So, you have a holiday party coming up and need red carpet-worthy skin? Unfortunately, for most of us, we don’t have the smooth, picture-perfect skin we desire. But some celebs, even without Photoshop, seem to have amazing skin that glows and looks as smooth as silk. But how do we everyday people attain that glowy, dewy, perfection without spending huge amounts of time and money? Celebrity aesthetician Candace Marino is here to help.
Start early, really early, for the best holiday skin
If you’re wanting stunning skin and planning to have any in-office procedures, Marino says the most important thing to do is to start early. And Marino doesn’t mean a couple of weeks before. She recommends starting 4 to 5 months before any holiday or big day. This is because spacing out your treatments is really the key to getting the desired results. This is especially true if you’re doing facials. Marino says,
“Starting regular facials a few months before something big is always ideal, as it gives your facialist time to get to know your skin and begin prepping it for the event”.
Make time to ensure great skin
A definite no-no, any last-minute procedures like extractions, chemical peels, and microneedling. Additionally, having just one treatment isn’t really going to make a world of difference to your skin. In order to have really good results, you’ll need to go for at least four treatments. This is especially true if you’re looking to achieve drastic results like reducing dark spots, wrinkles, or scarring and minimizing breakouts.
What you can do just before your shining moment is lymphatic drainage or a simple, hydrating facial. You do need to make sure that your aesthetician is aware that you have a big event coming up to avoid any surprises.
What you do at home really matters
Marino explains that at-home skincare is really “the biggest piece of the puzzle” when it comes to having radiant, beautiful skin. Though treatments can contribute, the aftercare you give your skin at home can drastically improve results.
In fact, to put into context just how important your at-home routine is, Marino says that “What’s done in the treatment room contributes to about 20% of how someone’s skin presents, and 80% of it is related to a consistent at-home routine”.
So, how do you find the right holiday skincare routine for you?
A few months in advance, you really want to find a skincare routine that works for you. It also needs to be something that you can stick to so ideally, it shouldn’t be too complicated. You can also invest in some at-home gadgets like a micro-current tool in order to prevent and reduce wrinkles and tighten skin. Using retinol is also a great way to prevent aging and address acne.
However, when it comes to retinol, it’s worth noting that you need to start in advance. Not just for its long-term benefits, but also because it can cause irritation and, initially, cause the skin to purge.
What you do on the day is just as important
When it finally comes to the big day, putting anything on your skin can be terrifying. However, if you can get your hands on it, Marino recommends Olga Lorencin Red Carpet Facial In A Box. A warning, it is quite expensive at $120, but might be worth it.
Certainly, it’s Marino’s go-to pre-red carpet. It’s a three-step facial ‘in a box’ that includes a gentle no-peel acid component, a blend of aloe vera, and amino acids to clean the pores. The final component is a moisturizing mask that conditions the skin.
However, if your budget doesn’t stretch quite that far, Mario maintains that the most important aspect of what you do on the day is your everyday skincare routine.
As long as you carry on doing what you’ve been doing and don’t make any sudden changes, your skin should look picture-perfect and ready for any big day.
The lowdown on picture-perfect holiday skin
When it comes to preparing your skin for the holidays, the most essential thing you can do is start early with a good skincare routine that suits you. You need to be able to stick to your routine no matter what, so it doesn’t have to be complicated.
If you want to introduce retinol, make sure to do it well before the day in case it irritates the skin.
As far as any in-office procedures like facials, these should also be started as early as possible to give you the best possible and longest-lasting results.
Ultimately, treating your skin consistently is more important than anything else you do. So find a routine and stick with what makes your skin happy, and you’ll be holiday ready.
