Your wedding day is one of the most important and memorable days of your life. Looking and feeling your absolute best is a top priority. While makeup can cover and conceal a lot, starting with healthy, glowing skin is key. Implementing a skincare routine leading up to your wedding will help you achieve bridal beauty. Follow this guide to get your skin prepped for your big day.
Start Early
Don’t wait until the month or week before your wedding to implement a skincare routine. For the best results, you’ll want to allow yourself at least 6 months. This gives your skin adequate time to renew, restore and respond to products and treatments. Beginning a regimen at least half a year in advance ensures your complexion will be in peak, photo-ready condition.
Focus on Exfoliation
One of the most important steps in your pre-wedding skincare is exfoliation. Look for scrubs and treatments that contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). These types of chemical exfoliants help dissolve dead skin cells and reveal fresh new ones. This promotes cell turnover which makes your complexion look smoother, softer and more radiant.
Exfoliate your face 2-3 times a week in the months leading up to the wedding. Be careful not to overdo it though, as too much exfoliation can cause irritation. Gentle, circular motions are best when exfoliating to avoid tugging at delicate facial skin.
Brighten with Vitamin C
For glowing, youthful-looking skin, work vitamin C skincare products into your pre-wedding routine. Vitamin C has powerful antioxidant properties that help brighten, even skin tone, build collagen and offer photo-protective benefits. It’s one of the most effective ingredients for achieving a lit-from-within bridal glow.
Look for serums or creams containing L-ascorbic acid, the most potent form of vitamin C. Use it in both your morning and evening skincare regimen for amplified brightness. Be consistent with application, as it can take several weeks for vitamin C to reveal its full effects.
Hydrate and Nourish
Bridal skin should look plump and supple in photos, so hydration is a must. Use a rich moisturizer morning and night to inject moisture. Look for formulas containing emollients like ceramides that help seal hydration into the skin.
Don’t forget your neck and decolletage in your skincare routine! These areas are often exposed in wedding gowns, so moisturize them diligently to prevent dryness or crepiness. Exfoliate the neck/chest two times a week as well to keep the texture smooth.
Schedule Facials
If it’s in your wedding budget, booking a few professional facials in the months prior is highly recommended. Look for treatments like microdermabrasion that intensively exfoliate and brighten the complexion.
Ask your esthetician about light chemical peels that use AHAs to increase cell turnover and unclog pores. Hydrafacials are also excellent for deeply hydrating the skin with soothing serums. Get a facial once a month leading up to the big event.
Stick to Gentle Products
In the weeks right before your wedding, use only gentle, soothing products. Avoid harsh scrubs, masks, astringents or chemical treatments that could potentially irritate skin. Steer clear of heavily fragranced products as well.
Focus on keeping your skin calm, nourished and protected. Use a lightweight mineral sunscreen every morning, even if you don’t plan to spend much time outdoors. Sun protection is still important.
With consistent TLC, your skin will look and feel its absolute best on your momentous day. Don’t forget to relax and enjoy the process too!