Little by little our days are getting a bit longer and before we know it, the temperature will start creeping into positive numbers. Warmer days really are just around the corner and I know we are all looking forward to spring. It’s easy to think about leaving the coats behind and feeling the sunshine on our faces. Spring brings weddings, graduation, parties and more time outdoors.

If you’re preparing for a big event this spring or summer, now is the time to begin the work. With so many skin treatments available, helping you achieve the results you are looking for has never been easier. There are treatments to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. We can erase frown lines and lift tired eyes. There are even treatments to help with the overall glow and health of your skin. However, many of these treatments need ample time to take full affect and most treatments require that you temporarily limit exposure to the sun. It should come as no surprise that winter is the easiest time to limit your exposure to the sun. With time on your side, you will get the most of your beauty treatments. There are a few key steps that should be followed to make sure you will be happy with the results you are spending time and money trying to achieve.

Find out what treatment is really best. Allowing yourself a bit more time up front will insure you choose the best treatment for the results you want. Make sure you take advantage of the free consults offered, and schedule an appointment to ask questions, learn about the many treatments available and get solid advice about what is best for you. There have been many times when a patient has come into my office wanting a specific treatment, but after a consult ends up going a different direction. Having a professional look over your skin is an important step, and when you allow more time this makes the process easier.

Keep time on your side. If you’re booked down to the wire, you may rush into a treatment that isn’t quite right or the treatment you want won’t have time to produce the maximum results. Each individual’s skin is unique and therefore will respond differently to treatments. We can give general guidelines, but how your skin reacts to a chemical peel or a laser treatment is different for everyone. Treatments may need to be adjusted once the process actually starts. Some patients require less time than expected, and some require more to achieve the desired results.

Shield yourself from the sun. We all know that too much sun is often the cause of many skin issues. Overexposure can quickly age your skin, and this is why most laser treatments target skin pigment. Lasers can even out skin tones and reduce fine lines and wrinkles, so it’s best to avoid the sun both before and after a treatment. Staying out of the harsh sun for 72 hours before a treatment will help insure the laser best targets the areas you are trying to correct. If you are exposed to the sun too soon after a laser treatment, you are at an increased risk for burns or scarring.

If you’re trying out a new skin care product, it’s also best to keep time on your side. New regimens should begin as early as possible to give your skin plenty of time to adjust to the new product. Time will cut down the risk of breakouts before the big event and if you can allow up to three months, your skin should be in the clear.

Preparing now and allowing ample time will help you get the most out of whatever beauty treatment you decide to do. It’s a process most people spend a lot of time considering and once they decide, they expect immediate results. Doing the prep work will give you a greater understanding for the transformation your skin will take, and, most importantly, you will be ready for the weddings, graduations and other celebrations that come with spring.