Expert tips for the glowiest wedding day skin

The wedding date has been set. The dress is sorted. The cake has been ordered. The seating plan, perfected. But what about your skin? We hate to say it, but if you’re looking for that next-level radiance on your big day, popping on a sheet mask the night before just isn’t going to cut it. 

To ensure you walk down the aisle looking your glowing best, you’re going to want to make a start on your wedding day beauty prep early – especially if you experience those magical little things like acne, pigmentation and redness. 

Cosmetic physician Dr Saras Sundrum from Dr Saras and Co. in Sydney says your preparation should start at least six to 12 months before the wedding. If you’re worried about breaking the (wedding) bank, the good news is that there are a few simple rituals every bride-to-be can (and should) integrate into her daily routine to improve her wedding skin.

“Regularly exercise (even if it is a walk every day), make sure you have enough sleep, eat a well-balanced diet, drink lots of water, use sun protection every day, and improve [your] posture with a few Pilates classes,” says Dr Sundrum. 

If you find your skin needs even more TLC, Dr Sundrum recommends planning a few non-invasive beauty treatments in the lead-up to the wedding so you’re feeling healthy, radiant, confident and happy on your wedding day (and in those wedding photos!).

6 months out

Around six months before your wedding, you’ll want to start planning a regimen of laser treatments and regular facials and peels to ensure your face and décolletage area are looking flawless and glowing. 

Dr Sundrum’s laser treatment of choice is PicoSure – a non-invasive skin rejuvenation treatment that can address everything from pigmentation to sagging skin and lines and wrinkles. “Two or three treatments over 12 weeks with the PicoSure laser will ensure that the texture of the skin is perfect,” says Dr Sundrum.  

“It helps with softening wrinkles and fine lines, removing irritating brown spots, toning and tightening skin, reducing the size of pores, and helping reduce the appearance of scarring. The great advantage of the PicoSure laser is that it really has no downtime and can fit into a busy schedule,” says Dr Sundrum, adding that the laser can be used on all skin colours.

Professional in-salon peels are another great way to improve your complexion, and they can target a number of skin concerns (depending on the formula), including hyperpigmentation, acne, fine lines and wrinkles. Peels can also help create an even skin tone and texture, speeding up cell renewal and turnover to reveal healthy, glowing skin. While you can also get at-home peels, professional peels contain a higher concentration of active ingredients and therefore tend to be stronger and more effective. If you want to know how to choose the right peel for your skin, read our article on everything you need to know about chemical peels.

In terms of your at-home skin care routine, Dr Sundrum says regular exfoliation will help get rid of dead skin cells and dullness and keep skin looking fresh and bright. She also stresses the importance of using a quality sun protection and moisturiser every day. “A strict skin care regimen is ideal – incorporating a good cleanser, toner and moisturiser with a SPF 30+ daily is the best advice. Moisturise, moisturise and moisturise!”

3 months out

Planning a wedding can be HECTIC and it can leave your skin looking a little worse for wear. A microdermabrasion treatment can help your skin de-stress. It works to remove dead skin and unclog your pores, leaving you with fresh, clear and radiant skin.

Dr Sundrum recommends the HydraFacial treatment to combat various skin concerns. For those unfamiliar, the HydraFacial is a medical-grade skin resurfacing treatment that works to cleanse, exfoliate, extract and hydrate the skin with a pen-like device. “A few treatments of the HydraFacial a month apart before the wedding allows the skin to be thoroughly cleaned out and the correct serums, with actives such as vitamin A, to be infused to combat common problems such as acne, redness or brown spots. Additionally, the skin will be well hydrated and plumped out, helping with the appearance of fine lines.” 

If you’re looking to specifically target fine lines and wrinkles, Dr Sundrum suggests looking at undergoing anti-wrinkle injections and filler injections at least two months before your wedding for best results. Find out everything you need to know before getting fillers here.

A few weeks out

This is crunch time! “I think the critical period before a wedding is a month before,” says Dr Sundrum. “At this time, I would advise not to change your routine - whether it be skin care, haircare or makeup, as allergies and hypersensitivities can occur ruining your wedding day!”  

“I would also recommend not having any last-minute injectables (neurotoxins or filler treatments) at this stage because correcting any dropping of the eyebrow or lid or filler asymmetry or nodules might prove to be difficult. This also applies for laser treatments.”

The night before

Unsurprisingly, the night before your wedding is NOT the time to experiment with any new beauty products – so make sure you steer clear of anything that sits out of your usual routine. “Avoid any skin care products that may irritate your skin or cause an outbreak. Avoid scrubbing your skin harshly, do not use an exfoliating glove, or loofah - just to be safe,” says Dr Sundrum. 

Now you’ve got your pre-wedding skin care routine sorted, how about some wedding hair inspo? Check out nine of the best bridal hair looks.

What are some of your go-to skin care treatments ahead of a big event? Share with us in the comment section below.

Main image credit: @chiaraferragni