How to Prep Your Skin for the Holidays (Without Wrecking Your Barrier)
Why Holiday Skin Needs a Strategy
Between late nights, stress, sugar, and Arizona’s desert air, your skin takes a beating this time of year.
Everyone wants to look refreshed before the holidays, but if you push your skin too hard, too fast, you’ll end up inflamed, flaky, or breaking out before family photos.
The secret isn’t more treatments.
It’s smarter timing and barrier-first skincare.
When to Schedule Treatments
Laser Resurfacing (UltraMD / Tixel): 3–4 weeks before
Stimulates collagen and refines texture with enough recovery time.
Microneedling (+ Exosomes): 2–3 weeks before
Restores firmness and smoothness with minimal irritation.
Deeper Chemical Peels: 10–14 days before
Evens pigment and clears buildup without post-peel flaking.
Light Chemical Peels: 2-5 days before
Gives you an instant glow without worrying about peeling.
Facial Sculpting / Lymphatic Drainage: 2–5 days before
Reduces puffiness, boosts circulation, and refines contours.
👉 Need help customizing your timeline? Book a holiday prep consultation.
The Biggest Holiday Skin Mistakes
1️⃣ Over-Exfoliating
Layering scrubs, acids, and retinol leaves microtears and irritation.
2️⃣ Adding Actives Too Late
Starting a new retinol or vitamin C right before photos = unnecessary sensitivity.
3️⃣ Skipping Hydration
Heaters, travel, and alcohol dehydrate skin—barrier creams are non-negotiable.
4️⃣ Last-Minute Peels
Anything stronger than an enzyme or light peel within 3 days of an event is risky.
5️⃣ Neglecting Rest and Nutrition
Lack of sleep spikes cortisol. Sugar and wine feed inflammation. Balance matters more than restriction.
The Bare Effect Holiday Skin Game Plan
Cleanse gently: Use a pH-balanced cleanser morning and night.
Hydrate deeply: Layer a lightweight serum with ceramides or hyaluronic acid under a rich barrier cream.
Fuel strategically: Prioritize protein, omega-3s, and colorful produce.
Stay consistent: Don’t introduce new actives in the two weeks before a big event.
Support your system: Magnesium, electrolytes, and rest lower stress-driven inflammation.
Your “No Stress” Skin Prep Timeline
4 weeks out: Advanced treatments (laser, microneedling, or peel series)
2 weeks out: Maintenance facial or Deep Pore facial
1 week out: Sculpting massage or LED session
3 days out: Hydration mask + rest
Day of: Gentle cleanse, SPF, and stay calm (your nervous system shows on your skin).
Can we be a little off track and still look great? Of course! I’ve done plenty of facials and mini peels the day before an event that had the client getting compliments left and right.
And of course even our most advanced treatment comes with very little downtime so you won’t look scary on the big day. But this time line is to eliminate all stress.
Holistic Add-Ons That Make Results Last
Nutrition Therapy: Protein and antioxidants build better collagen.
Facial Sculpting & Buccal Massage: Enhances lymph flow, reduces puffiness, improves tone.
Exosome Serums: Accelerate repair post-laser or microneedling.
Supplement Support: Zinc, vitamin C, and omegas improve recovery.
FAQs
Can I do laser and facials close together?
Yes. Just not within the same week. Alternate to avoid overstimulation.
When can I wear makeup after a peel?
Typically 24–48 hours, once the skin feels smooth and calm again. Tinted mineral sunscreens are okay immediately. The zinc can even help calm the skin.
My skin is reactive—what’s safest?
Opt for a Bare Refresh, Bliss or Luxe facial. The sculpting and lymphatic massage will do wonders. You could even add a gentle enzyme peel for visible yet barrier-safe rejuvenation.
The Bare Truth
Healthy skin doesn’t happen by accident. It’s all in the strategy.
Give your barrier time to recover, feed it from the inside out, and plan your treatments with intention.
Resilient skin photographs better, feels smoother, and ages slower.
📍 Serving Scottsdale • Arcadia • Paradise Valley • Phoenix Metro Area
Book your holiday consultation or text (480) 447-9511to build your personalized holiday prep plan.