Having just gotten through the holiday season, it's never too early to start thinking ahead to the warmer months. These three ideas can give you a jump start on preparing yourself to look great this summer.

1. Schedule an appointment with a doctor.

A visit to a plastic surgeon can really open your eyes to how modern technology and highly-skilled surgeons can transform your appearance. A face-lift can help you look and feel rejuvenated, refreshed, and more energetic by repositioning the muscles, fat, and skin around your face and neck. 

Instead of dealing with sagging skin, excess fat, or wrinkles and creases, you can consult with your doctor to see how he or she can give your face a new shape and a more youthful look. One study found that patients felt that their facelift made them look 12 years younger.

You can expect at least two to three weeks of some swelling, numbness, and discoloration, making the winter a great time to get your procedure done. You can wrap yourself up in a warm hat and scarf or a hoodie, and you won't have to worry about everyone seeing you while you're still recovering. Some patients may take longer to get into their best shape, so setting up your procedure at least a few months before the summer would be ideal.

2. Give yourself plenty of essential nutrients.

Scientists have found that vitamins and minerals can contribute to your skin health. Specifically, Vitamins C and E have been shown to reduce skin damage. They act as antioxidants and can help reverse the harmful effects that can be caused by the sun, smoking, or other environmental factors.

You can load up on your vitamins by eating citrus fruits, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, and leafy green vegetables. You can also take nutritional supplements, but it's always a smart idea to check with your primary care doctor before incorporating any supplements into your diet.

3. Book a day at the medical spa.

While an appointment at the spa can be relaxing, an appointment at a medical spa can result in more long-lasting effects. If you get dermabrasion, your physician will smooth out your skin by getting rid of the outer layer of skin cells with a brush or burr. It could take up two weeks to feel normal and up to eight weeks for any residual pinkness to subside.

Microdermabrasion is similar, but uses small exfoliating crystals to smooth things out. Many patients recover after just a day or two.

Licensed dermatologists or plastic surgeons can perform these treatments in their offices or in medical spas designed for patients who want to feel more comfortable.

Even though it may be cold outside, the warmer months are just around the corner. You can take action now to make sure you look amazing in a few months. Contact Advanced Dermatology Care or other cosmetic dermatologists in your area to look your best when summer rolls around.