Skincare To-Do’s Before The “I Do”
You’re engaged! Now let’s get you GLOWING!
Now is the time to establish a comprehensive skincare regimen that will enhance luminosity, hydrate, and smooth texture, thus assuring your most healthy and vital appearance for the big day. Consult an esthetician early on before leaping in and choosing homecare products, as everyone’s skin is different and time is of the essence to get on the proper protocol. It’s actually the perfect time to invest in our Atelier Circle membership to set you off on the right foot.
These recommendations below focus primarily on general principles and products as examples only, because ideally a routine should be customized to your individual needs.
9-12 Months In Advance
Make refining your cleanse routine a focus. A double cleanse will be your best friend. Step 1 for removing make-up/sunscreen/environmental pollutants, and Step 2 for truly cleansing the skin and introducing actives that brighten and encourage dead cell removal. A great 2 step cleanse may include iS Clinical’s Cream Cleanser (Step 1) and Cleansing Complex OR Warming Honey Cleanser (Step 2). This is a powerhouse combo cleanse.
Next I go into adding serums, the concentrated actives selected for an individual’s needs. An ideal morning serum is antioxidant focused, such as iS Clinical’s Super Serum Advance or Jan Marini’s C-Esta Serum. For the evening, iS Clinical’s Active Serum serves as a multi-tasker that targets the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and even skin tone; it is also excellent for blemish-prone skin.
Always finish your routine with an appropriate moisturizer (AM/PM) and sunscreen (AM). Selecting the most ideal moisturizer requires consideration of the cleansing and serum routine you’ve established, to tailor selection of actives while ensuring advanced hydrating benefits of an ideal weight for your unique skin needs. A facialist is able to work with you to provide personalized advice and effective solutions in developing your perfect regime.
At nighttime, beginning once or twice weekly, I recommend a simple application of the Retinol + Emulsion in lieu of your active serum. This mildly resurfacing formula combines Retinol of with a proprietary blend of Bakuchiol, other powerful botanical boosters, antioxidants, and technology to fight environmental and oxidative stressors that work together improving the skin’s resilience and overall long-term complexion. This nourishing form of Retinol is encapsulated with bio-identical lipids, providing easy delivery to the skin with improved tolerability.
6 Months In Advance
This is time to focus on those professional treatments that ensure you’re progressing as desired, and increasing efficacy through focused treatments. Scheduling regular skin services, monthly at a minimum, is most ideal. Look for a facialist that offers hands-on massage intensive treatments to increase the vitality of the skin by encouraging blood flow, reducing tension, and stimulating lymphatic drainage.
This is a good time for your facialist to incorporate combination or alternating treatments, particularly with peels and ultra-hydrating products. Opt for LED phototherapy as part of your professional treatment to deeply stimulate the skin.
For those looking for an at-home option for a quick exfoliation, Active Peel Pads are excellent for delivering more luminous skin, a more refined texture, and a reduced appearance of pore size.
3 Months In Advance
Don’t forget about body care! Incorporate body scrubs twice weekly and opt for a luxurious nourishing serum or cream to lock in moisture. Who doesn’t want soft and hydrated skin to shine through that gorgeous open-back gown? No bride I know! And while you’re indulging in that regular body treatment, take the time to explore your best spray tan by scheduling trial sprays. Consider your desire depth of color and the tone most suitable for your skin and features.
1 Month In Advance
You’ve come a long way, baby! This month is a good time to focus on your wellness efforts, helping you reduce stress and look and feel your best. This includes cutting out diet sabotaging ingredients like gluten, sugar, and dairy if you exhibit sensitivity. Make sure you’re staying hydrated, detoxing, incorporating regular exercise, and sleeping optimally. If possible, add in daily facial massage to your home routine to further strengthen your features and lift/tighten the skin.
Be sure to schedule your spray tan done 2 days prior to your wedding day. This will allow full color development and lessen the stress surrounding calendar scheduling.
As important the To-Do’s are, it’s also important to know what NOT to do. Don’t stray from your skincare routine and remember some professional services take time to recover. Work with your facialist to make sure you’re scheduling any last office peel no later than 1 month in advance of the big day.
The PM Before
Sleep Well and Hydrate! Focus on continuing your usual cleanse and hydrating routine. Avoid any harsh exfoliants. This is time for a less is more approach. Breathe!
Wedding Skincare Prep Timeline
Ready to get glowing for your wedding? Book The Essentialist (best for newbie’s) or The Molecular Infusion (advanced hydradermabrasion), and let’s discuss your next best steps to start preparing now!