Clear, Radiant Skin is a real confidence booster at the best of times, but on your wedding day it really is a must have - to feel your most beautiful and for picture perfect skin. Here is my guide to achieving lovely skin for your big day……..
How soon should you start working on your skin?
Ideally 6 months before your wedding day, but 1 year for more chronic, persistent skin problems like adult Acne, Rosacea and stubborn Pigmentation. If you do have chronic skin problems like persistent adult acne or Rosacea, that doesn’t seem to shift whatever you do, then consult a dermatologist as well as working with an esthetician. They can complement each other!
You are what you eat!
Gorgeous skin comes from healthy skin cells!! Which in turn come from a healthy body! – focus on improving your diet with lots of fish, chicken and brightly coloured vegetables and fruits. Keep in mind that we need fats to make lipids that moisturise and protect our skin, but it’s the good fats you want to focus on, so Olive Oil, Avocados and lots of Omega 3 Fish oils.
Consider the Mediterranean diet, which is low GL (Glycemic Load) and full of great skin boosting food and delicious. The bonus is a healthy, slim body and loads of energy! Try to cut down on any processed foods, Salt, Alcohol and Caffeine – these can cause facial and under eye puffiness, dark circles and a dull complexion. Drink plenty of pure water as well, 8+ glasses a day. You might also want to add Green or White Tea as this also speeds up your metabolism.
It’s also worth starting a supplement for your skin as well, this is a great insurance policy as our skin is often the last to get its ration of nutrients. Dr. Oz recommends a multi-vitamin, and for those over forty, a daily aspirin, Fish oil for Omega 3, and Vitamin D-3 with calcium and magnesium.
Lifestyle Factors
Stress reeks havic on your skin's health, so try and balance things out with stress busting exercise (this also makes your skin glow), and get plenty of sleep. Dr. Oz and others have reported that adequate sleep effects health, weight, and a host of other body functions so make sure you are getting yours!
Find an experienced Esthetician!
I favour progressive treatments not aggressive! That applies a mix of hands on massage and the use of some of the most effective machines. Look for someone who does a wide range of treatments and offers some of most home care treatment products. I prefer Coats Aloe Vera and YG Labs products.
Consultation
This is vital to establish what you want to achieve, your budget, and to work out a targeted plan of treatments and homecare. Your esthetician will perform a skin analysis to determine corrective treatments early on. Ask lots of questions – it’s your skin!!
Facials and Homecare
Depending on your skin, you may have a course of corrective facials that could be one per week for 6 – 8 weeks, these will focus on anything that needs to be corrected, like acne, congestion, pigmentation, scar tissue and ageing. A variety of intense skin treatments can be performed early on, like a series of skin peels or light Microdermabrasion, Micro-Current, LED light therapy (Energy Light Rejuvenation or ELR). Also extractions will be performed to clear pores of congestion, minimize blackheads and get rid of the whiteheads.
Once your course of corrective facials is over, it is imperitive that you continue the homecare regime. This should include products prescribed for your skin type/condition. Cleanser, a treatment serum designed to target a specific concern and contain high levels of active ingredients, moisturiser and SPF products will be the basis of good home care. Additionally, an exfoliant and treatment mask can be used at home.
Maintenance Facials,normally every 3 – 4 weeks, will continue up until your wedding – these will focus on keeping the skin smooth and hydrated.
Tips and Tricks
* DON’T PICK! I know it’s tempting, but acne breakouts usually last 3 – 5 days, but when you pick your spots, it can leave a red mark and can sometimes become trauma pigmentation. The marks can linger on for up to 6 months. Also you open up the skin to more bacteria, and what usually happens is you get another spot right next to the original!
* Keep your skincare products in the fridge! If you are nervous on the big day then your skin will appear warm and flushed, using ultra cool products will feel lovely and calming on your skin.
* Blotting papers to absorb excess oil.
* On your wedding day morning: cleanse thoroughly, and apply a hydrating gel mask, this won’t add any oil to the skin and will give a smooth, plumpness to the skin.
* Get yourself a super face primer!
* Fix your make-up with a facial spritzer!
Most of all breathe and enjoy your Special Day!
