By Nicole Perullo, licensed esthetician and founder of Nolia Mabel
Congratulations on your engagement!
In all the happy chaos of planning it’s easy to overlook one of the most important parts of your big day, making sure your skin is in tip top shape. If you’ve ever wanted to know the best way to get your skin prepped and glowing before you say “I do” then read on for my suggested timeline for your Wedding skin care routine.
12-9 month before your wedding
Interview estheticians who will guide you through this exciting time before your wedding. Meet at least 3 different professionals and go prepared with goals and questions. You want to make sure that you find someone who, not only has the expertise, but also a good personality.You should feel confident that they will listen to your needs. For example, if using natural products is important to you, ask your esthetician what skin care lines they use. If you are struggling with acne, ask your esthetician if this is something they specialize in. We all have our areas of expertise and it’s important to find someone who can help you make the improvements you’re looking for.
Develop a game plan for monthly/bimonthly spa treatments that will be performed in the Spa. For most brides and grooms, I recommend a basic facial treatment within a few weeks of our consultation, so I can get to know their skin ASAP! Then I give them some options for facials leading up to the wedding.
Establish a regular skin care routine, if you have not already. On a daily basis, in the morning and evening you should be cleansing, using a toner, and moisturizing. This will ensure that your skin stays clean and balanced all the time. You also need to start a weekly routine that will include exfoliation and a treatment mask. Exfoliation is the often overlooked key to achieving authentic results with your products
8-6 Months before your wedding
Begin more intensive skincare treatments. Hydrodermabrasion is a treatment I specialize in at my skin spa that provides deep exfoliation and intense hydration, and this is the time I generally begin a scheduled series of treatments. Unless you are already working with a professional esthetician, DO NOT get a facial or any kind of skin care treatment less than 2 months prior to your wedding. The month before your wedding is NOT the time to try a peel for the first time, reactions can happen and you may not have time to allow your skin to recover before your big day.
The month before your wedding
This is a great time to check in with your esthetician!He or she will be able to help you with any last minute unwanted skin conditions and perform your final facial treatment. At this stage, you and your makeup artist should discuss your game plan for the morning of your wedding. Some will want you to perform your regular skin care routine and others may want you to just wash your face and then let their team do the rest.
I always suggested to my brides and grooms, that they lay low on the alcohol and sugar, drink plenty of water, and get as much sleep as possible. Stress can do a lot of bad things to your skin. Sign up for a yoga or meditation class in the last few weeks before you walk down the aisle.
The morning of the wedding
Today is the day! If you have followed the advice of your esthetician your skin should be glowing, smooth, and evenly toned. Keep in mind that stress, diet, and hormonal changes can affect the condition of your skin. Even those with strict skin care routines can get the occasional blemish here and there. You have done your makeup artist a favor by taking care of your skin and the reward for that is flawless and natural looking makeup. When the wedding party is getting ready to pour the pre-ceremony cocktails, remember that alcohol can give an unwanted flush to your cheeks. Take a deep breath and enjoy every second of the memorable and happy occasion!
