Pre-Wedding Skin Smoothing: Is It Worth The Effort?

There are many beauty treatments to consider before your wedding day, and it's important to start early to avoid any mishaps. A good skincare routine is essential, and it's recommended to begin a facial regimen eight to ten months before the wedding. This includes double cleansing, toning, moisturising, and wearing SPF every day. It's also important to drink enough water and consider taking multivitamins to help manage the stress of wedding planning. If you want to try injectables, it's best to start a year before your wedding, but six months is the minimum amount of time you should allow. For hair, it's recommended to shampoo and blow-dry your hair the night before the wedding to ensure it's clean and free of oil or buildup. You should also avoid putting your hair up in a bun or going to sleep with wet hair in the days leading up to your wedding, as this can cause kinks and frizz.

Facials: Start a facial regimen 8-10 months before the wedding, with a facial every four weeks

Smoothing your skin before your wedding is a great way to ensure you feel your best on the big day. Facials are a popular choice for brides-to-be, and it is recommended that you start a facial regimen 8-10 months before the wedding, with a facial every four weeks. This will give you time to see a noticeable difference and improvement in your skin as it takes around 28 days for skin cells to regenerate.

Starting your facial regimen well in advance of your wedding will allow you to see how your skin reacts to the treatments and give it time to recover if needed. It is also a great opportunity to take some time for self-care amidst the stress of wedding planning. When it comes to facials, consistency is key. Working with an aesthetician to develop a customised treatment plan that addresses your specific skin concerns will help you achieve the best results.

8-10 Months Before the Wedding

Begin your facial regimen by finding a qualified aesthetician or dermatologist who can help you address any specific skin concerns. This could include issues such as acne, scarring, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, or dullness. During this initial phase, you may opt for more gentle treatments such as dermaplaning, dermal infusion, HydraFacials, Laser Genesis, IPL, or LED therapy.

6 Months Before the Wedding

If you are considering incorporating retinoids into your skincare routine to treat acne, scarring, or hyperpigmentation, this is a good time to start. Retinoids can be very effective, but they require a period of adjustment, and you may experience side effects such as flaking, dry skin, and purging during the first month of use. Working closely with a dermatologist will help you manage these side effects and adjust your dosage as needed.

4 Months Before the Wedding

If sun spots or hyperpigmentation are a concern, speak with your dermatologist about the possibility of laser treatments. Laser treatments require multiple sessions, and starting four to six months in advance will give you enough time to assess how your skin reacts and make any necessary adjustments.

3 Months Before the Wedding

Introduce new acids such as AHAs and BHAs into your skincare routine to address concerns like hyperpigmentation, dullness, acne, or textural issues. Start with low- to medium-strength products and gradually increase the concentration if needed. This will help you avoid irritation, redness, or flakiness that may be caused by stronger formulas.

1 Month Before the Wedding

Avoid starting any new treatments or products during the final month before your wedding. Stick to what you know works for your skin to prevent any unexpected reactions or flare-ups.

1 Week Before the Wedding

Schedule your final facial for this week. This final treatment should focus on hydrating and soothing your skin rather than extractions or peels, which may cause redness or irritation. Oxygen therapy, hydrating serums, and ultrasound modalities are great options to ensure your skin looks and feels its best.

Day Before the Wedding

Focus your skincare on delivering layers of hydration and soothing ingredients. Look for products containing hyaluronic acid or ingredients that support your skin's natural barrier. A water-based moisturiser will provide a lightweight, nongreasy feel while deeply quenching your skin and ensuring your makeup applies smoothly.

Remember, it is important to manage your expectations when it comes to pre-wedding skincare. Your skin will always have texture and pores, and creating realistic goals will make developing an effective skincare plan easier. Additionally, be mindful of incorporating new treatments or products too close to your wedding day to avoid any adverse reactions or unexpected results.

Hair: Shampoo and blow-dry hair the night before the wedding

Shampooing your hair the night before the wedding is a good idea. It will ensure your hair is clean and free of oil or build-up. If your hair is very oily, you can wait until the morning of the wedding to wash it. However, your hair must be blow-dried after shampooing to smooth your hair, add shine, and reduce frizz.

Tips for shampooing and blow-drying your hair:

• Make sure your hair is completely dry before going to sleep. Sleeping with wet hair can damage or break your hair and cause frizz.
• Use styling products when blow-drying your hair. Ask your wedding hairstylist for recommendations. For example, if you have fine, limp hair, they may suggest a heat protectant plus a volumizing mousse to add shine and body.
• If you have long hair, avoid putting it in a ponytail or messy bun the morning of the wedding. This can cause unwanted kinks and dents in your hair. Use a claw clip or silk scarf instead.

Skin: Manage expectations and set goals for your skincare routine

It's completely valid to want to feel beautiful and confident on your wedding day, but it's important to remember that skin will always have texture and pores. Accepting this will make creating an effective and realistic skincare plan easier.

Set specific skincare goals

Setting specific goals for yourself will allow you to create a routine that makes sense for you and puts you on track toward an attainable skincare plan for your wedding day. These goals could include reducing acne, increasing collagen or elastin, or simply hydrating the skin.

Create a timeline for your skincare routine

It's crucial to keep track of the timeline leading up to your wedding when creating a pre-wedding skincare plan. You want to ensure that any products or treatments you use have enough time to take effect, while also avoiding any negative side effects on the big day.

