Holiday Party Skin: When to Book Each Treatment
What to Expect
Event skin · timing
Office party, a holiday dinner on the Strip, family photos, New Year's Eve. December in Las Vegas fills up fast, and so do facial calendars. The question we get most this time of year is simple: how far ahead should I book?
The honest answer depends on the treatment and on whether your skin already knows it. Here's how we think about timing at our Henderson studio, treatment by treatment.
Not sure what your skin needs before the big night?
01The golden rule: nothing new right before
If you remember one thing, make it this: don't try a new treatment right before an event.
Cleveland Clinic explains that some people break out after a facial, a process often called "purging," and that it's especially common after a first facial or when you start new products. Its advice is direct: if you're new to facials, it's not a good idea to get one right before a big, photo-worthy event.
The same goes for new serums, new acids and new hair removal. Your skin should meet the party with products it already knows.
02A few days before: HydraFacial or dermaplaning
For skin that has had them before, these are the treatments we usually suggest closest to an event.
- HydraFacial. Our HydraFacial cleanses, extracts and hydrates in one visit of about 60 minutes, with minimal downtime. It's a popular pre-event treatment, and it starts at $250. If you're prone to redness after extractions, give yourself a little more room.
- Dermaplaning. Dermaplaning removes peach fuzz and dead surface cells so makeup can go on more smoothly. It's about 45 minutes, starts at $150 and has little to no downtime. Our post on dermaplaning myths covers who should skip it.
Comparing the two? See HydraFacial vs dermaplaning before a Vegas event. Many guests pair them.
Even with familiar treatments, we'd rather not book you the day of the event. A small cushion gives any pinkness time to settle.
03A week or more before: chemical peels
Peels can do a lot for dull, uneven skin after a Las Vegas summer, but they come with recovery time. Our chemical peels list 0–3 days of downtime, and the peel type is chosen after we assess your skin.
That's why we suggest booking a peel at least a week ahead of an event, and earlier if it's your first peel or a stronger one. Light flaking two days before a party isn't the look anyone wants. Afterward, daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is a must, even in December.
04Weeks before: microneedling and Procell
Treatments aimed at texture are planned in weeks, not days.
- Microneedling. On our microneedling page, we note that most people see some redness for a few days, and that you should skip exfoliants, retinoids, saunas and hard workouts for a few days afterward. Cleveland Clinic notes most people need multiple treatments spaced weeks apart.
- Procell microchanneling. Our Procell treatment is also done as a series spaced weeks apart.
If texture is your goal for a December event, the time to start talking to us is now, not the week of. And if the timing is too tight, we'll tell you and suggest something gentler for the event itself.
05A simple December countdown
Here's how a holiday-season plan often comes together. We'll adjust it to your skin.
- Now (six weeks or more out): Book a consult or a Free Skin Analysis. If you want to work on texture, this is when a microneedling or Procell plan starts.
- Three to four weeks out: Try any treatment you've never had, so you know how your skin responds.
- One to two weeks out: A chemical peel, if it's one your skin tolerates.
- A few days out: A HydraFacial, dermaplaning or both, if your skin already knows them.
- The last couple of days: Gentle cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, sleep and water. Nothing new.
Dry desert air and indoor heating can leave skin tight in winter, so hydration matters this time of year. Our post on dry skin in Las Vegas has more.
06Book early: December fills up
Holiday weeks get busy. If you have a date in mind, book your pre-event visit now, then work backward from there.
Start with a Free Skin Analysis, online from your phone, no visit needed. Or book now, or call us at (702) 408-6891. Our Licensed Advanced Estheticians will help you pick the right treatment and the right day.
07FAQ
How many days before an event should I get a facial?
If your skin already knows the treatment, a HydraFacial or dermaplaning a few days ahead usually works well. Book peels at least a week ahead, and try anything new several weeks before the event.
Can I get a HydraFacial the day before an event?
We'd rather leave a small cushion of a few days so any pinkness can settle, especially if extractions are part of your visit. If it's your first HydraFacial, try it well before the event.
Should I get a chemical peel before a party?
It can work if you plan ahead. Our peels have 0–3 days of downtime, so we suggest booking at least a week before, and earlier for a first or stronger peel.
Is it OK to try a new treatment before a big event?
It's better not to. Cleveland Clinic notes that breakouts after a facial are especially common after a first facial, so try new treatments several weeks ahead.
This article is for general education and isn't medical advice. If you're pregnant, on acne medication such as a retinoid, have a skin condition or any medical concern, ask your provider before starting a new treatment.
Brenda Diaz is a Licensed Advanced Esthetician & Co‑owner of Beyond Skin & Body Care in Henderson. She reviews Skin Journal posts before they're published.
About Brenda →ReferencesSources
- Cleveland Clinic: What is a facial?: health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-a-facial
- Cleveland Clinic: Microneedling: my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23113-microneedling