How to Prepare Your Skin for Your Wedding Day
For many, your wedding day is one of the most significant days of your life. All of your friends and family come together to celebrate, creating memories to cherish for a lifetime—memories that will stay forever in the form of pictures and videos. The idea of “Bridal Beauty” in these pictures and videos has many brides-to-be feeling stressed about ensuring their skin is perfect for their wedding day. There is often apprehension around common skin concerns, such as dark circles, pigmentation, acne scars, acne breakouts, blemishes, puffiness, dry skin, oily skin, or fine lines and wrinkles, that has brides-to-be wondering how best to prepare their skin for the big day. The pressure to create the perfect skin while managing the stress of wedding planning can feel like a daunting task. Luckily, expert board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green is here to recommend the pre-wedding skincare routine that will help you look and feel your best on your special day.
The best first step for preparing your skin for your wedding day is to schedule a consultation with an experienced board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Green, about one year out from the day, which will give you enough time to introduce new products and treatment options. Depending on the skin type, skin concerns, and aesthetic goals of each patient, Dr. Green will recommend a skincare regimen to follow in the year leading up to your wedding. Often, Dr. Green will recommend the integration of retinol to exfoliate the skin and stimulate collagen production or Vitamin C serum to decrease unwanted hyperpigmentation and decrease the breakdown of collagen. Other products to incorporate into your skincare routine leading up to the wedding may include hyaluronic acid-based serums, face masks, and heavy eye creams to keep the skin clear and hydrated. Depending on their goals, some patients may benefit from in-office treatments, such as chemical peels, Botox injections, dermal fillers, regular facials, or laser resurfacing treatments. To keep you feeling glam in the lead-up to your big day, develop your skincare routine with an expert like Dr. Green.
Experienced, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green has been expertly treating patients in her Upper East Side New York City office for more than 25 years. A master at various cosmetic and medical skincare treatments, Dr. Green is highly adept at creating unique, effective skincare plans for each patient. With her proprietary line of skincare products, MGSKINLABs, Dr. Green can provide patients with recommendations for the highest quality creams, lotions, and serums. Well-known for high patient satisfaction, Dr. Green has been voted one of the best healthcare providers in New York City by such publications as Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, and New York Magazine.
What is the dermatologist-recommended pre-wedding skincare routine?
The best way to start your pre-wedding skincare routine is to schedule a consultation appointment with a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Green, a year before your big day. During your initial consultation, you will discuss your skin concerns and aesthetic goals with Dr. Green, who will then generate the treatment plan that will be most effective for you.
When it comes to your regular at-home skincare routine, Dr. Green recommends the following steps:
- Clean the face with a hydrating cleanser.
- Exfoliate the skin one to two times a week to unclog the pores and remove dead skin cells.
- Apply toner to prepare the skin to absorb additional products.
- Apply serums and treatments to brighten skin, improve texture, reduce the appearance of pigmentation, and address acne blemishes.
- Moisturize to keep the skin hydrated and smooth.
- Always apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher in the morning and reapply every two hours while outside.
To address specific skin concerns, such as fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes, hyperpigmentation, acne breakouts, and acne scars, Dr. Green will often recommend skincare products with the following ingredients:
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals, boosts collagen production, brightens the skin, improves elasticity, and reduces the appearance of pigmentation. Serums or moisturizers with vitamin C are excellent tools for skin brightening and anti-aging treatments. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green has her proprietary line of skincare products, MGSKINLABs, and often recommends her Vita-C Serum, which helps to create smooth, bright, evenly toned skin and fight signs of the natural aging process.
Retinol
Retinol is a powerful anti-aging ingredient derived from vitamin A that can provide several important benefits, including reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, firming the skin, unclogging pores and reducing sebum production for acne treatment, fading dark spots and hyperpigmentation, and increasing skin cell turnover.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a common ingredient in skincare products due to its powerful hydrating potential. It is a naturally occurring sugar in the body that binds to water, making it a natural humectant. Hydrated, hyaluronic acid-rich skin looks plump, full, and glowing, but as we age, the natural production of hyaluronic acid in the skin decreases. As such, finding products that contain hyaluronic acid provides powerful anti-aging results, including sheet masks, moisturizers, and cleansers. In addition to being found in many skincare products, hyaluronic acid is the active ingredient in dermal fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm, which help to fill in lost volume and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face and body.
