The thing with prepping your skin for a big event is that it can not be squeezed into the week before. No, no, no, in fact, if you really want to get the best results, your prep should start at least six months out.
This is because skincare and skin treatments, like most things worth their weight in gold, have a cumulative effect. Meaning the more consistent you are with having them and using them, the better the results will be. It can also take a bit of trial and error to find out what works best for your specific skin needs, so give yourself time to stumble and fall during this process while you fine tune your craft. The last thing you want is to have a reaction close to the big day, yikes!
So, to save you the trouble of endless hours of research, we’ve created a six-month timeline for your pre-wedding/other big-life-event skin treatments. We are not saying you need to get everything, but if you are considering getting specific treatments done or introducing certain products into your arsenal, here is a general guideline for how far in advance you should do all of that.
Six Months - The Groundwork
Think of this time as your skin’s training season. You wouldn’t launch into a full marathon without at least going for a few afternoon jogs beforehand, now would you?
Step One: Sign up for a Reformaskin membership
If you're someone who loves maximum payoff for minimal effort, then skin conditioning is where you are going to get the most bang for your buck. This does not mean you can neglect your at-home efforts in any capacity, but it does mean that if you want results that are going to stop people in their tracks, you are going to want to include a few skin conditioning treatments in the mix.
And if you are someone who likes to take the thinking out of the equation, then Caci’s Reformaskin skin health membership is for you. It's all about getting that consistent love and attention your skin craves, without the stress of a big upfront cost. These plans have got your back (and your face!), just sign up, make your weekly payment (varies depending on the treatments you want) and show up to your scheduled appointment every three weeks. All of the skin treatments at Caci are world-class, but here is the down-low on a few of the best ones.
Microdermabrasion
Think of microdermabrasion as your skin’s personal cheerleader, getting it to be its best self. It’s like giving your face a mini workout, buffing away the blah and bringing on the glow. Perfect for almost everyone, it’s the glow-to for shrinking those pores and making your skin as smooth as silk. Starting this early means your skin gets to the top of its game when it’s showtime.
LED Light Therapy
LED Light Therapy is basically a magic wand for your skin. Whether you’re looking to banish acne or turn back the clock a bit, starting these sessions early on gives your skin all the benefits of those colourful lights. It’s like giving your skin its very own playlist to chill, rejuvenate, and get party-ready.
Sonophoresis Skin Infusion
Sonophoresis is your ticket to that dewy, plump look. It’s all about getting those good-for-your-skin serums down deep where they work best. Start now, and you’re on your way to that perfect event day glow.
Facial Peels
Facial peels are your quick fix to getting that fresh-faced look without any downtime. It’s like hitting the reset button for your skin, revealing the soft, glowing complexion underneath. Whether it’s a one-off treat or part of your beauty regime, starting early gives your skin that extra love it deserves.
Step Two: Botox (If It’s Your First Time)
Thinking about trying Botox for the first time? Six months out is the perfect time to dip your toes in. This gives you enough time to see how you like the results and tweak things if needed. Plus, it helps ensure you look more "I woke up like this" and less "I can’t move my face" when the big day comes. Start your Botox journey now, and you’ll be all set to face your event with confidence.
Step Three: At-home Overhaul
All the skin conditioning treatments under the sun (a girl can dream) can still only take you so far. If you are completely neglecting your at-home routine and thinking that the clinicians at Caci will be able to pick up the pieces, you are misguided. While they are experts at their craft, they are not magicians after all, and the groundwork you do at home will start to show on your face sooner or later.
All of this being said, it’s imperative that you build your at-home support system around your treatment plan. Begin with Murad’s AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser twice a week to boost your cell turnover, and follow that up with a serum that helps to support your skin’s needs. If dark spots are an issue, the Murad Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum is for you. If you are seeking a more youthful appearance, the Skinsmiths PRO Strength Retinol has your back.
The most important step of any at-home routine is having a good quality SPF that you can slather all over your face, neck and decolletage every morning, no matter what. Caci have a particularly impressive lineup of UVA and UVB defending lotions and potions, so there is one to fit every skin-related want and need.
