Getting married? Congrats! We’re going to take a wild guess and say you have a LOT of your plate right now, so let us help with one thing: your skincare routine. We know one question a lot of brides have is when to start certain skincare products or treatments. “I'm about 6 months out and I want my skin to look hydrated, healthy and radiant on my wedding day,” says bride-to-be (and DERMAFLASH staffer!) Elena Russo. “I’m having trouble deciding if I should introduce new products to my routine to enhance my skin or continue with my regular skincare routine.” Keep reading for expert advice… and say “I do” to glowing on your wedding day!
DO start a gentle exfoliation routine
Gentle and consistent exfoliation is key to achieving glowing skin for your big day. First of all, when you remove the oldest layer of dead skin cells from your skin’s surface, you immediately reveal fresh, radiant skin underneath. Second, when you remove that layer of buildup, your skincare products will be able absorb more effectively. Exfoliation also kickstarts your skin’s natural collagen production process. (In case you need a quick reminder, collagen is what gives your skin its youthful structure and bounce.)
The key with exfoliation is not to overdo it—remember how we said “gentle and consistent”? With LUXE+ Sonic Dermaplaning, one treatment per week is all you need for smoother and more radiant skin. Ideally, you’d start sonic dermaplaning 6 months before your big day, but starting even just 1 month before will still give you a visible reduction in fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots.
DON'T wait until the last minute to address issues like acne or rosacea
If you have acne that’s just not responding to over-the-counter products, it’s best to see your dermatologist ASAP. The same goes if you suspect you have rosacea (it can sometimes be tough to tell acne and rosacea apart). Your derm can get you started on a regimen that will help clear up your skin—but you’ll need to allow some time for it to take effect. For acne and rosacea, “it can take six or more months to even see improvement,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shari Marchbein tells Brides magazine. “That's why it's so important for us to tweak routines and have enough time to see you back in the office and make any necessary adjustments.”
DO allow plenty of time if you're trying a "tweakment" for the first time
Thinking about trying an injectable treatment like Botox or filler for the first time? We cannot stress this enough—it is essential to allow plenty of time to test it out and see if it’s right for you! Botox typically takes about 3-4 months to wear off, and hyaluronic acids fillers usually last about 6-12 months, depending on the area you have treated. You do not want to find yourself in a position where you tried Botox or filler one month before your wedding and discovered you didn’t like the results!
“In an ideal world, I would have people come in as early as a year before their wedding to create a plan,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ranella Hirsch tells Vogue magazine. If that time has passed, “six months is a decent amount of time for your dermatologist to get a grasp on your expectations and also see how your skin responds to the treatment,” she adds. And it goes without saying, don’t be tempted by “bargain” offers. Always go to a board-certified derm for any injectable treatment!
DON'T make dramatic skincare changes close to your big day
Again, six months is your magic number for beginning your wedding skincare regimen. We recommend talking to your dermatologist or esthetician to help create a routine that will work for your individual skin type. That will give your products enough time to work and also allow time to make sure you don’t have any adverse reactions. This is especially important if your derm recommends you start a retinoid. While retinoids can help to smooth out texture and even skin tone, your skin will most likely go through a period of flaking, drying and possibly even purging (a temporary acne-like response)—which is not something you want to be dealing with a few weeks before your wedding!
What should you do close to your big day? Continue with your gentle sonic dermaplaning regimen—and stick to hydrating products and treatments that calm and soothe your skin. Three months out is also an idea time to incorporate hydrating spa facials (we’re guessing you could use the relaxation time!) and no-downtime treatments such as red light, whether in-office or an at-home mask. A daily smoothing and firming serum is also a must. Our Hydraflash Cocooning Serum is a multi-purpose smoothing, firming and brightening formula that delivers proven results.
DO remove peach fuzz mess so your makeup looks flawless
Whether you invested in a makeup artist for your big day or you’re doing your own makeup, of course you want your complexion to look flawless! One key to achieving long-lasting, picture-perfect makeup is to remove peach fuzz. “Foundation can cling to peach fuzz and look cakey or unnatural, especially if you’re wearing a more high-coverage formula than usual,” explains master esthetician Kendal Gallette. “When remove fuzz and flaky dead skin, you’re creating a smooth canvas for your makeup.”
The great thing about sonic dermaplaning? It exfoliates and de-fuzzes at the same time, so your canvas will be prepped and ready. Aim to do your final pre-wedding “shave” 3-4 days before for maximum glow and smooth makeup application.
