The Perfect Wedding Beauty and Skincare Timeline

Beauty may be skin deep but the actual condition of your skin will greatly impact the way your bridal makeup will look and last. Don’t underestimate the powers of a dedicated skincare routine and the magic of facials – they can help fix many skin issues such as flaky skin, acne and blackheads! Of course, it goes without saying that you’ll be a radiant bride come the Big Day (and no amount of makeup can match that natural glow) but ensuring your skin looks it’s best, so you’ve a great canvas for your makeup will make all the difference. Which is why its uber important that you follow a skincare regime and add lots of fruit and veg to your shopping basket! To help you keep on top of your beauty regime, we’ve put together a simple bridal beauty timeline and checklist – check it out below…

12 months before

Take a trip to a spa or dermatologist to have your skin evaluated. These experts can recommend a home skincare regime for you based on your skin type.

9-12 months before

If you’re conscious of extra pounds or are looking to shape up, don’t cut carbs or count calories – instead eat smarter for best results. Now is also the time to start correcting skin issues such as hyper-pigmentation, rosacea, acne etc. This will give you enough time for the treatments to take effect and show results.

Photo by Oliver Doran & Photo Solutions

6-9 months before

If you’re looking to treat yourself and your skin, now is a good time to get monthly facials. 9 months before the wedding is also a good time to start glycolic peels, microdermabrasion or laser skin rejuvenation treatments for facial discoloration or acne scarring. Even if you don’t have acne or scars, these resurfacing procedures help keep your pores clear and reduce build up. This will give you a brighter, glowing complexion before the wedding. Your skin will also be smoother from these treatments and you will need less makeup as a result.

3-6 months before

Make sure you’re sticking to a good morning and night time skincare routine and be sure to use a sunscreen with SPF 30++ every day (it’s hot out there and your skin needs protection), even on days you are indoors. A sunscreen is especially essential if you are getting fruit facials or AHA or glycolic peels as these tend to make your skin sensitive to sunburn.

2-3 months before

Avoid anything dramatic, especially new treatments at this point and be sure to chat to your dermatologist/beautician about any problem areas or reactions to facials or products. Avoid laser hair removal treatments as it could lead to scarring and redness that could last months (not something you want to be worrying about on the lead up to the Big Day!). If you are only starting to think about a bridal beauty routine, it is best to consult a dermatologist for guidance. They’ll know what products will work best within this time frame as skin-specific products for oily, dry or combination skin need at least 4 months to show results.

1 month before

Have your final wedding facial at least 4-5 weeks prior to the wedding day. Certain facial treatments such as mud masks remove toxins from the skin which could lead to breakouts. Worry not – these usually clear up within a day or two. Remember that your skin will look its best 3-4 days following the facial. And if you do breakout closer to your wedding day, your makeup artist or beautician will be able to conceal them with some makeup tricks! Think about priming your skin with some home facials – use a steam inhaler to open the pores. Next, gently remove blackheads and follow up with a non-comedogenic moisturizer (one that won’t block pores). You could also use a gentle scrub to clear up the skin. A homemade mask of Greek yoghurt works well too – the lactic acid in the yoghurt kills acne-causing bacteria while the proteins and fats tighten up the skin. You could also use these home treatments once a week in conjunction with other bridal facial treatments – but as always be sure to consult with your dermatologist or beauty therapist first!

Photo via Beatriz Hair and Make Up

2-3 weeks before

Now is NOT the time to change your skincare products as you don’t want any unwanted reactions – stick to a good beauty routine (cleansing, toning and moisturising) every day to ensure your skin looks great and you feel great on the lead up to your special day!

Photo by Kate Ann Photo via Style Me Pretty