Three Months - Target and Transform
Step One: Profhilo Glow-Up
If hydration and firmness are on your pre-event wishlist, then Profhilo is something to have on your radar. If you decide you do want to take the plunge on Profhilo, then three months out is when you want to have your first treatment.
This is not your typical filler; it’s bio-remodelling, which means it's made of ultra-pure hyaluronic acid that spreads beneath the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin. This is basically a fancy way of saying that it gives you an unmatched, bouncy, supple texture.
Profhilo is usually done over two sessions spaced a month apart, so if you get your first one three months out, you will be in peak glow territory just in time for your event.
Step Two: Peels and Lasers
Now that your skin is settling in nicely with its skin conditioning treatments, if you want a more targeted approach to certain concerns, now is the time to bring in the big guns (peels and lasers).
There are a few different ones available, all varying in intensity and results, but if you are starting your journey with peels and lasers, you will want to go for one of the more entry-level options. The Caci Signature Laser Facial couldn’t be a more perfect treatment for the job, being both incredibly effective and having minimal (to no) downtime.
Step Three: Peels at Home!
And, speaking of peels, you don’t need to wait for your three-week appointment to have these done either. There are lots of great at-home options to keep your skin glowing between treatments, and three months out from the big event is a great time to test the waters and see how your skin reacts. The Murad Daily Clarifying Peel is a fan favourite for improving texture in the comfort of your own home.
Two Months - Maintain and Maximise
Step one: Second Profhilo Session
Now’s the time to really get down to the nitty-gritty, if you will. The second treatment will trigger even deeper hydration and structure than the first, so you can expect firmness and glossy, ‘filtered in real life’ type glow.
Step two: Skin Conditioning Treatments
By this point, your local Caci Clinic should have a pretty good idea of where your skin has been and where it’s going. This means that your treatments should be targeted towards your specific concerns and goals, so it’s a holding pattern from here on out until a few weeks before the big event. If you have been going full-tilt on the lasers and peels, stay the course. If general hydration has been the focus, stay consistent with your Sonophoresis Infusion and LED Light Therapy treatments.
Step three: Strengthen at home
At this stage, your skin barrier has been through months of treatments, so now it’s about keeping it strong. Reach for Murad Nutrient-Charged Water Gel for deep hydration without heaviness, and swap in Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum to keep fine lines in check.
At this stage, less is more so avoid adding new actives. Instead, focus on giving your skin everything it needs to stay calm, hydrated, and luminous.
Six Weeks - Fine Tuning
Step one: Time for filler
If you have been considering some subtle filler, six weeks is your golden window. This will allow time for the filler to settle naturally, so by your big event, you will look balanced and photo ready.
Step two: Last call for Fractional Laser
If texture, fine lines or old acne scars are getting in the way of your glow, schedule your Fractional Laser now. This advanced treatment rejuvenates from deep within, resurfacing skin and tightening tone. The six-week window gives plenty of healing time so you are smooth and radiant, not recovering when the big day comes around.
If you are happy with your results from the less-intensive treatments, book in a Hydradermabrasion instead for a shortcut to instant dewiness that will go the distance.
Three Weeks - Smooth and Strengthen
Step one: Final Botox appointment
If you are using Botox, now is the time to get that done. Three weeks pre-event gives the skin enough time to settle while ensuring any minor swelling has time to subside.
Step two: Weekly LED sessions
If you really want to step up your game, book in a weekly LED Light Therapy session for the final three weeks. Trust us, this will reduce inflammation, boost radiance and calm skin before any heavy makeup application. It will also ward off any pre-event breakouts!
Step three: At-home glow ritual
By now, you should have your at-home skincare down pat, and it’s definitely not the time to introduce anything new to the mix. Keep using your at-home peel twice weekly to keep your complexion clear and smooth, followed by a hard-working moisturiser like the Murad Restorative Hydro-Hyaluronic Cream. It’s rich, silky, and leaves the perfect base for makeup.
