The stress of wedding planning can show up on your skin. (We’re looking at you, sneaky breakouts.) Even if you’ve already got a Pinterest board full of inspiration for your beauty look, there’s more to a bridal glow than just hair and makeup. The secret to a radiant complexion starts with taking care of your skin long before the big day. Here’s how you can get your best skin yet on your wedding day. The countdown is on—ready, set, glow!
Your Bridal Beauty Timeline
Three to six months before
Assess your skin.
The first order of business for your wedding skin prep involves examining your skin looks. Are you breaking out unexpectedly? Do you have pigmentation? If your skin is experiencing issues or flare-ups, set up an appointment with your dermatologist. Getting a pro to weigh in on your concerns in advance lets you get the right Rx and the appropriate in-office treatments, some of which require multiple sessions before you see the results. The earlier you get started on your pre-wedding skincare, the less likely you’ll have to deal with an SOS on your big day.
Schedule regular facials.
A facial is a great idea for getting your complexion radiant, but don’t save it for the week of the wedding, especially if you’re trying out a brand-new treatment. Instead, book a facial a couple of months in advance and if you like it, once again just two weeks prior. Many spas offer special bridal facials and packages designed to get you wedding-ready. If you experience a reaction, you’ll know to nix that particular facial treatment. Some facials may aggravate sensitive skin or require downtime, which isn’t a risk you want to take right before the main event.
Create a skincare regimen.
Build a consistent skincare regimen and stick with it. Now’s the time to find out what skincare products work best for your skin. Be sure to choose ingredients that’ll get to work on any specific concerns you might have. A serum is a great way to zero in on complexion woes. For example, if you’re dealing with dull or lacklustre skin, look for moisturizers that boast antioxidant-rich vitamin C like L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power LZR Vitamin C Serum, which will brighten and improve skin texture. If your skin is on the dry side, enlist the help of a serum with hyaluronic acid like L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power LZR Hyaluronic Acid Serum, which will replenish your skin with moisture. As you near your wedding day, keep your bridal skincare consistent and avoid introducing new products into your routine that could potentially irritate your skin.
One month to go
Exfoliate your skin.
Regular exfoliation sloughs off dead skin cells that lead to a dull complexion and creates a smooth canvas for both your skincare and your makeup. Chemical exfoliants use AHAs and BHAs to remove dead skin cells, while physical exfoliants offer a mechanical exfoliation using granules.
The night before
Hydrate with masks.
Face masks are a great way to achieve an instant glow. Use one the night before the nuptials to hydrate and brighten and help you look well rested, even if you haven’t gotten much shut-eye! You can even multi-mask by combining two different masks (a clay mask like L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Charcoal Mask for Dull Skin through your t-zone can help clean out stubborn pores). Just be sure to stick to ones you’ve already tried before to avoid any surprises.
The day of the wedding
Follow your skincare routine.
You’re likely going to be up bright and early and ready to go. Start with your morning skincare routine that you’ve diligently been following, making sure to cleanse and hydrate your skin. Next up, hair and makeup. You’ll be ready for your big day and your close-up!
