What would you do if you could achieve the benefits of a professional skin care treatment at home for a fraction of the cost of a visit to the doctor or aesthetician? Cancel your next appointment, of course! Today, at-home skin care kits are becoming more popular and more advanced, giving consumers an affordable option for looking beautiful. "There is a significant increase in the number of women who are looking for affordable, at-home, anti-aging alternatives to professional treatments," said Dr. Lydia Evans, consulting dermatologist for L'Oreal Paris. One of the most requested and most expensive cosmetic procedures today is microdermabrasion, a treatment in which irregularly shaped aluminum oxide crystals are used to exfoliate dead skin cells, lifting them up and off of the skin's surface. With professional microdermabrasion, it takes typically four or five treatments to really see the results, and that can add up to about $1,000 or more. If you want similar results at home, Evans recommends L'Orйal's ReFinish Micro-Dermabrasion Kit, which uses the same crystals as the in-office treatment and also contains a biosaccharide complex, a component that helps prevent irritation and soothes the skin. This product is designed for anyone who is looking to achieve fresh, glowing skin or reduce the signs of aging. The price tag? L'Oreal ReFinish rings in at a suggested retail price of $24.99. Another procedure that has become increasingly popular over the past several years is Botox, a treatment in which injections are made into the skin to decrease expression lines, like crows feet. Not only is the needle involved in this procedure intimidating, but it also comes with a hefty price of approximately $500 or more per session. An alternative at-home treatment comes in the form of L'Oreal's Wrinkle De-Crease which helps reduce the appearance of those pesky lines caused by our everyday facial expressions like smiling and frowning. You'll be happy to know there are no sharp objects involved in this kit - it's a cream that can be used in the morning or at night and even under makeup. And with a suggested retail price of $19.99, it's lighter on the wallet as well as the skin. If you've been considering professional skin care treatments but haven't gotten around to making a doctor's appointment, head to your local drugstore and give these time- and money-saving options a try. - NU