Whether it’s a wedding, a family or school reunion, or some other important event, times like these call for a little extra effort if you want to put your best face forward. Dr. Valerie Barrett of RENU Medical Aesthetics in Tequesta often sees patients who are looking to enhance their natural beauty and bring luminous energy to their faces ahead of special occasions. Here, she offers her advice on how—and when—to prep for the big day.
1 Year to 6 Months Before the event:
This time frame is all about maximizing the benefits of procedures that work with bodily processes like collagen production. Since optimal results are seen with multiple sittings, Barrett says it’s important to get a jump at least six months before the event. She recommends exploring a series of Cool Laser treatments, which employ CO2 lasers to remove damaged skin and stimulate collagen production to treat wrinkles, age spots, and acne scars, as well as tighten skin and even tone. To lift areas that will be shown off in dresses and enhanced by makeup—think the neck, décolletage, chin, or brows—Barrett touts the efficacy of Ultherapy, which uses ultrasound imaging to stimulate natural collagen and elastin production in hyper-targeted areas.
6 Months to 2 Months Before:
If you’re considering enhancements like fillers or Botox, Barrett advises doing so a few months prior to the event so there is time to make tweaks if necessary. She notes that her patients are often most pleasantly surprised by the changes they see from filler—small amounts added to the cheekbones can bring joyful youthfulness to the face and brighten the eye area, while applications to the hairline can lift the jaw and corner of the mouth and open the eyes (a bit like the effect you get from wearing a ponytail).
2 Months to 1 Week Before:
As the event nears closer, Barrett encourages a conservative approach to skin care, opting for only gentle treatments and at-home regimens. Facials not only brighten, exfoliate, and enhance glow, she says, but they also work wonders on the mind—a bonus if you’re starting to stress a little about the big day. She also advises adding a medical-grade SPF 30 sunscreen to your skin care routine ASAP if you haven’t already. “Studies show that if you do nothing but wear sunscreen for a month, you will see improvements in your skin,” she says. Plus, she notes, using a medical-grade hyaluronic acid serum or gel can help plump the skin instantly. And don’t forget to drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
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