Fact: you will never put more pressure on yourself to look perfect than in the lead-up to your wedding day. No matter what type of bride you are, or strive to be, even the most laid-back people are likely to find themselves panic-stricken at some point in the planning journey.
Many assume it’s finding the dress that proves most perilous, but from my experience, it’s determining the right bridal skin prep journey for your individual needs that’s most difficult.
Where a dress can be tweaked and tinkered with up until the big day, the same can’t be said for our skin or faces. In fact, overdoing it on skincare and treatments can have irreversible or long-term effects.
So, where do you start? A quick Google search on bridal skin prep is enough to send you spiralling, with suggestions spanning from hydrafacials to buccal massage and injectables.
From here it’s easy to convince yourself that one specific treatment is exactly what you need for your best skin yet. But one size does not fit all.
Instead, finding a clinic or therapist that offers a range of treatments, moreover a pre-treatment consultation and plan, will ensure your skin’s needs are tailored to.
In April 2024, MECCA launched Aesthetica, along with its bridal offering, to meet this exact need.
“For those not knowing where to start, we have created a bridal and pre-event package that encompasses customised facials, laser and LED – a mix of modalities that together help create the perfect, hydrated, rejuvenated surface for your wedding day,” Emma Kininmonth, MECCA’s Head of Aesthetica, tells marie claire Australia.
Going into any consultation, it pays to have a clear idea of your specific skin concerns and goals – beyond a ‘bridal glow’ – so you can truly achieve the right result.
“Not every bride wants the same outcome, so the treatment plan should always be tailored to her concerns, whether that is pigmentation, acne scarring, fine lines or simply achieving healthy, glowing skin,” renowned integrated facialist April Brodie tells marie claire Australia.
“I always begin with a consistent skincare routine and focus on strengthening the skin barrier because healthy skin responds better to every treatment. Throughout the year, I would support those results with regular facial treatments including facial sculpting, lymphatic drainage, myofascial release and deep hydration.”
RELATED: I Chemically Burned My Skin Right Before My Wedding Day
When Should You Start Your Bridal Skin Prep?
There’s no magic number or amount of time that results in perfect wedding skin. Yes, the more lead time, the better, but rest assured it’s seldom too late to invest in your skin.
“The biggest mistake brides make is trying to do too much too late,” Brodie says. “It is never too late to support and improve the skin, but expectations need to be realistic.”
12 – 6 months before:
This is the ideal amount of time to find a clinic or therapist you trust to address your skin concerns and start a treatment plan.
“The priority should always be establishing a consistent skincare routine and using the correct home care to support the skin barrier,” Brodie recommends.
“This is the ideal time to create a realistic plan based on the bride’s individual skin goals. The first priority should always be establishing a consistent skincare routine and using the correct home care to support the skin barrier.”
3 months:
At this point, any invasive or intense treatments should be complete. If you’re considering trying something new, Brodie urges you to reconsider.
“This is the time to refine and maintain rather than make major changes. Any treatments that involve downtime should ideally be completed, allowing the skin time to settle and achieve the best possible results.”
1 month before:
Now is the time to focus on “calm, balance and hydration”.
Think: “Facial sculpting, lymphatic drainage, myofascial release, LED light therapy and hydration-focused treatments to help improve circulation, reduce puffiness, release facial tension and enhance the skin’s natural radiance.”
1 week before:
Do not panic at the last minute and introduce a new treatment or product. We repeat: Do not panic and stray from the plan.
Similar to the final month, Kininmonth’s top tip is to keep things calm.
“One week out is time to relax with a hydrating and sculpting facial like Biologique Recherche and an LED.”
RELATED: An Expert’s Tips For A Bridal Beauty Look That Lasts All Day
What Skincare Should Brides Invest In?
If treatments are out of the question, due to timing or budget constraints, you can look at expanding your beauty cabinet instead.
“The ultimate goal for a bride is to look bright and radiant with your makeup sitting perfectly on your skin,” Kininmonth explains. “This means hydration and smooth texture, so look for products with Niacinamide.
“Niacinamide is a great all-rounder – anti-inflammatory, hydrating, great for pigmentation – the list goes on. An excellent example of this is UltraMD Ultimate B2 Hydrating Serum.”
She also suggests combating any texture woes with acids or enzymes.
“For texture, build in AHAs and BHAs or, for more sensitised skin, enzymes – this helps remove dead layers of skin and helps stimulate cell rejuvenation for a smoother surface. Something simple (and classic) like Dr. Dennis Gross’ Peel Pads would be great, or for the ultimate bridal product, try the Biologique Recherche Lotion P50.”
Once again, it’s recommended to try new products at least three months before your wedding day in case of any irritation or reaction, particularly when using acids.
Brodie reiterates that with any skincare regime, consistency is key (and sunscreen).
“A healthy skin barrier, good hydration and consistency are what allow the skin to perform at its best.”
She adds, “Daily sun protection is essential. It helps prevent pigmentation, protects collagen and preserves the results of any professional treatments.”
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