In addition to finding the right products for your pre-wedding skincare routine, in-office treatments can help create smooth, bright, clear skin before your special day. Depending on your specific skin concerns, Dr. Green may recommend laser resurfacing treatments, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, Botox injections, dermal fillers, or regular facials.
What skin treatments to get before your wedding
At her Upper East Side New York City dermatology office, Dr. Green offers many treatment options to address a wide range of skin concerns and conditions. Some popular skin concerns before a wedding include fine lines, wrinkles, volume loss, pigmentation, uneven texture, and skin laxity. Luckily, Dr. Green employs a host of non-invasive cosmetic treatments designed to leave you looking and feeling like your best self with little to no downtime. Botox, dermal fillers, VBeam laser, laser resurfacing treatments, and Thermage are often some of the most popular cosmetic treatment options used to prepare for a wedding.
Botox is the number one cosmetic dermatology procedure across the world due to its ability to treat fine lines and wrinkles on the face. Botox, a neuromodulator, treats dynamic wrinkles that are formed from repetitive facial movements and muscle contractions. When injected into targeted muscles, Botox inhibits nerve signaling to induce temporary muscle paralysis, reducing contractions and movements of the muscle. Over time, Botox weakens the muscle and smooths the appearance of fine lines in the area. Botox is FDA-approved to treat forehead lines, glabellar lines (between the eyebrows), and crow’s feet (around the eyes). After injections, Botox can take up to two weeks to take full effect. As Botox lasts three to four months, patients often engage in regular maintenance sessions to keep and enhance the results from treatment.
Patients looking to sculpt the face, restore lost volume, plump the lips, or reduce the appearance of folds and wrinkles can turn to dermal fillers. Dermal fillers like Juvederm, Restylane, Sculptra, and Belotero work to plump the skin, replenish volume lost from aging or scarring, improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and stimulate collagen production in the injected area. Each dermal filler is comprised of a specific formulation and composition, allowing providers to tailor each patient’s treatment plan to their specific skin concerns and aesthetic goals. Common areas for dermal filler injections include cheeks, lips, nasolabial folds, oral commissure, jawline, and upper lip lines. Hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm, Restylane, and Belotero provide immediate results following treatment, and patients engage in annual or biannual treatments depending on the exact filler used. Sculptra is a “semi-permanent” filler that uses poly-L-lactic acid to stimulate the production of new collagen. After an initial series of treatments spaced over one month, patients can look forward to results lasting up to two years or more.
Patients experiencing facial redness can turn to VBeam laser treatment for skin rejuvenation. The VBeam laser is a pulsed dye laser that is the gold standard for treating red pigmentation, including rosacea, broken blood vessels, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, red acne scars, and red stretch marks. The VBeam procedure involves zero downtime, allowing patients to schedule their appointments with ease. The VBeam laser is also equipped with a Dynamic Cooling Device to maximize patient discomfort during treatment. Four to six treatment sessions are needed to achieve optimal results from treatment. Patients often engage in regular maintenance sessions to keep their red pigmentation at bay.
If hyperpigmentation, sun damage, acne scars, or freckles are a concern, Dr. Green may turn to laser resurfacing treatments such as Fraxel. Fraxel Dual is an innovative, non-invasive laser treatment that employs two different wavelengths to maximize its effects on the skin. The 1550nm Erbium wavelength treats uneven texture, fine lines, acne scars, and enlarged pore size, while the 1927nm Thulium wavelength treats discoloration, sun damage, and sun spots. Fraxel uses fractionated energy to heat a fraction of the dermis while leaving the surrounding skin unaffected, resulting in faster recovery times after treatment. The heating of the inner dermis triggers the body’s natural wound-healing process, increasing the production of new collagen. The rate of skin cell turnover also increases, allowing for dead, pigmented skin cells to be sloughed off to reveal healthy, bright skin cells underneath. There is minimal downtime, with 48 hours of mild redness after treatment. When treated with the 1927nm setting, an additional three to five days of mild peeling, where the skin feels like sandpaper, is also to be expected. Multiple treatment sessions, typically three to five, spaced one month apart, are often required to see the best cosmetic results.
