The holidays are a time for celebration, photos, and special events where everyone wants to look their best. But the truth is, most cosmetic treatments don’t deliver instant results—and many can involve some downtime. Planning ahead is crucial if you want to ensure you look refreshed, radiant, and fully event-ready.

Just as important, no in-office treatment can do its best work without a solid foundation at home. Consistent skincare is essential for healthy skin, supporting faster healing, better results, and the long-term longevity of your investment. And the single most important product? SPF. Daily sunscreen use doesn’t just protect your skin from aging and discoloration—it’s the key to maintaining, and even enhancing, every cosmetic procedure.​

At Pacific Crest Dermatology, we always emphasize the value of an early consultation. Different concerns—whether you’re hoping to smooth, lift, brighten, or rejuvenate—require different approaches and timelines, and it’s not always the treatment you expect that will work best for your skin. A thoughtful, individualized consultation is the best way to ensure your plan gets you to your personal beauty goals, while also fitting seamlessly into your holiday calendar.

Read on for the essential guide to getting—and maintaining—your glow this season:

A Strong Foundation: At-Home Skincare & SPF

Great results start with great skin health. Daily use of skincare—cleansers, moisturizers, antioxidants, retinols, and especially broad-spectrum SPF—makes your skin more resilient, enhances treatment outcomes, and speeds recovery. Without regular home care, results from injectables, lasers, or fillers may fade faster and aren’t as pronounced.​

SPF is non-negotiable before and after any in-office procedure. UV exposure can worsen pigmentation, cause premature aging, and diminish benefits of lasers, microneedling, or chemical peels. Daily, year-round SPF (at least 30, and preferably mineral-based after treatments) is the best way to protect your investment and keep your glow lasting into the new year.​

Cosmetic Procedures: What to Expect & When to Book

Neurotoxin Injections (Botox®, Dysport®, Jeuveau®)

• Onset of Results: Initial smoothing appears in 3–5 days, with full results in 1–2 weeks.
• Downtime: Minimal; occasional mild swelling, redness, or bruising for a few hours.
• Duration: 3–4 months.
• Best Time to Book: 2–3 weeks prior to your first event, to ensure full effects and resolve any minor redness or bruising.​

Dermal Fillers

• Onset of Results: Immediate volume and contour, but mild swelling or bruising can last several days.
• Downtime: 1–3 days typical; longer if significant bruising.
• Duration: 6–18 months, depending on product and area.
• Best Time to Book: 3–4 weeks before your event for optimal settling and natural results.​

Biostimulatory Fillers (e.g., Sculptra®)

• Onset of Results: Gradual collagen stimulation, visible improvements over weeks to months for a very natural appearance.
• Downtime: Minimal, with possible mild swelling or bruising after each session.
• Duration: 2+ years with full series.
• Best Time to Book: Start at least 3–4 months ahead; often performed as a series for best results.​

Laser and Light Treatments (UltraClear Fractional Laser, Intense Pulsed Light)

• Onset of Results: First results visible after 1–2 weeks; ongoing improvement for several weeks. 
• Downtime: Fractional laser: 3–7 days of redness and flaking; IPL: 1–3 days of mild redness or darkening of brown spots.
• Frequency: 2-4 sessions spaced 4-8 weeks apart (depending on the intensity of the treatments) for optimal results.
• Best Time to Book: At least one session 3–4 weeks prior to your event; start a series 3-4 months early if possible.​

Microneedling

• Onset of Results: Smoother, brighter skin within 1–2 weeks; best with a series.
• Downtime: 2–4 days of redness or mild peeling, like a light sunburn.
• Frequency: 3–6 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart for optimal results.
• Best Time to Book: At least one session 2–3 weeks before your event; start a series 3–4 months early if possible.​

The Power of Planning & Personalized Guidance

Every skin type, concern, and goal is unique—and so is every treatment plan. During your consultation at Pacific Crest Dermatology, Dr. Schneider will help you lay out a realistic timeline, match procedures to your priorities, and recommend the best home care to support and prolong your results.

By planning ahead, prioritizing at-home skincare, and making daily SPF your mantra, you’ll enjoy brighter, healthier skin through the holidays—and beyond.

Ready to make your holiday glow last? Book your consultation today with Dr. Schneider at Pacific Crest Dermatology for a customized roadmap and smart, beautiful skin at every celebration.