One Week - Lock it In
Step one: Final facial
The expert staff at your local Caci will know what's what, but now is not the time to go intensive on the facials. Book something soothing and hydrating like a Sonophoresis Infusion or B12 Hydrating Facial to lock in all that hard work you’ve been putting in over the past six months.
Step two: Have an emergency plan
In case the unthinkable happens (breaking out), it pays to have a product on hand that you can reach for. Murad Rapid Relief Spot Treatment is a league of its own when it comes to reducing swelling and redness, so your glow that you worked so hard for will remain uninterrupted. And don’t forget some undereye masks for the big day!
Enjoy!
In the whirlwind of event planning, every detail matters, including your skincare routine. With so much to think about and prepare for, the last thing you need is to stress over your skin's appearance on the big day. So, hopefully, this comprehensive guide to skincare treatments gives you one less thing to worry about.
PROFHILO® STRUCTURA is a class 3 medical device and must be injected by a medical practitioner or a qualified nurse injector (operating under the supervision of a medical practitioner). PROFHILO® STRUCTURA [4.5% – 22.5 mg (H-HA) + 22.5 mg (L-HA)/1 ml Hyaluronic acid sodium salt and 4.5% – 45 mg (H-HA) + 45 mg (L-HA)/2 ml Hyaluronic acid sodium salt], injection gel in a single use sterile prefilled syringe. It is indicated for adults of both sexes for corrective / filling action of natural or induced skin depressions. PROFHILO® STRUCTURA has risks and benefits. Ask your healthcare professional if PROFHILO® STRUCTURA is right for you and to explain the possible side effects.
Botox® is a Prescription Medicine containing 50,100 or 200 units of clostridium botulinum Type A toxin complex for injection. It is used for the treatment of frown lines, crows feet and horizontal forehead lines. It should be administered only by trained medical professionals. Cautions: people with defective neuro-muscular transmission disorders, presence of infection at site of injection, glaucoma, pregnancy and lactation. Possible side effects include headaches, pain, burning or redness at injection site, local muscle weakness including drooping eye lids, lack of feeling & nausea. Talk to your specialist about the benefits/risks of this procedure or if you have concerns or side effects. Note: Botox® treatment lasts about four months and after this time further courses of treatment may be necessary. Speak to your specialist about your own situation”. A charge applies. You will need to pay for treatment Allergan, Auckland.
XEOMIN® Incobotulinumtoxin A) 50, 100 Units is a Prescription Medicine. Indications: In adults, for the treatment of cervical dystonia; blepharospasm; spasticity of the upper limb; upper facial lines: glabellar frown lines, lateral periorbital lines (crow’s feet), horizontal forehead lines. XEOMIN®has both risks and benefits, consult your doctor if XEOMIN® is right for you. Further information on the risks and benefits of XEOMIN® can be found in the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) available from https://merzaustralia.com.au/patientinformation/aesthetics/products/ or www.medsafe.govt.nz or by calling 0800 822 310. Use strictly as directed. If symptoms continue or you have side effects, see your doctor, pharmacist or health care professional. Common side effects include: Headaches; nausea; tenderness, swelling, redness, numbness or bruising of the skin; dry eye; heavy feeling of eyelid/eyebrow/forehead; face/brow not symmetrical, dropping eyelids/eyebrows. Serious side effects are rare and include allergic reactions. XEOMIN® is an unfunded medicine, prescription charge will apply. Normal doctor charges will still apply.For further information, consult your doctor or refer to the Consumer Medicine Information available at: www.medsafe.govt.nz Pharmacy Retailing NZ Limited t/a Healthcare Logistics (HCL), 58 Richard Pearse Drive, Mangere, Auckland 2022.
