—especially among those with sensitive or melanin-rich complexions.
During consultations at clinics affiliated with Ohio State Health and Discovery—which includes hospitals and outpatient facilities as part of its academic medical center—aesthetic clinicians evaluate each patient's history before developing customized treatment plans designed for safety and effectiveness, according to the official website. Ohio State Health and Discovery addresses societal issues such as health equity while advancing research innovation across Ohio communities worldwide.
