Countdown to Great Skin: Here’s Your Real Results Timeline

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You’ve RSVP’d yes, blocked your calendar, and bookmarked a collection of perfect ensembles to choose from. You’re already well on your way to looking and feeling your best on the big day. Now all that remains is getting your complexion ready to glow.

Our golden rule? Good skin comes to those who prepare. Along with dermatologists and skincare experts, we’ve created a beauty calendar to help you dazzle the day of the occasion (and every day after).

3 months out

The countdown begins. And where else to start than with one of the most powerful rejuvenating ingredients? Retinaldehyde, AKA retinal, helps boost skin turnover and support skin’s collagen levels for a smoother, firmer look.

If it’s your first time using a retinoid, your skin may need some time to adjust — AKA the retinization period. That’s because retinal puts your skin’s turnover into overdrive. And since your skin is working so quickly to regenerate itself, you might see more texture come up to the surface at first.

The good news? Results stick around, while setbacks should be temporary. “Using retinal can be a process. But the end goal is smooth, youthful-looking skin. Keep at it, and you’re likely to start seeing visible results in just a few weeks,” advises Ana Fernandez, ISDIN Medical Communication Specialist — right on time for the event of the year.

Antioxidants aren’t just for serums — they can do a world of good on the inside. Research suggests that diet plays a significant role in skin health. And a higher intake of antioxidants may help combat oxidative skin damage — a known contributor to the visible signs of aging.

Antioxidant vitamin E has a significant role to play when it comes to well-aging. “We tend to produce less sebum as we age, so the amount of vitamin E that naturally makes its way up to the skin’s surface decreases with age,” explained Dr. Joel Schlessinger, board-certified dermatologist, on LovelySkin.

Adding a supplement to your diet can give your skin the boost it needs from within. Opt for a blend rich in antioxidants (like vitamin E), polyphenols, and carotenoids. These help neutralize free radicals and defend the skin against oxidative stress for radiance that has staying-power.

30 days out

You’ve been putting in the work. And since well-aging effects typically take at least 30 days to appear, you’re starting to see the fruits of your labor. Now’s the time to reinforce your efforts.

Vitamin C brightens up dullness due to natural skin aging or daily stressors like tobacco smoke and pollution. Routine use can also encourage a more unified skin tone and minimize the look of sun spots.

One simple way to make sure you get your daily dose? Try ampoules. Dr. Melissa Levin, board-certified dermatologist, is a proponent. “This formulation is sealed in a glass ampoule to ensure stability and potency and is easy to use for travel,” she said to Allure. The product in question? Flavo-C Ultraglican. “I especially love it for the winter since, in addition to the L-ascorbic acid, it also improves skin moisturization due to hyaluronic acid and proteoglycans.”

Here’s something to keep in mind: your skin’s turnover cycle takes 21-28 days. Meaning? Now’s the time to start exfoliating. This process helps to remove dead skin cells and promote turnover.

Glycolic acid has excellent exfoliating and restoring benefits thanks to its ability to penetrate the skin quickly — although it’s best to start off in moderation. Try beginning with a low concentration and increasing as your skin adjusts. You can apply your glycolic acid product every other night during the first week of use. Then, move up to nightly in the following weeks.

But which formula is ideal? Glicoisdin Soft gets a mention from the founder of Boutik Dermatology in Los Angeles, Dr. Onyeka Obioha. “It’s hydrating and contains exfoliating glycolic acid, which [helps] increase cell turnover and target hyperpigmentation,” shared Dr. Obioha on Buy Side from WSJ.

The big day

You’re already glowing from the inside out, so plan to keep the finishing touches simple. Take a tip for the big day from Dr. Dendy Engelman (@drdendy). She shared with Vogue, “Before a big event or filming anything, I always apply ISDIN Instant Flash to my face, neck, and chest. It makes my skin look amazing, and makeup goes on beautifully on top.”

The outfit’s on, and your best dance moves are on deck. But skincare doesn’t stop when you leave the house. Dr. Engelman continued, “In my bag, I keep the ISDIN Mineral Brush Daily Protection Powder for re-application throughout the day. I love this because it helps absorb excess oil and can be applied over makeup.”

Every day

Protecting your skin daily is the best way to keep it happy and healthy. That’s why there’s one product forever-invited to dermatologists’ and skin specialists’ routines: broad spectrum, high SPF sunscreen.

Dr. Robinson shared her experience with Eryfotona Actinica with Allure, “I love that this sunscreen is lightweight, 100 percent mineral, and combines zinc oxide with peptides, antioxidants, and [plankton-derived enzymes called] DNA Repairsomes, which repair and protect the skin.” Dr. Levin also joined in, “It’s an elegant, lightweight-but-effective pure mineral blocker with 11 percent zinc oxide and DNA repair enzymes.” Take it from the experts — sunscreen is the ultimate party guest.

Lights. Camera. Glow!

Now’s your time to shine. Whether you’re months out and still putting together the perfect skincare routine or only have 48 hours to go, remember that a little preparation can go a long way towards results. And the most important thing? Love your skin, care for it, and protect it, always.