Patients with darker skin types are not suited for Fraxel treatment and can instead turn to eMatrix for treatment. eMatrix delivers radiofrequency energy deep within the dermis to stimulate collagen, improving the appearance of acne scars and textured skin. The eMatrix laser bypasses the top layer of skin, leaving it unharmed and accelerating healing time after treatment. This laser is both safe and effective for all skin types, including darker skin types and those with sensitive Asian skin. Similarly to the Fraxel laser, 48 hours of mild redness is typical after eMatrix treatment, which will resolve on its own. A series of four to six treatment sessions spaced one month apart is generally required for the best cosmetic results.
Clear + Brilliant is another laser resurfacing treatment often used in Dr. Green’s private dermatology office to rejuvenate the skin. Often referred to as the “mini-Fraxel,” the Clear + Brilliant laser utilizes fractionated energy to heat the dermis, stimulating the body’s natural wound-healing process, increasing skin cell turnover rate, and inducing new collagen production. Clear + Brilliant treats a host of skin concerns, including sun damage, discoloration, fine lines, enlarged pores, and uneven skin texture and tone. As Clear + Brilliant targets water, it is a color-blind laser, making it safe and effective for all skin types and tones. No downtime is associated with Clear + Brilliant treatment. Typically, patients will engage in an initial series of four to six treatment sessions, followed by maintenance sessions to keep and maintain the effects of treatment.
Thermage is an excellent treatment option for patients looking to improve skin laxity and crepey skin before their wedding. Thermage is a gold-standard laser treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to heat the inner layers of the dermis, stimulating the production of new collagen to tighten and firm the skin. Thermage can be utilized across many areas of the body, including the face, neck, décolletage, abdomen, knees, and thighs. There is zero pain or downtime associated with treatment, and patients can look forward to a quick and easy “lunchtime” procedure with Thermage. Results can take up to three months to be fully visible as collagen production increases in the body. Patients regularly engage in annual maintenance sessions, as Thermage treatment can last for a year and a half.
When to start wedding skin prep
No skincare regimen is going to work overnight, so it is essential to start any new treatments and products for the first time about a year out from your wedding. Patients looking to address fine lines, wrinkles, and volume loss can turn to Botox or dermal fillers. It is best to try these treatment options for the first time a year out so you can see if you like the way they look. The results of Botox and dermal fillers will fade over time—Botox lasts 3-4 months, while dermal fillers can last from 6-18 months—so it is best to schedule your appointments so that your last touch up before the wedding is one month prior, giving time for the injection to settle and any swelling to go down. Laser treatments such as V-Beam, Fraxel, Ematrix, and Clear + Brilliant should be initiated about six months after a wedding, as many laser treatments require multiple treatment sessions for optimal results. Thermage should also be performed at least three to four months before a wedding to allow for new collagen and results to take full effect. Any new products added to your skincare regimen should be tested one year in advance. That way, there is time for Dr. Green to adjust the concentration of any exfoliants or prescription acne medications to discover and avoid side effects like skin irritation, dryness, or redness.
If you are interested in regular facials, it is best to research your aesthetician and begin treatment six months before the wedding. Dr. Green offers a variety of facial options, depending on your specific skin concerns. Starting your facials six months in advance gives enough time for the treatment to work properly and for the results to become visible. Any laser treatments or chemical peels to address hyperpigmentation should be started six months before the wedding as well, as these treatments typically require multiple treatment sessions for the best results.
