LIFEspa

10 Things You Need To Know About Achieving Perfect Wedding Day Skin

By: Crystal Cobert Giddens, LE, INHC

You said yes. You have the ring. You’re excited and overwhelmed and SO EXCITED! There’s a lot to do and so much to think about and your lists have lists to make sure everything on the lists get done and…I’m out of breath already. How are you holding up?

I absolutely believe that the most important part of your face is your skin. Soft. Glowing. Healthy…it’s the canvas for your makeup on your big day and everyone will have their eyes on you.

My first and most important piece of advice? Find a professional to help you on your skin care journey.

Please don’t rely on store bought masks, DIY facial parties, your aunt’s advice about baking soda and vinegar (yes, it happened) to get your skin glowing and healthy. Find someone you can trust to help you. I cannot tell you how many last minute, completely panicked brides (and moms) have called me the week before the wedding because they over exfoliated, used a harsh peel or went into a picking frenzy and now their skin is red, inflamed and ANGRY. Everyone’s skin is different, and what work’s for your best friend or that beauty blogger on IG may not be the best fit for you and your skin. Sometimes it can take MONTHS for the skin to calm down after it’s been over stimulated or triggered.

So, let’s avoid that, shall we? Here is a cheat sheet of the top 10 things you should know about achieving your best skin before your big day:

1. Prioritize skin care over makeup. Thank goodness the heavy, contoured, quadrupled layered makeup looks are on their way OUT. Healthy, radiant skin is what we are finally seeing again. Nothing makes you feel more confident on your big day than beautiful, glowing skin. The right treatments paired with the perfect skin care can make a huge difference. I promise.

2. See a professional 10 to 12 months before your big day to figure out exactly what your skin needs. If you don’t routinely get facials, then find a licensed esthetician with a lot of experience and a great reputation to evaluate your skin and discuss options.

3. Maskne is real. Friction from wearing a mask everyday, plus the stress of a pandemic combined with bacteria = breakout city…aka MASKNE. We can help you eliminate it if you give us a little time.

4. Long baths, facials, massages, manis and pedis…any type of treatment for the body, are not luxuries; they are essentials - no matter how busy your life is at the moment. Feeling good is as important as looking good.

5. Pamper your lips. Make sure you exfoliate at least once a week. You can mix raw coco butter, or shea butter, with a little sugar to form a paste and gently scrub away dead, flaky skin. Follow up with a natural lip balm and you’ll be ready when they say, “you may kiss the bride”. 6. Thinking about lash extensions? Get your first set at least 2 months in advance. Dermal filler? 6 months in advance. Botox or other neurotoxins? 3 to 6 months before your big day so those expression lines have time to soften. Lip Blush, Powder Brows, Microblading or any semi-permanent enhancement? 6 months in advance so everything has time to heal and you have time for a touch up if needed. First time waxers? 2 months in advance please.

7. PLEASE don’t over-tan or go crazy with the self tanners. A little sun kissed glow is lovely…but you still want to look like YOU. Please use your SPF and consider wearing a hat while you’re outdoors.

8. Eat Super Foods for Super Skin. All skin types - oily, dry, normal or combination - crave water and oil. Yes, healthy fats are essential for glowing, supple skin. Avocados, almonds and olive oil are a great place to start. Need a little more water in your diet? Snack on naturally hydrating foods like watermelon, cucumber and grapes. Sip on water with a little lemon, berries and a touch of honey or add fresh basil with some sliced strawberries to your water bottle. Leafy greens contain Vitamin K and can help promote skin healing after a breakout. Try kale, spinach, any lettuce or cabbage. These greens contain a lot of water which also helps with hydration. Try eating more salads and load them up with your favorite veggies and fruit.

9. Avoid foods that are known to cause irritation, redness or allergies. Dairy has been shown to cause tummy issues and breakouts. Wheat can cause bloating and itchy skin. Spicy foods and too much alcohol can turn skin that tends to be flushed and a little red into really pouty skin that can take weeks to calm down.

10. Start taking your vitamins. Zinc helps with acne. Collagen helps maintain skin’s firmness. Vitamin C is found in high levels in the epidermis (outer layer of your skin) as well as the dermis (inner layer of skin). Taking Vitamin C enhances the effectiveness of your sunscreen, is a powerful antioxidant that helps boost your immune system and is a key ingredient in fighting the signs of aging because of its vital role in the body’s natural collagen synthesis. Vitamin D3 helps promote beautiful new skin cells, enhances repair and metabolism. It enhances the skin’s immune system and helps destroy free radicals that can cause premature aging.

There, you have it! Now go find the perfect dress or outfit. Order that bouquet and taste those cakes. Schedule those facials and get the right skincare. Find your makeup and hair people and book that trial. Get your manis and pedis and schedule that massage. Find a professional that listens to your wants and needs. We are out here and truly want to help you have the most amazing wedding…ever!

Photo by Rebecca Turnquist

Crystal Cobert Giddens LE, INHC FACES of Saratoga - 489 Broadway, Suite 3, Saratoga Springs, NY www.facesofsaratoga.com - 518-396-7403