When to Book Your Facials Before Christmas: A Skin Timeline
Quick Answer: Book skin-renewing treatments such as Skin Needling, BBL and peels 6–8 weeks before Christmas, hydrating and seasonal facials 1–3 weeks before, and spray tans 1–2 days before. Starting now gives your skin time to settle, and gives you the widest choice of appointments before our December diary fills.
Why timing matters for festive skin
Treatment timing is the gap between your appointment and the day you want your skin at its best. Some treatments work by encouraging the skin to renew, which means a short settling period before the full result shows. Others give an instant glow. Knowing which is which lets you plan a calm, unhurried lead-up rather than a last-minute rush.
At Facial Impressions in Avalon Beach, we've been helping Northern Beaches clients prepare for the festive season since 1985. The most common regret we hear in December is "I wish I'd started sooner."
6–8 weeks before: renewal and pigmentation treatments
Renewal treatments are those that work beneath the surface to even tone, soften pigmentation and refine texture. These include BBL (BroadBand Light), the Double Peel and the Illuminating Pigmentation Facial.
Pigmentation treated with light can darken slightly and flake away over the following week or two, and peels may bring a little dryness or flaking depending on depth. Recovery time from any peel depends on its strength, and sun protection is essential afterwards (The Aesthetic Society). Booking early means any settling happens well before your events, and leaves room for a second session if your therapist recommends one.
Best for: sun spots, uneven tone, dullness, texture.
3–4 weeks before: corrective facials and courses
Corrective facials target a specific concern, such as congestion, sensitivity or dehydration, and often build results over a short series. This is a good window to complete a course, such as the Pink Treatment, so the cumulative benefit peaks at the right time.
Best for: skin that needs a reset after winter, breakouts, redness.
1–2 weeks before: hydration and glow
Hydrating facials restore moisture and plumpness with little or no downtime, which makes them ideal close to an event. Skin looks smoother, makeup sits better, and you walk out with an immediate glow.
Best for: tired, dehydrated or "flat" looking skin before parties.
1–2 days before: finishing touches
Finishing treatments are the final polish: spray tan, brow shaping and tinting, and lash tinting. A spray tan is best one to two days ahead so the colour develops evenly and any first-day intensity has softened.
Protect your results through summer
Your results last longer when you protect them. Spring and summer bring strong UV to the Northern Beaches, and ARPANSA advises Australians to be especially vigilant with sun protection from around September to April. Cancer Council recommends sunscreen as part of your morning routine whenever the UV Index is 3 or above, applied 20 minutes before going outside. This matters even more after renewal treatments, when fresh skin is more vulnerable.
Our tip: plan your whole season in one visit
The easiest approach is to book your treatments as a series in one conversation. Tell us your key dates, such as work parties, family gatherings or travel, and we'll map the timing for you. If you're new to us, start with a skin consultation so we can recommend the right treatments for your skin.
Planning ahead also lets you spread the cost of your treatments comfortably across the season, and payment options including Afterpay and Zip are available.
Frequently asked questions
How far ahead should I book a facial before Christmas?
For hydrating or seasonal facials, one to three weeks before your event is ideal. For renewal treatments such as BBL or peels, allow six to eight weeks. Our December appointments fill quickly each year, so booking your times in October gives you the most choice.
Can I have a peel the week before a party?
We don't recommend it. Depending on its strength, a peel can cause some dryness or flaking for several days. For the week before an event, choose a hydrating facial instead, which gives an instant glow with little or no downtime.
When should I get a spray tan before an event?
One to two days before is best. This gives the colour time to develop evenly and soften from its first-day intensity. Exfoliate the day before your tan, and avoid moisturiser, deodorant and makeup on the day of your appointment.
I'm new to Facial Impressions. Where should I start?
Start with a skin consultation. Your therapist will assess your skin, talk through your goals and key dates, and recommend a treatment plan and timing that suit you. You can book online through our New Clients page.
Book your festive skin plan
Book online, or call our Avalon Beach clinic on 02 9918 7288, and let us plan your season with you.
Book Your Appointments
New clients: Book a Skin Consultation
Green Tea & Red Currant Seasonal Facial
Facial Impressions has cared for skin in Avalon Beach and across the Northern Beaches, including Newport, Mona Vale, Palm Beach and Bilgola, since 1985.
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