I Asked 3 Estheticians For Their Best DIY Facial Tips—Here’s What They Said

At-home facials are a wonderful act of self-care, whether you're pampering yourself or treating a loved one. While some steps, like extractions, are best left to professionals, there's a range of DIY-friendly techniques that can brighten your complexion, without overdoing it.

First up, we have Sofie Pavitt, a highly regarded esthetician based in New York City, revered by editors for her transformative work with acne-prone clients. She is best known for showcasing remarkable before-and-after photos depicting the journey from breakouts to smooth, clear skin in just a few months. Needless to say, her insights are invaluable.

When I asked Pavitt about at-home facials, she emphasized specific treatments, particularly recommending cryotherapy and LED devices.

For the cooling effect, she naturally turns to her own brand's Nice Ice Toner Pads, designed to boost circulation, reduce inflammation, and soothe irritation—three essential objectives for an effective at-home facial.

Additionally, Pavitt suggests investing in an LED mask to stimulate collagen production and achieve a radiant glow.

While these devices can be costly, it's crucial to invest in a high-quality product that delivers results, rather than ending up with something resembling Christmas lights.

Next up is Melissa Croff, a medical aesthetician with a holistic approach. In her spa, Root+Glow, Melissa leans into safe, but effective chemical peels and suggests doing the same at home with DIY-friendly products. Exfoliating peels are amazing for smoothing fine lines, fading dark spots, clearing pores, and giving the complexion a brighting boost.

The difference between an in-office peel and one you administer yourself is the strength of the acids inside. So you can think of at-home peels as a stronger exfoliating treatment than a serum you’d use a few times a week. You’ll reserve an at-home peel for occasional use, typically every few weeks or so. 

Croff’s go-to product is one you can use more often than most DIY peels, because it’s fairly gentle: the iS Clinical Active Peel System. “It is a powerful, yet gentle two-step treatment designed to resurface and polish the skin while providing hydration, rejuvenation, and antioxidant protection,” she explains. 

Finally, we have the legendary celebrity esthetician, Joanna Vargas. Her recommendation is a tried-and-true step: A super hydrating sheet mask, elevated with a cooling touch. 

“I love a sheet mask because it’s so easy to use, and I love calming the redness that might come out after a great exfoliation,” she says. To level up the experience, you can go over your sheet mask with a cooling item–an ice globe, ice cubes, etc. to help de-puff the skin and double down on the irritation relief. 

Like Pavitt, Vargas also has her own skincare line. Within the collection, she deems the Eden Instant Lift sheet mask the best product for DIY facials. This mask harnesses the power of the antioxidant CoQ10 along with apple stem cells to lift, plump, and hydrate the skin all at once.