Is home care effective?

It seems like dermatological procedures have become quite common these days. In the past, people used to hide their results until they were completely unnoticeable, but nowadays, people go around openly admitting they've had treatments. People seem to get Botox treatments just like getting a massage. However, I'm a bit of a coward and feel like it's a waste of money, so I haven't been able to go to a dermatologist. Instead, I try to apply plenty of cream and use face masks as much as possible at home. I know it can't compare to professional treatments... but I hope that all the effort I put into applying and patting in will show at least some results. Will this level of home care be effective? Or would it be much more beneficial to muster up the courage and get a professional procedure?