Skincare Love Affair
Tips on getting your pre-wedding glow from a skincare expert!
Article by | Stephanie Karam Whitmer, MSN, FNP-C
You may have thought about trying medical grade skincare, Botox, fillers, or other minor cosmetic procedures, and with your wedding on the horizon, you may be focusing more on your skin.
Some people say it’s all about the dress—I say it’s all about the face!
Wedding planning can be stressful! The anxiety from excitement, parties thrown in your honor, and lack of sleep can wreak havoc on your skin. To top it off, you have probably spent more time focusing on florals, catering, and seating chart details than you have on preparing your skin for your big day. What truly matters is for you to feel happy, and one way to achieve that is by feeling and looking your best!
You may have heard the colloquialism “sweating for the wedding,” well the drive to start a workout routine and healthier eating habits is the same drive that could help you improve your face and skin. The following is a guide for brides, grooms, mothers of the bride and groom, and anybody else involved in your wedding. Follow this advice, and you’re sure to look and feel your most confident on the wedding day!
Just as with a diet and exercise, there is no instant gratification when it comes to flawless skin. Give yourself plenty of time to look your best, and try to enjoy the process!
6 to 12 Months in Advance
Plan and Budget
The first step in your skincare journey is to book a consultation to receive a customized bridal skincare and cosmetic treatment routine. Setting a budget is also helpful since there are many expenses for your wedding. Your provider should cover a full timeline and realistic goals that will keep you on budget!
Start Medical-Grade Skincare
Your first visit will likely include a deep-dive into your current skincare routine. Medical-grade skincare utilizes different ingredients in higher concentrations than over-the-counter skincare does. Some products even require a prescription! Your updated skincare regimen will be customized to fit your skincare goals.
Discuss Botox
“Botox” is a common umbrella term used to describe the neuromodulator medication class. These injectables work by blocking specific muscles’ ability to move in a precise way. They can be used in many face muscles to achieve smooth, glassy skin! This type of treatment takes about 15 minutes and its effects aren’t instantaneous. Depending on which neuromodulator you get (Botox, Dysport, Daxxify, etc.), the onset is about three days, the peak hold is about three weeks, and it lasts approximately three months.
If it’s your first time getting this treatment, I recommend a few sessions spaced three months apart so you can get comfortable with how it looks and feels and make adjustments if necessary. If your goal is to smooth deep wrinkles, it will take more than one session to achieve.
Consider Filler
Filler is made of hyaluronic acid, which is highly plumping and moisturizing. If you are contemplating filler for your lips, under-eyes, jaw, or chin, start now! That gives you 6 months to a year to adjust and achieve your goal.
Try Laser Hair Removal
Many brides want one less hassle (e.g., shaving). Now is the best time to start laser hair removal sessions so you can leave your razor behind on your honeymoon!
Incorporate Fitness
If you have any fitness goals for your wedding, this is a good time to get started. It’s important to be practical and not put too much pressure on yourself. You’re going to look perfect and beautiful!
3-6 Months Out
Start Laser Skin Resurfacing
There are many options for laser skin resurfacing, ranging from mild with no downtime (such as the ADVAtx laser or intense pulsed light (IPL)) to more aggressive lasers that require downtime (like AgetJet or a CO2 laser). Most lasers take more than one session to achieve optimal results, so I’d suggest starting about 6 months before your wedding.
Begin Microneedling and Chemical Peels
Since these services are best in a series, I recommend starting 4 months before your big day. These procedures help with dark spots, pore size, scarring, and overall tone and texture.
Create Emergency Breakout Plan
Establish an emergency breakout plan with your provider in case of acne or unexpected blemishes. This may be a combination of oral and/or topical medications, or even laser treatments.
3 Months Prior
Get a Spray Tan
Wearing sunscreen and staying out of the sun is important for many reasons, but especially before a wedding! One surefire way to prevent unwanted tan lines is to get a spray tan or use self tanner! If you’re planning to get a spray tan before the wedding, do at least one trial run. If you’re using self-tanner, perfect your skills in advance.
Trial Hair and Makeup
If you’ve hired professional hair and makeup artists for the wedding you’ve most likely scheduled a trial. Be very clear about what you want and make sure you’re happy with the results. Try to schedule this after you know what your complexion will be like (i.e. after self tanner).
1 Month Before
Finalize Botox
Four weeks until the big day! Doing your botox now gives you a two-week period for it to take full effect and leaves you a two-week buffer in case anything needs to be slightly adjusted.
Don’t Start New Products
Now is NOT the time to start using the expensive face cream you got at your bridal shower! Stick to your skincare regimen, and do not deviate unless you consult your provider. As I alway say, “Consistency is key!”
2 Weeks Ahead
Enact Your Emergency Breakout Plan (If Needed)
Call your provider if you have any breakouts. Don’t fret — you established your emergency breakout plan months ago!
Go to Your Final Appointment
This will include your final facial with a dermaplane, any Botox touch ups if needed, and possibly oral medication in the event of a breakout. Don’t do any extractions, as this can irritate your skin.
That’s it! Enjoy your glowing skin for the wedding day! As you follow the above guidelines, be sure to stay hydrated, get plenty of beauty sleep, and enjoy this time. You will have developed a skincare routine with the help of professionals that can stay with you your entire life! Your 50th anniversary photos will show you looking as glowing as you did on the wedding day!
Stephanie Karam Whitmer is the co-founder of Skin Edit Medical Aesthetics in College Station, Texas. Stephanie is a graduate of the Texas A&M Biomedical Science class of ‘13, and Texas A&M Nursing class of ‘15. Stephanie continued her education at the University of Texas Medical Branch, earning her master’s degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Stephanie has had a passion for dermatology since an early age. She is skilled in injectables, skin rejuvenation, acne treatments, lasers, and weight-loss management. Being a wife and mom of two is her greatest joy in life!