Ren

So I've been using this REN Glycolactic Mask once a week for the past few weeks, and it's good stuff. It uses fruit acids to eat away dead skin cells, and after 10 minutes, my skin looks significantly brighter and less blackhead-ridden. I have to keep myself from using it more frequently, because too much exfoliation is not a good thing.

If you don't believe me, check out this article about the potential drawbacks of at-home facials, masks, and microdermabrasion. "The problem with home kits is that people can't be trusted to follow the instructions," says Jane Marsh, who works for a skincare clinic. "If they're meant to be doing it once a week for three minutes and get good results, they'll start using it three times a week for five minutes in the hope that they'll get even better results. But it just doesn't work like that."

Granted, Marsh has a vested interest in getting people to go to a spa rather than doing their own skin care at home. Still, she's right: Even if you get results from an at-home treatment, resist the urge to indulge more than recommended. Otherwise, irritated skin could be in your future.