THE PERFECT PRE-HOLIDAY TREATMENT TIMELINE: WHEN TO SCHEDULE LASER, PEELS, INJECTABLES + SKINCARE TIPS

The festive season always seems to arrive faster than expected. Between busy schedules and holiday planning, it is easy to forget that your skin needs time to renew and recover before those special end-of-year events.

While this timeline is ideal for the holidays, it can also serve as a guide for any important moment when you want to look and feel your best, from weddings and milestone celebrations to professional events.

Planning ahead ensures that your complexion looks calm, even, and radiant when it matters most. Here’s how to schedule your skincare and aesthetic treatments for optimal results, from early preparation to the finishing touches.

6–8 weeks before the holidays: Start your renewal phase

Now is the perfect time to lay the foundation for healthy, glowing skin.

Treatments that stimulate collagen and repair sun-related damage are most effective when started early, as the skin needs several weeks to remodel and regenerate.

Recommended treatments:

• Laser rejuvenation or IPL to target pigmentation, uneven tone, and fine lines

• Microneedling to boost collagen and improve texture

• Chemical or photodynamic peels to refresh dull, sun-stressed skin

Complement these with a professional skin analysis to assess your skin type and define the most effective at-home routine. Introducing antioxidant serums and a barrier-strengthening moisturiser at this stage helps prepare your skin for upcoming treatments and changing temperatures.

4–6 weeks before: Refine and rebalance

This is the time to fine-tune results and enhance radiance.

Light to medium peels or a series of HydraFacial MD sessions help to smooth and brighten the complexion, while also improving product absorption and hydration.

If you are considering injectables, such as botulinum toxin to relax expression lines or fillers for subtle volume restoration, this is the right window. It allows your skin to settle naturally before your holiday events, ensuring a fresh, rested appearance.

Your dermatologist may recommend combining these treatments with medical skincare containing vitamin C, niacinamide, and ceramides to help protect and strengthen the skin barrier.

2–3 weeks before: Hydrate and perfect

At this stage, focus on treatments that deliver hydration and radiance without downtime.

For example, skin boosters infuse the skin with hyaluronic acid and essential nutrients, giving it a smooth, plump, and luminous look.

Continue with gentle exfoliation at home using mild acids (as advised by your dermatologist) and maintain consistent hydration with a rich cream. Avoid starting any new active ingredients that could irritate the skin.

 

7–10 days before: Calm and glow

 

Your preparation is complete, and now it’s time to preserve results and refine your glow.

A final HydraFacial or light peel can enhance smoothness and radiance just before the festivities. Keep your skincare routine simple and soothing — focus on hydration, nourishment, and protection.

Make sure to apply SPF 30+ daily, even in winter, as UV rays can still impact freshly treated skin.

2–3 days before: Finishing touches

In the final days, it’s all about calm, hydration, and balance.

Use a hydrating mask, gentle cleanser, and a restorative night cream to keep your skin fresh and supple. Avoid exfoliation or any new products, and prioritise rest and water intake for that natural, healthy glow.

Your personalised treatment plan

Each skin has its own needs, and every schedule looks different.

A professional consultation helps determine which combination of treatments and skincare products will help you achieve your ideal result, whether that’s smoother texture, a brighter tone, or simply a confident, refreshed look.

Start early to give your skin time to renew and recover, and you’ll enjoy luminous, even-toned skin all season long.

Book your personalised consultation with Dr. Dierickx through the website and discover the best timing and treatments for your skin’s unique needs.

Schedule your consultation