Planning Ahead for Perfect Skin
Getting ready for a big event like a wedding, gala, or photoshoot takes more than picking the right outfit—or even the right makeup. For truly radiant, flawless skin, preparation should start months in advance. Thanks to modern dermatology, there are now many treatments that can help you get your glow on. But timing is everything. Do a treatment too soon, or too late, and the results might not be what you expected.
This guide walks you through the best timeline for popular cosmetic procedures—from lasers to injectables—so you can walk into your event confident, refreshed, and glowing.
Six Months Before: Focus on Foundation
At the six-month mark, it’s time to tackle long-term skin goals. If you've been considering resurfacing lasers, chemical peels, or microneedling treatments, this is the time to start.
Laser Treatments
Resurfacing lasers like CO2, Er:YAG, or fractional lasers can dramatically improve skin texture, tone, sunspots, and fine lines. However, they often come with downtime and require several sessions. Most people need 2-3 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart, and it takes about 8-12 weeks for full results to show.
Chemical Peels & Microneedling
These treatments target surface-level issues like dullness, acne scars, and rough texture. A series of treatments can refine and brighten your skin over time. Starting at six months allows for progress without rushing.
Medical-Grade Skincare
If you haven’t already, switch to medical-grade skincare under the guidance of a professional. Products with retinoids, vitamin C, and niacinamide can enhance skin clarity and boost your skin barrier—setting the stage for interventions that follow.
Three Months Before: Time for Targeted Treatments
Now that your skin has had some time to heal and strengthen from earlier treatments, it’s the perfect window for more targeted procedures that offer refinement and radiance.
BroadBand Light (BBL) & Moxi
These no-downtime laser treatments are fantastic for targeting redness, pigmentation, and dullness. Results develop gradually over a few weeks, and most people see the best improvements after 2-3 treatments.
Injectables: Botox and Neuromodulators
Three months out is a great time to start or re-up Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin. These neuromodulators help relax facial muscles, reducing the appearance of fine lines around the eyes, forehead, and mouth.
Doing this now gives you time to see full results (which typically show in 10-14 days), and to make any adjustments if needed.
Six to Eight Weeks Before: Sculpt and Smooth
With the event approaching, this is the moment to fine-tune your facial features. You’re still early enough that minor tweaks will look natural but close enough that enhancements will last through your event.
Dermal Fillers
Hyaluronic acid fillers for cheeks, lips, or jawline sculpt the face subtly and with immediate results. Improvements typically settle within two weeks. This timeframe allows for healing in case of swelling or bruising.
Popular treatment sites include:
- Cheeks: restore youthful contours
- Nasolabial folds: soften smile lines
- Lips: add volume and symmetry
- Chin/jawline: enhance facial profile
You can also consider biostimulator fillers like Sculptra for collagen production, though these are best done earlier in the timeline.
Four Weeks Before: Polish and Glow
Now it’s time to dial in your skin’s glow factor. Think of this as the icing on the cake.
HydraFacial or Dermaplaning
A can’t-miss treatment for four weeks out is a HydraFacial. It deeply cleans pores, exfoliates dead skin, and hydrates—all with zero downtime. Dermaplaning complements it by gently removing peach fuzz and dead skin, creating a smooth canvas for makeup.
Light Chemical Peel or Enzyme Treatment
For those needing a bit more exfoliation, a mild chemical peel or enzyme-based treatment can clarify the skin. These treatments typically have minimal downtime and leave skin glowing within a few days.
One Week Before: Hydrate and Calm
By now, all the impactful procedures are behind you. This week is all about hydration and keeping the skin calm.
LED Light Therapy
A session of red light therapy helps reduce inflammation, speed healing, and give your skin a final energy boost. It’s safe for all skin types and has no downtime.
Soothing Masks and Facials
Avoid any harsh treatments—no extractions or new products. Instead, opt for hydration masks rich in hyaluronic acid, aloe, or ceramides to plump and soothe your skin.
Use a humidifier at night and drink lots of water. Good internal hydration supports all the external work you’ve done.
Day Of: Let Your Natural Beauty Shine
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and apply only lightweight, familiar skincare products. Use a primer suited for your skin type before makeup. Your skin should feel smooth, hydrated, and radiant.
Avoid experimenting with new products or makeup brands on this day to prevent any last-minute surprises.
Summary Timeline
6 Months Before: Lasers, microneedling, skincare overhaul
3 Months Before: BroadBand Light, Moxi, Botox
6 Weeks Before: Fillers and facial balancing
4 Weeks Before: HydraFacial or light peel
1 Week Before: Hydration facial, LED light therapy
Day Of: Gentle care, clean beauty
Final Thoughts
Beautiful skin takes time and planning. The best way to ensure glowing, event-ready skin is to begin treatments early and follow a professional timeline that suits your skin type and goals. Working with an experienced provider ensures that each treatment is timed for optimal results—with no surprises or setbacks.
Don’t leave your skin to chance. Book a consultation today to create a personalized timeline that guarantees your best skin for your big day.