JUVEDERM ULTRA® & JUVEDERM ULTRA PLUS® injectable gels are Prescription Medicines containing 24 mg/mL cross linked hyaluronic acid. They are used for the filling of medium size and deep facial wrinkles by injection into the skin and for creating definition and volume in the lips. They should be administered only by trained medical professionals. Talk to your specialist about the benefits/risks of this procedure in appearance medicine. Cautions: Use in an area that has been treated with another dermal filler. People with autoimmune disease; or who are pregnant, breastfeeding, age under 18; or have an increased susceptibility to keloid formation and hypertrophic scarring. Possible Side Effects: Injection site inflammatory reactions (redness/swelling /itching/pain on pressure); induration or nodules; discolouration; weak filling effect. If you have any side effects or concerns speak to your doctor. Note: Juvederm® treatment lasts from about 12-24 months. Allergan New Zealand Ltd. PO Box 1873 Auckland 1140, New Zealand.
BELOTERO® is hyaluronic acid dermal filler. It is used to improve the look of facial fold and wrinkles and restore volume, including contouring, shaping and volumising of the lips. Always read the label and consult your Healthcare Professional for more information. This medical device must be administered by a Healthcare Professional.You should tell your practitioner and avoid treatment with BELOTERO® if you: have had an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients; if you tend to develop keloids or heavy scars; have any bleeding disorders, poor wound healing, inflamed or infected skin, or general infection; are under the age of 18; are pregnant or breastfeeding. Please inform your practitioner of any diseases you have or have had. These include in particular cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, epilepsy, liver or kidney problems, skin infections or severe allergies. If you take medication or vitamins, have had previous cosmetic procedures, or have been treated with other implants, please inform your practitioner. Pharmacy Retailing NZ Limited t/a Healthcare Logistics (HCL). 58 Richard Pearse Drive, Mangere, Auckland 2022.
Profhilo®, containing low & high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, is a Class III medical device for the treatment of the face and body for contours redefinition and laxity remodelling where skin laxity is a problem. Profhilo has risks and benefits. Do not use with treatments such a laser resurfacing or medium deep skin-peeling. Caution in people on blood thinning medicines. Do not inject into inflamed areas or intravenously or intramuscularly. Possible side effects: pain and swelling at injection site. Accelagen Pty. Ltd. Whanganui.
Botulinum toxin injections are prescription medicine for the treatment of frown lines , horizontal forehead lines and crow’s feet round the eyes. Botulinum toxin injections have risks and benefits. Ask your doctor if botulinum toxin injection is right for you. If you have side effects, see your doctor. You will need to pay for your botulinum toxin injection and clinic fees will apply. For details on precautions & side effects consult your doctor or go to www.medsafe.govt.nz . Botulinum toxin injections lasts about 4 months and further courses of treatment may be necessary. Should only be administered by trained medical professionals.
Juvederm Ultra™ & Juvederm Ultra Plus™ are medical devices Class III for the filling of medium size and deep facial wrinkles by injection into the skin and for creating definition and volume in the lips. Contains 24mg/mL. cross-linked hyaluronic acid Juvederm has risks and benefits. Cautions: Use in an area that has been treated with another dermal filler, people with autoimmune disease, or who are pregnant, breastfeeding, under 18 years of age or have an increased susceptibility to keloid formation and hypertrophic scarring. People on blood thinning medicines. Possible side effects: injection site inflammatory reactions (redness/swelling, itching/pain on pressure) induration or nodules; discolouration; weak filling effect. If you have side effects or concerns speak to your doctor. Product and treatment costs will apply. Belotero® is a Class III medical device to smooth facial wrinkles and folds, correct facial atrophic scars, restore of enhance the lips or restore facial volume Belotero has risk and benefits. Ask your specialist if Belotero is right for you. Contains transparent cross-linked sodium hyaluronate gel of nonanimal origin with lidocaine 0.3% to reduce local pain. Do not use if you have a skin inflammation or a skin infection or until the infection is healed. Precautions. There is a risk of infection. Tell your doctor if you are on blood-clotting medicines as there could be an increased risk of bruising or bleeding at the injection site. Possible side effects: swelling, bruising, redness hardening of the skin, pain, altered colour or itching. Lasts 6-12 months You will need to pay for this product and doctor’s fees apply. Merz, Sydney. Distributed by Healthcare Logistics, Auckland
