Ultimate Pre-Wedding Skin Care Guide
As a former make-up artist I solemnly swear that a happy skin equals a happy bride. During the wedding make-up trial sessions I used to at least wag my finger at the brides-to-be, usually uttering something like ‘no devouring of chocolate from now on until after the wedding, ok?’
Yes, I know. Planning a wedding can be stressful. Yes, I know that a Godiva chocolate box calms you down but what does not look calm at all? Your irritated skin, Goddess.
Here is some – maybe shocking – news: The ideal time to start prepping your skin for the ‘Big Day’ is about six months prior to the wedding.
Now that you know this, brides-to-be, here are the ultimate steps on how to wedding-proof your skin:
Heal your gut first
Glowing skin starts with a healthy gut. If naughty food causes you breakouts it’s time for some nutritional discipline and your skin will thank you. No one needs excess sebum production and a very stressed skin. It might sound boring but a balanced healthy diet inclusive of vegetables, prebiotics and probiotics, and fermented foods will keep your gut’s microbiome very happy.
Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate
It may not be visible to the naked eye but dead skin cells leave your complexion looking dull and lacklustre, and it’s not the look we’re going for here. There are two different types of exfoliants: Chemical and physical. Both are great but for more oomph, give a chemical exfoliator a go, such as an AHA or BHA, twice or three times a week in the evening to maintain a luminous glow. For blemish-prone complexions, aim for a formula inclusive of BHAs such as salicylic acid to break down the oils congesting your pores. For deeper skin tones opt for a more gentle AHA such as mandelic or lactic acid as these are less likely to cause hyperpigmentation. Always ensure that you use sunscreens daily to prevent undoing your hard work.
Include a facial massage
Apart from sculpting and toning, a facial massage is a great way to boost the lymphatic system and circulation to help give your face a glow. A Gua Sha, facial rollers and microcurrent and nanocurrent toning devices are all fantastic tools to incorporate into your routine. Consistency is the key though, to achieve your desired results. Make sure to use the correct oils, serums or conductive gels with your chosen tool.
Try an LED face mask
If it’s good for Victoria Beckham, I’d say it’s good for a bride too. LED face masks are the perfect answer to reducing fine lines, breakouts, and pigmentation, leaving your skin plumper, brighter, smoother and firmer by harnessing the power of light therapy at varying wavelengths. Depending on the device and your preferred treatment, all you need is three to twenty minutes a day to boost your skin health. This is like having a professional facialist at your home.
Cue the beauty sleep
It’s not a myth, it’s real. During your night sleep your skin works overtime with your circadian rhythm to revive, rejuvenate, and repair itself. To help boost this process try an overnight serum or face mask to help with a radiant complexion.
Quench your thirsty skin
Yes, we’ve all heard about drinking 2 litres of water and yes, it’s important, brides. Water is one of the most important glow-enhancing ingredients for your skin. Flush out those troublesome toxins from your body and give an extra boost of hydration to your skin by adding a supplementary electrolyte to your drink.
Release exercise endorphins
Exercise is one of the quickest ways to get glowing skin because it helps to increase blood flow, nourish skin cells and it keeps them vital. Just 30 minutes three times a week can do wonders for your skin. If you’re pressed for time, add some weighted bangles or resistance bands to your workout at home and make the most of your exercise routine.
Cleanse skin twice a day
Cleansing your skin removes all the makeup, impurities, and sunscreen so that the skin can repair itself in the best way possible. Morning and evening skin cleansing will prepare your skin for the serum and cream that follow to do their magic. Don’t skip the morning cleanse, it’s surprising how much bacteria builds on the skin during the night’s sleep. Try a micellar-based cleansing water or cleansing milk, teamed with a bamboo cotton pad.
Tailor your skin routine
If you have specific areas of concern, such as hyperpigmentation or breakouts that you want to target ahead of your wedding, it’s important to not add too much to your routine too soon. Add one active ingredient at a time, especially for sensitive skin, to prevent unwanted irritation. A Cult Beauty concierge is one way to help with a bespoke skincare routine and advice on how to implement the new ingredients and minimise any potential inflammation, prior to your wedding.
Watch your stress levels
You can’t avoid all the stress (Unless you can, lucky you!) but you can implement a few ways to keep the stress to a minimum, i.e. preventing your cortisol levels rising and covering you in potential facial spots. Find your zen by walking, meditating, reading a book, burning soothing essential oil blends, acupressure or adding CBD into your diet and you and your skin will be ready for anything, including your wedding.
