Organising a wedding can feel like a full-time job. As well as booking the venue, choosing the outfits, caterer, writing the invites and deciding on the seating plan (while navigating the family politics) – many brides and grooms also decide to supercharge their exercise, diet and skincare routines to try and look and feel their best.
When it comes to skincare, it can be tempting to try everything at once to try and maximise results, but experts have revealed many people could risk making their skin worse if they switch up their skincare routine too close to their wedding date.
To help soon-to-be newlyweds take control of their skincare with confidence and achieve the best skin of their lives, BEAUTY PIE has partnered with Kate Kerr, award-winning clinical facialist and founder of Kate Kerr Skincare Clinic, to reveal the best ways to prepare your skin as well as the biggest pitfalls to avoid.
DO: Start The Prep Six Months In Advance
When it comes to timings, Kate says it’s all down to the condition of your skin. “For skin that’s not quite at its peak condition and may be dull, displaying small breakouts or slight rosacea, the top priority is to calm, strengthen and stabilise your skin before focusing on resurfacing and revitalisation,”
“Generally, skin prep can start as early as six months in advance for more compromised skin as it needs plenty of time for chronic inflammation to heal and repair. For those with healthy skin, six to eight weeks before the event will suffice.”
DON’T: Make Changes To Your Skincare Routine Too Close To Your Wedding Day
One of the worst things you can do is add new ingredients into your routine close to your wedding day.
Kate says: “I strongly discourage trying new active skincare ingredients or different products right before the big day. Active skincare ingredients can be stimulating, which may initially cause initial irritation and redness. The aim is to awaken and invigorate the skin slowly, gradually introducing more active ingredients as the skin repairs itself.”
BEAUTY PIE and Kate recommend introducing active ingredients into your skincare regime no less than four months before the wedding. “In doing so, it means you will have at least three (if not four) skin cycles for your skin to adjust to the active ingredients and allow them to restore radiance, boost overall health and address any targeted concerns,” says Kate.
Nicola Moulton, skincare expert at BEAUTY PIE recommends introducing Vitamin C as your first active ingredient, such as the Superdose C Vitamin C Oxygen Boosting Moisturiser, to help fight oxidative stress caused by environmental aggressors, as well as reduce pigmentation and brighten the skin.
For anyone who is keen to try Retinol (i.e. the ‘wow’ anti-ageing molecule that smooths fine lines while helping to treat breakouts), start with a low concentration and opt for formulas that contain encapsulated Retinol to minimise irritation. Super Retinol + Vitamin C Night Renewal Moisturiser (1% Retinol Complex) is the perfect starting point. It contains encapsulated, slow-release Retinol to resurface, antioxidant Ficucell Vita to defend against free radical damage, Shea Butter to nourish, vitamins E and C for elasticity and Ferulic Acid for brightening. Remember only to use Retinol products in the evening, and use a high factor SPF in the daytime as it can make skin more sensitive to the sun.
For the ultimate skin glow booster try using Youthbomb 360 Radiance Concentrate, formulated with world-renowned Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Andrew Markey, to unlock insanely dewy, glowing skin. It’s made with an exclusive Biolog-Elastic™ Complex – a powerful proprietary blend of 15 active ingredients, including Di-, Tri- and Hexapeptides, Proteins, Exopolysaccharides, super hydrators and soothers to help visibly firm, resurface, brighten, tighten, hydrate and glow, all in one bottle.
For dry and sensitive skin, try Super Healthy Skin Ultimate Anti-Aging Cream, which is enriched with a face sculpting complex, complexion brighteners, moisture-plumpers, antioxidant-free radical battlers, Hyaluronic Acid and powerful Plant Actives. Use Japanfusion Bio-Ceramide Deep Moisture Mask once or twice a week for a quick hit of hydration and deep nourishment.
DO: Invest In Clinical-Grade Facials OR Try A DIY Facial
If budget allows, opt for regular clinical facials. “To further stimulate, repair and rejuvenate, introduce regular bespoke clinical facials that are tailored to your skin concerns – once every four weeks,” says Kate.
If professional facials aren’t an option, then try giving yourself an at-home version. Cleanse the skin and apply your daily serums before performing a lymphatic drainage massage. Make sure the products you use are the same ones you’ve been using for the past few months as now is not the time to be experimenting and adding anything new to your skin.
DON’T: Celebrate Too Early
Limiting alcohol before your wedding can help to reduce inflammation, increase hydration, reduce puffiness and create an overall healthier and brighter complexion.
Reducing sugar and eating a diet that’s packed full of different coloured vegetables and fruit, plus nuts, seeds, oily fish and good quality protein, is also a great way to minimise inflammation and make sure skin has the nutrients it needs to thrive.
DO: Remember Your SPF
Protecting your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays will ensure your skin is the same shade as your planned makeup, and it will also help your skin to look youthful and hydrated. Make sure you minimise sun exposure eight to 10 weeks before the wedding and wear broad spectrum SPF 50 daily, reapplying every two hours when you are out enjoying the sunshine.
To read more about how different skincare ingredients can protect and improve skin condition, head to: https://www.beautypie.com/shop/skincare
