The Only DIY Skin Things I Haven’t Quit
FYI, I link my favorite tools and ingredients throughout the post. They’re Kacie-approved, and yes, some of them are affiliate links!
Hi friends!
When my skin looks dull, I’m not reaching for a new serum or booking a facial. I’m usually standing in my bathroom, half awake, doing the same few things I’ve been doing for years. Hands, a little pressure, a little circulation, and maybe one simple treatment I already trust.
I’ve tried the complicated stuff. I’ve tried the trendy stuff. Most of it didn’t stick. What stuck were the low-effort habits that actually make my face look more alive without irritating it, staining it, or sending me down a research spiral.
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One At-Home Treatment That’s Worth the Effort
Not a dozen ingredients. Not a blender situation. Just plain honey, on clean skin, when my face looks flat or irritated, and I don’t want to risk a reaction.
I smooth on a thin layer, leave it for about ten minutes, rinse with lukewarm water, and that’s it. No burning, no tingling, no “purging phase” I’m supposed to accept as character building. My skin just looks calmer and more awake afterward.
A Few Ground Rules
Patch test. Always. Even if it’s something “natural” and even if the internet swears it’s gentle.
Clean skin and clean hands matter more than fancy ingredients. Don’t turn this into a science experiment.
If something burns, stings, or makes your skin look worse the next day, stop. You don’t need to push through discomfort to get results.
Why I’m Picky About DIY Anything
I didn’t start out this picky. I used to try everything people swore was “safe” or “natural,” assuming my skin would eventually adjust if I just gave it time.
Instead, I learned the hard way that my skin doesn’t negotiate. Ingredients that work beautifully for other people can leave me irritated, inflamed, or dealing with reactions that take weeks to calm down, especially when nickel is involved.
I stopped experimenting for the sake of optimism and started paying attention to patterns instead. If something causes a reaction once, it’s out. No second chances, no hoping this time will be different.
One time, I decided to try out a homemade avocado face mask. Everyone was raving about it, so I figured trying couldn't hurt. Let's say it didn't quite work out the way I expected.
I mashed up the avocado and applied it to my face, but it started to feel itchy within a few minutes. I tried to tough it out, thinking it was part of the process, but it kept worsening. I had to rinse it off early, and my face was bright red for the rest of the day.
I now likely can attribute my reaction to the avocado as a symptom of my nickel allergy, and avocado has about 39.4 μg, which is ranked as very high nickel content!
Lesson learned: just because something works for everyone else doesn't mean it'll work for you!
What I Still Use, Years Later
I still use a Rose Quartz Facial Roller , not because it was trendy, but because it reliably does what I want it to do. It helps with puffiness, gets circulation going, and makes my face look more awake with very little effort.
I keep it simple. A few minutes in the morning, light pressure, always moving upward. No elaborate routine, no pressure to do it “correctly.” If I’m consistent, I see the difference. If I’m not, I don’t beat myself up about it.
That’s why it stayed. It works without asking for much.
FAQ’s
How often do you do this?
A few times a week, or whenever my skin looks dull. I don’t follow a schedule. I follow how my face looks and feels.
Who should skip this?
Anyone dealing with active irritation, broken skin, or known sensitivities to these ingredients. If your skin is already angry, this isn’t the moment to experiment.
What should I avoid when making my skincare masks to prevent skin damage?
Stay far away from harsh home staples like lemon juice, toothpaste, and baking soda, they might seem like good ideas, but they’re tough on your skin’s natural barrier and can cause burns or breakouts.
Final Thoughts
At this point, I’m not interested in doing more to my skin. I’m interested in doing what works and leaving the rest alone. I’m not trying to fix my face. I’m trying to support it without turning skincare into a personality or a project.
If you like this way of thinking about beauty, food, and life in general, I write a short newsletter where that’s the throughline. You can sign up here: Chronically Chic Newsletter for more skin tips, beauty faves, and low-nickel-friendly self-care ideas that work.