In the last week before the wedding, focus on keeping the skin hydrated by applying hydrating cleansers, serums, and moisturizers. Avoid exfoliating in the week leading up to the big day to reduce the risk of redness and skin irritation. Dr. Green also recommends limiting your alcohol intake in the final week, as alcohol can accentuate dark circles under your eyes and trigger puffiness. Stay hydrated and reduce stress as best you can (which is always easier said than done)!
What is the best cleanser to use for pre-wedding skin prep?
Cleaning the skin with a gentle cleanser is the essential first step of any skincare routine. Using cleanser helps to rid the skin of debris and impurities, including old makeup, sunscreen, dirt, and oils. On the day of your wedding, it is important to choose a hydrating cleanser. Dr. Green typically recommends a fragrance-free cleanser that contains hyaluronic acid. It is essential to clean the skin before your makeup artist can apply your makeup look for the best results.
Should you be exfoliating before the Big Day?
In the year leading up to your wedding, exfoliation of the skin should be performed one to two times a week to help remove dead skin cells from the face, promote skin cell turnover, and clear the pores. Two types of exfoliation can be performed: chemical exfoliation and physical exfoliation. Chemical exfoliation involves the application of a solution containing such ingredients as lactic acid or glycolic acid, which causes a reaction with the dead skin cells and debris, causing them to slough off the skin, boosting new collagen production and leaving the skin bright and clear. Physical exfoliation involves the application of an abrasive ingredient, such as biodegradable beads or sugar. Physical exfoliation is highly effective but is more likely to cause skin irritation, so consult your dermatologist on which method would be best for you, especially if you have sensitive skin. In the week before the wedding, Dr. Green recommends avoiding exfoliation to reduce the risk of skin irritation and redness on your special day.
What is the best moisturizer for hydrating the skin before your wedding day?
To seal in moisture and keep the skin smooth and hydrated, moisturize the skin’s surface every morning and evening. Moisturizers containing hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, green tea extra, Centella Asiatica, snail mucin, and bamboo help to keep the keep from drying out overnight and throughout the day, which helps to smooth the skin and prevent the development of wrinkles. There are many different forms of moisturizers, including creams, gels, and serums, and depending on your skin type and local environment, the best form of moisturizer can change. For advice on what kind of moisturizer to choose, you can consult with Dr. Green.
Which moisturizer will help you achieve glowing skin?
The principle behind glowing skin is keeping the skin balanced, clear, and hydrated to create a luminous, dewy, and glowing complexion. To keep the skin looking hydrated, it is essential to apply moisturizers daily and to use hydrating cleansers and serums. Some patients worry that over-applying moisturizing lotions, creams, and serums can make the skin oily. However, excess oil on the skin is often produced to compensate for a lack of moisture. By using hydrating skincare products, patients can achieve a glowing complexion while avoiding a shiny, oily look on the skin.
What is the best at-home bridal skincare routine?
Dr. Green can recommend many products for your at-home skincare routine in the months before your wedding. In the year leading up to your wedding, practicing a regular skincare regimen can help set you up for clear, bright skin on your wedding day. In addition to using a hydrating cleanser, toner, serums to address specific skin concerns, moisturizers, and sunscreen, there are several lifestyle changes that you can make during your daily life to help you achieve clear, wedding-ready skin. The food you eat is very important, as a diet high in carbohydrates, sugars, and dairy can increase the likelihood of developing acne breakouts. Additionally, alcohol consumption can lead to puffiness and dark circles under the eyes. Limiting sun exposure is also essential to avoid the development of dark spots on the skin’s surface. Dr. Green recommends that patients always apply sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher every morning.
Is it good or bad to get a facial before your wedding?
The best time to start getting facials in preparation for your wedding day is six months in advance. Facials can be used to address several skin concerns, including hyperpigmentation, dry skin, oily skin, acne breakouts, and rosacea, and can boost collagen production for smoother, brighter skin. Some patients may find that the most effective option is to get a facial every other week for the months leading up to the wedding. For others, once every couple of months before the big day will be sufficient to achieve their aesthetic goals. However, it is best not to get a facial right before the wedding day—especially if you have never had one before. It takes time before the full effects of the facial become visible, so getting one immediately before your wedding will not provide you with the benefits on your special day.
