Getting ready for your big day is more than makeup and wardrobe. Aesthetic doctor Dr Paul Yow shares his step-by-step skin prep guide – what to do and when – for your most radiant event glow.
Whether it’s your long-awaited wedding, a glamorous dinner party, or a career-defining corporate event, looking your absolute best isn’t just about slipping into an elegant gown. It’s the result of dedicated preparations that start weeks – or even months – in advance.
From glowing skin and shiny locks to polished nails and subtle grooming tweaks, every little detail helps elevate your look. The goal isn’t just to appear great but to feel confident from the inside out. Here’s your guide to getting event-ready and stress-free!
How Early Should You Start Preparing?
As soon as you know the date!
Dr Paul Yow, Director of Aesthetic Medicine at Eagle Aesthetics & Surgery, recommends starting the preparations at least 3 to 6 months before the big day to achieve the best version of your skin. This is particularly true for energy-based devices or treatments requiring multiple sessions (e.g. skin boosters or lasers). Having enough time allows results to build naturally while giving your skin time to recover fully.
Short on time? You can still achieve a fresh, event-ready glow. Dr Paul recommends starting at least 4 weeks prior, focusing on gentle, effective treatments with minimal risk of redness or swelling.
“The more time to prepare the skin, the greater the treatment options available and the better the results.”
What Should You Include in Your Prep Routine?
Glowing skin is the best accessory for any big event! Here are some options to consider:
1. Injectables
For deep hydration and a natural glow with minimal downtime, skin boosters are Dr Paul’s top pick.
- Hyaluronic Acid (HA)
HA restores moisture, stimulates collagen production, serves as an antioxidant, and adds volume to the skin.
- Polylactic Acids (PLA)
PLA such as poly-L-lactic acid, poly-D-lactic acid and poly-D,L-lactic acid are synthetic fillers. They stimulate collagen over time, gradually lifting and firming the skin.
- Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) and Polynucleotides (PN)
Extracted from salmon or trout DNA, these biostimulators encourage cell repair and boost elasticity.
Besides boosting collagen production, some studies suggest Botulinum Toxin can reduce ultraviolet (UV)-induced skin pigmentation by inhibiting excess melanin in the outer skin layer. Melanin is the skin pigment – the more melanin you have, the darker your skin will be. If you’re going for a fairer skin type, consult your doctor for suitability.
2. Gentle Laser Treatments
- Picosecond laser
Using ultra-short pulses, picosecond laser breaks down pigmentation, stimulates collagen, and improves texture. With minimal irritation and quick recovery, it is a popular pre-event choice.
3. High-Grade Facials with Medical-Grade Serums
Close to the event – go beyond regular spa facials. High-grade facials are skincare procedures to address specific skin concerns. Pairing with medical-grade serums containing essential ingredients like hyaluronic acid (HA), peptides, antioxidants or growth factors, these facials can instantly plump and rejuvenate the skin.
- HydraFacial
As a three-step non-invasive facial treatment, HydraFacial can cleanse, exfoliate and infuse the skin with peptides and antioxidants to maximise the glow.
- Oxygen Facial
Oxygen facial delivers high-pressure oxygen along with serums such as hyaluronic acid (HA), vitamin C and peptides deep into the skin. This gives better absorption and immediate glow.
- Exosome Facial
Exosomes are tiny messengers carrying proteins and growth signals between cells. In facial, they help boost hydration, improve tone texture, and give a “glass-skin” glow!
4. Take Your Vitamins
Natural supplements such as Vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, collagen and omega-3 fatty acids, promote skin health. They can boost skin repair, reduce inflammation, and maintain skin hydration.
5. Use Ice Globes
While high-tech lasers and skin boosters do the heavy lifting, ice globes offer a surprisingly effective last step in your glow-up routine, especially in the final hours before your big event.
The sensation is not only calming but also temporarily tightens the skin, reduces morning puffiness, and gives a smooth, makeup-ready finish.
“Ice globes can be useful as a soothing, depuffing and circulation-boosting tool,” shares Dr Paul.
“Think ice globes as the final touch on the morning of your event, but not a substitute for proper preparation.”
Key Takeaways
Now, you are almost ready! Looking your best takes more than last-minute fixes.
So, always remember to:
- Start as early as possible. Ideally 3–6 months, or at least 4 weeks.
- Opt for gentle treatments with proven results.
- Stay consistent with your skincare routine – use a gentle cleanser, serums, moisturiser and daily sunscreen. A good base makes good skin effortless.
- Keep hydrated, well-rested and eat healthy.
Above all, consult an aesthetic doctor or dermatologist if you’re unsure what will work best for you.
References
- https://eagleeyeaesthetics.com.sg/doctors/dr-paul-yow/
- Yi KH, et al. Skin boosters: Definitions and varied classifications. Skin Res Technol. 2024 Mar; 30(3):e13627. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10938033/#srt13627-bib-0080
- Can You Actually Restore and Stimulate Collagen Production. Medical Channel Asia. Updated: 12 August 2025. https://medicalchannelasia.com/can-you-actually-restore-and-stimulate-collagen-production/
- Can Laser Treatments Really Treat Acne Scare And Sagging Skin? Medical Channel Asia. Updated: 4 December 2024. https://medicalchannelasia.com/can-laser-treatments-really-treat-acne-scars-and-sagging-skin/
- Hydrafacial Treatment. Eagle Aesthetics & Surgery. https://eagleeyeaesthetics.com.sg/services/derm-spa/hydrafacial-treatment/
- What is an Oxygen Facial And Can It Benefit Your Skin? Heathline. Updated: 30 October 2019. https://www.healthline.com/health/oxygen-facial
- Plant-Based Exosome Facial. Eagle Aesthetics & Surgery. https://eagleeyeaesthetics.com.sg/services/derm-spa/aquafirmexs-facial/
- 5 Natural Supplements For Glowing Skin. Medical Channel Asia. Updated: 22 October 2024. https://medicalchannelasia.com/5-natural-supplements-for-glowing-skin/
- TikTok’s Morning Shed – Skincare Gimmick or Marketing Gimmick? Medical Channel Asia. Updated: 2 April 2025. https://medicalchannelasia.com/tiktoks-morning-shed-skincare-magic-or-marketing-gimmick/
