We know, we know, you hate that the stores start stocking Halloween candy before summer’s even technically over. You hate that winter holiday ads come on before Thanksgiving. You hate that Valentine’s decorations go up before the New Year ones come down. We get it—why not just enjoy the seasons as they come?
But we have one exception. If you’ve got body and beauty goals for the holidays, you’ll need to jump on them now. Here’s your countdown plan so you can look your best for party season, vacation or simply because it’s time to take care to be the best you possible.
Transform Your Body
When you start a new workout regimen, it’s going to take at least a couple months to see results—if you’re doing it in a measured, healthy way. Now is the time to join the gym or buy your ClassPass (or actually start exercising again if you’ve lapsed), hire a trainer and consider clean eating or intermittent fasting to boost your metabolism.
Sometimes stubborn fat is beyond your control, no matter how hard you work to get rid of it, and in that case, CoolSculpting comes to the rescue. This non-invasive, nonsurgical treatment freezes your fat cells, and then your body naturally eliminates them. (It isn’t, however, a way to actually lose weight for the obese.) But because it’s a biological process as opposed to a surgical one, the timeline is about three months before you start seeing results from your first treatment; many people opt for several to achieve maximum fat removal. It works everywhere you’ve accumulated fat: the abdomen, arms, face, flanks, thighs, and butt are typically the most-requested areas.
To make the treatment even more effective, OrangeTwist technicians use the Zimmer Z-Wave Pro, a tool that sends sound waves subcutaneously to help smooth the skin’s appearance, immediately after. It helps increase fat elimination, and you’ll see results sooner. It works because the Z-Wave breaks through the membranes of any remaining targeted fat cells to kill them as well as to help break down the crystallized frozen fat cells into smaller pieces, assisting the body in a quicker elimination process. Bonus: There’s less discomfort, numbing and swelling after your CoolSculpting.
Another way we like to tighten body skin after treatment is with Alastin Body TransFORM. TriHex technology increases collagen and elastin fibers. We recommend two to three pumps daily on the treated areas to help maintain long-term skin tightening and encourage fat-cell elimination.
And for added encouragement, stock up on fresh new sneakers and workout gear—there’s nothing like taking a new pair of kicks for a spin.
Face the Truth
Most of us know that beauty is primarily an inside job—your face reflects how you’re eating, if you’re getting enough sleep and if you’re managing stress. To have glowing, gorgeous skin by the holidays, take an assessment of what you’re putting into your body, and aim for more antioxidants (leafy greens, berries, and dark chocolate) and fewer foods that cause inflammation (dairy, starches, and sugars). Now’s also a good time to consult with a nutritionist or dietician for extra help if you need it.
It’s also time to upgrade your products and cosmetics. Throw out anything old, items you’re not using, potions that have a funny smell or makeup that’s the wrong shade (e.g., you keep trying it, only to wipe it off immediately after). Upgrade to skincare products with medical-grade “skingredients” that actually change the cellular makeup of your skin. For example, we like the Senté, ZO Skin Health and Alastin lines for their scientifically proven improvements in skin tone, collagen-building, and sun/pollution protection.
Now that summer’s ending and you’ll likely be spending more time indoors, it’s a good time to come in for a consultation about minimally invasive, maximum-result treatments to improve the skin’s surface, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and help with discoloration. Ask about laser and light treatments such as Forever Young BBL and the Clear + Brilliant gentle laser. Microneedling, too, is a great option for stimulating collagen production and disappearing fine lines.
Hair, Clothes, and Accessories
What do you want your crown to look like come Christmas? Are you growing out grey, bringing in bangs or considering a big chop? For men, what’s your facial hair situation, and what are your goals for it? Schedule a consultation with your barber or stylist now so you can work on a plan to get there.
Fall is also a great time to switch out your closet—pack away your summer duds as you bring in the fall ones, jettisoning anything you no longer want or doesn’t fit, ala Marie Kondo. (And do get rid of those jeans you were saving for when you lose weight—no reason to keep self-recrimination in your dresser.) Look for shoes that need repair and clothes that need mending or tailoring, and put them immediately in a bag in the car so you’re more likely to drop them off.
Yes, it seems like a way off, and perhaps becoming your best self by New Year’s is daunting. But the great thing about starting now is that you can take the next small step toward your goal; before you know it, you’ll be there.
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