How to get clear skin before your wedding
Patients often ask, “How to take care of your skin before the wedding.” Stress is one of the major risk factors that contribute to acne breakouts, and the week leading up to your wedding can be a very stressful time. If you notice acne forming on your face in the week or days before your wedding, don’t panic! There are still treatment options available to you. Most importantly, do not touch your face, and do not try any acne extractions or pimple popping yourself. Pimple popping can actually worsen an acne breakout by embedding acne-causing bacteria deeper into the pores, making it much harder to treat. The best first step is to schedule an appointment with Dr. Green as soon as possible. If you are a couple of days away from the big day, Dr. Green can prescribe an oral antibiotic or perform microdermabrasion to exfoliate the skin and clear the pores. In the few days before the wedding, Dr. Green may turn instead to a Cortisone shot, which is an anti-inflammatory treatment to smooth out the blemish. Remember, anything can be covered up with makeup, and photographers know how to remove blemishes from photos.
How to get glowing skin before your wedding
Patients often wonder, “How to make skin glow for their wedding.” Most patients must follow a disciplined, multi-step skincare routine to achieve a glowing skin look. The process involves the use of a hydrating cleanser morning and night, the application of serums, boosters, moisturizing lotions and creams, and strict sun protection with sunscreen every morning. The key to achieving the characteristic dewy look of glowing skin is to hydrate the skin thoroughly. Even if you have naturally oily skin, moisturizing serums and lotions will help to control the over-production of sebum if you choose the right products. Determining the right skincare products for your skin type can feel daunting, so the best way to get started is to consult an expert dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green.
How to get glowing wedding skin at home
While the glowing skin look is typically achieved using a combination of moisturizing and hydrating serums, boosters, and lotions, patients can help to create this look with simple lifestyle changes. Because hydration is key, drinking water and staying hydrated can help patients achieve glass skin naturally from the inside out. Reducing stress, eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep every night can also have profound anti-aging effects on the skin.
How to prep the skin for wedding makeup
The best way to prep your skin for your makeup artist is to ensure that your skin has been cleansed and hydrated the morning of your wedding. Dr. Green recommends starting your morning with a water-based cleanser to clear the skin of any debris, then applying a hydrating serum and moisturizer. It is best to choose water-based products over oil-based products to keep the skin from feeling oily. Even before applying wedding makeup, practicing sun protection is important, so be sure to apply light, chemical sunscreen.
How to get perfect skin for your wedding
The best way to achieve ideal skin for your wedding is to start your skin care regimen as far in advance as possible. When you schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Green, she will recommend the skincare products and in-office treatments that will best meet your aesthetic goals. Perfect skin does not occur overnight, so the sooner you get started, the more time you will have to find the new products and treatment options that will work best for you.
What to do for your skin before your wedding – how to get started with bridal skincare today
Your wedding day is one of the most special days of your life, but the pressure to create the perfect wedding with the perfect look can be very stressful, and “Bridal Beauty” standards can feel difficult to achieve. Luckily, expert board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green can help provide simple skincare solutions for brides-to-be to help you achieve smooth, clear, bright, glowing skin for your wedding day. It is best to start your pre-wedding skincare routine a year before the Big Day with a gentle cleanser, hydrating serums, weekly exfoliation, moisturizer, and sunscreen, paired with any treatments for specific skin concerns. In-office treatments like laser resurfacing, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, Botox injections, and dermal fillers can also be performed in the year leading up to your wedding. Whatever your skin concerns, Dr. Green will generate the skincare regimen and treatment options to help you feel your best on your special day.
Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience providing her patients with the best non-invasive treatment options. Dr. Green takes a holistic approach and embraces a less-is-more philosophy, creating customized skincare routines and treatment plans that cater to the unique concerns and aesthetic goals of her patients. She is consistently identified as one of New York’s best dermatologists by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors for her dedication to her patients and expertise. Please call us at 212-535-3088 or email our New York City-based office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michele Green and find the skincare plan that is right for you.