The last thing you want on your special day is a skincare emergency! But plenty of brides experiment with treatments in the week (or even days) before their weddings. This can lead to last-minute disasters from bad reactions or inappropriately-timed treatments.
The easiest way to prep your skin for your wedding is to give yourself plenty of time. That’s why we’re bringing this up before spring has even sprung – if you’re getting married this summer, now is the time to start considering your skincare. The right first step is to schedule a consultation with our medical spa. You’ll meet with our staff, have your skin evaluated and examined, and receive a customized treatment plan that will fulfill your every wish.
Below, we’ve put together a general timeline that most brides can follow pre-wedding. Your timing may need to be different based on your skin and your needs, so it’s a good idea to meet with a skincare professional at least 6 months out. Set this up no matter what you’re envisioning, and you’re sure to have enough time!
Skincare Steps – Your Wedding Prep Schedule
6 Months-1 Year Before Your Wedding
If you’re a big planner, your skincare will benefit. Taking plenty of time to tackle any existing skin conditions or concerns will allow you to proceed safely and conservatively. This way, there won’t be any unwelcome surprises. And if you’re hoping to improve acne or uneven pigmentation, this can take several months of repeat treatments and healing time.
No bride wants to face down brown spots, wrinkles, large pores, or redness once they’re in their wedding gown. Some of the treatments below will tame these issues and reveal perfect skin on the big day. These treatment options require multiple sessions at regular intervals, so brides need to start months before the wedding day.
schedule a series of derm-administered light peels or microdermabrasion on both the face and body—especially if your dress exposes the décolleté, shoulders, back, or legs.
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- IPL Treatments – A series of IPL treatments will clear up sun damage and cause brown spots to gently flake off the skin. Photorejuvenation also helps yield an overall glow for your skin.
- Microdermabrasion – Microdermabrasion gently removes outer layers of dead skin cells to stimulate new growth and refresh your skin. A series of treatments will yield best results, and can also be performed on your chest, shoulders, or back if you have a strapless wedding dress.
- Laser skin resurfacing – We offer several different lasers for skin resurfacing, and will recommend the laser appropriate for your needs. Those seeking dramatic changes to their skin’s texture and tone should explore Fraxel. Patients interested in subtler changes will find an answer in Clear + Brilliant, a gentler option. With Fraxel, brides should leave plenty of time for their skin to heal, and with Clear + Brilliant, there may be multiple treatments necessary.
- Laser hair removal – While it may not have to do with the appearance of your skin, laser hair removal can help you feel confident on your wedding day. If you’re wearing a strapless dress and have dark underarm hair, shaving or waxing might not get you completely hair-free. Laser treatments will get rid of treated hair for good and reduce hair’s thickness in the treatment area.
3 Months Before Your Wedding
As the day draws closer, it’s still a good idea to consider a series of professional treatments. Discuss the potential for several months of facials or gentle chemical peels. These treatments will have your skin looking its best on your wedding day. You may also benefit from topical ointments that will help treat acne or improve skin texture.
Something else to consider is whether you’re going to extend your lashes. Some brides like false eyelashes, but those don’t always hold up throughout the wedding day (especially if tears are involved). Others try eyelash extensions. Our preferred option? Latisse, which thickens and lengthens your own lashes. Even if you get weepy during your wedding, your eyelashes will stay put and they’ll look better than ever! Full Latisse results tend to show around 16 weeks of regular application, so you’ll want to get started in advance.
2 Months Before Your Wedding
We’re getting closer! At this point, you want to make sure that your daily regimen supports gorgeous, glowing and hydrated skin. Drink plenty of water and incorporate adequate fresh produce and vegetables into your diet. Get enough (or even too much!) sleep and exercise regularly. And no matter what you do, make sure you wear SPF daily! Now is the time to protect and enhance your skin.
Don’t try anything aggressive at this point – continue using your regular products, and regularly exfoliate and moisturize.
1 Month Before Your Wedding
If you have specific fine lines or wrinkles you’ve been wanting to treat, now is the time to consider cosmetic injections. At one month out from your wedding, there’s adequate time to adjust results and allow for any swelling to completely fade.
- Botox – For crow’s feet, forehead lines, and vertical lines between the brows
- Dermal Fillers – For subtle lip enhancement, smile lines or anywhere else you’d like to add volume on the face
1 Week Before Your Wedding
The best thing for your skin at this point is to keep everything as normal as possible. We know you’re feeling stressed and likely not getting enough sleep, but you can still look your absolute best on your special day. Avoid salty or carby foods, as these lead your body to retain water and cause puffiness. If you do get a blemish, get a cortisone injection to shrink it without drying out your skin.
The Day of Your Wedding
It’s finally here! Don’t overthink your wedding day skincare. Use a gentle exfoliating mask when you shower. Then, apply a hydrating serum before getting your makeup done. You’ll look naturally gorgeous and your absolute best when you walk down the aisle!
If you’re ever looking for help planning your wedding skincare, don’t hesitate to get in touch!