• Six to 12 months in advance: If you're hoping to try out injectables like Botox or fillers, it's best to grant yourself as much time as possible. This will allow you to discuss your desired outcomes with a dermatologist and ensure you get the best results on your wedding day.
• Six months before the wedding: Start a new retinoid to treat acne, rough or congested skin, and hyperpigmentation issues. Retinoids can also increase skin's production of collagen, which helps smooth out wrinkles and fine lines. However, they are a marathon, not a sprint, so don't expect overnight results.
• Four to six months before the wedding: If your primary concern is eradicating sun spots or hyperpigmentation, speak with your dermatologist about the possibility of laser treatments. It's recommended to have about three or four laser treatments before the wedding day to see optimal results.
• Three months before the wedding: Start using acids such as AHAs and BHAs to address issues like hyperpigmentation, dullness, acne, or textural problems. Start with low- to medium-strength products and increase the concentration if necessary.
• One month before the wedding: Have your final injectables appointment. This will give the treatment enough time to settle into your skin while still allowing for any swelling or bruising to heal.
• One week before the wedding: Get your final facial. This final treatment should focus on keeping the skin hydrated and healthy, avoiding extractions or peels that might leave the skin red or irritated.
• The day before the wedding: Focus on delivering layers of hydration and soothing ingredients to your complexion. Look for products that provide deep hydration, such as hyaluronic acid or ingredients that support your skin's natural barrier.

Choose the right skincare products

When creating your skincare routine, it's important to choose the right products for your skin type and specific needs. If you have fine, limp hair, for example, you might want to use a heat protectant and a volumizing mousse to add shine and body. On the other hand, if you have curly or wavy hair, you might want to use a serum or conditioning product, and then add a blowout straightening product.

It's also important to remember that one facial will not give you lasting results or provide an instant fix. Instead, work with a dermatologist or aesthetician to create a plan that addresses your specific skin concerns and goals.

Body: Reduce sugar and dairy intake

Sugar and dairy are two food groups that can be reduced in the lead-up to a wedding.

Sugar

Excessive sugar consumption is linked to an increased risk of certain health conditions, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Sugar is also detrimental to dental health, as bacteria in the mouth break it down and produce acid that damages teeth.

Sugar is also linked to skin ageing, and diets high in sugar can cause energy spikes and crashes.

Dairy

Dairy products can cause bloating and gas, as well as acne, due to excess oil production in the skin. Dairy can also cause digestive issues, especially for those with lactose intolerance.

Dairy is mucus-forming, and the protein in dairy has been found to increase inflammation in vital parts of the body, such as the thyroid gland and digestive tract.

Reducing Sugar and Dairy Intake

To reduce sugar and dairy intake before a wedding, it is important to be mindful of the foods and drinks that contain added sugars and dairy.

Sugar

• Sweeteners like table sugar, honey, maple syrup, corn syrup, and agave.
• Sweetened beverages such as soda, smoothies, juices, coffee drinks, and sports drinks.
• Condiments with added sugar, including ketchup, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, and coffee creamer.
• Sweetened dairy products like flavoured yoghurt, ice cream, and chocolate milk.
• Sugary baked goods, including cookies, cakes, doughnuts, and bread with added sugar.
• Candy, chocolate, gummy candies, and caramels.
• Sugary alcoholic drinks, including mixed drinks, sweetened liquor, and canned alcoholic drinks.

Dairy

• Milk, plain yoghurt, and other unsweetened dairy products.
• Cheese, including Parmesan, ricotta, and cream cheese.
• Butter.
• Cream.
• Ice cream.

Alternatives

To replace sugar and dairy in your diet, you can focus on consuming whole, nutrient-dense foods, such as:

• Vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, carrots, asparagus, zucchini, and sweet potatoes.
• Fruits: apples, oranges, berries, grapes, cherries, and grapefruit.
• Proteins: chicken, fish, beef, tofu, and eggs.
• Healthy fats: egg yolks, avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and unsweetened yoghurt.
• Complex carbohydrates: beans, quinoa, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and brown rice.
• Unsweetened beverages: water, sparkling water, unsweetened coffee, and tea.

Benefits

Reducing sugar and dairy intake before your wedding can have several benefits, including:

• Clearer skin and a more youthful appearance.
• Reduced bloating and improved digestion.
• Increased energy levels.
• Weight loss, especially around the belly.
• Improved dental health.
• Lower risk of developing chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
• Improved mood and reduced anxiety.

Remember, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional or nutritionist before making any significant changes to your diet. They can help you make informed decisions about your health and ensure that you are getting all the necessary nutrients.

Hands: Consider injectable wrinkle reducers to address volume loss

Injectable wrinkle reducers, such as Botox, are a great way to address volume loss in the hands and achieve a more youthful appearance for your wedding day. Here are some things to consider and steps to take if you are thinking about this treatment:

• Consult a dermatologist or aesthetician: It is important to consult a board-certified dermatologist or aesthetician who can help you create a customised treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and skin condition. They can also advise on the best timing for your treatments.
• Start early: Injectable treatments for the hands are typically recommended about a month before the wedding to achieve the most natural look. However, if you have never had dermal fillers before, it is generally advised to start even earlier, allowing time for more natural results. Fillers typically last six months, so plan your last treatment accordingly.
• Manage your expectations: While injectable wrinkle reducers can effectively minimise wrinkles and add volume, it is important to have realistic expectations. Remember that your skin will always have texture and pores, and accepting this will help you create a more effective and realistic skin care plan.
• Create a skin care plan: Work with your dermatologist or aesthetician to create a comprehensive skin care plan that includes the right products and treatments for your specific goals. This may include a combination of injectables, skincare products, and other treatments such as facials or laser therapy.
• Consider other treatments: In addition to injectable wrinkle reducers, there are other treatments that can help improve the appearance of your hands. For example, regular manicures can help enhance the beauty of your hands, and certain hand creams and moisturisers can improve skin texture and hydration.
• Avoid last-minute treatments: It is generally recommended to avoid any new treatments or procedures within the last few weeks before your wedding. This includes any treatments involving needles, as they may cause bruising that could still be visible on your wedding day.

Frequently asked questions