The Best Skincare for Your Wedding

Your wedding day is often one of the most exciting days of your life—a day when friends and family can come together to celebrate. There is so much preparation that goes into making your Big Day special, from booking the perfect venue to curating the guest list to finding the right dress. As fun as your special day will be, the wedding planning involved can be stressful, and there is often pressure—for brides especially—to look their absolute best, with smooth, clear, radiant, glowing skin that looks amazing in pictures and videos. With many articles and posts on social media about the best skin care regimen to prepare for your wedding day, it can be challenging to know what products and treatments are actually best for creating a radiant glow. That is why the best first step in generating the perfect pre-wedding skincare routine is to schedule an appointment with an expert board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green.

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 of blemishes 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 Bridal Skincare?

Bridal Skincare refers to the skincare routine a bride begins to prepare for her wedding day. While the steps involved in pre-wedding skincare are often similar from person to person, the at-home products and types of in-office treatments used will vary depending on each patient’s skin type and concerns. Patients with dry skin, for example, may require different products than patients with oily skin, sensitive skin, or combination skin. Additionally, Dr. Green may recommend products and treatments to target specific skin concerns, such as active acne breakouts, puffiness, pigmentation, sun damage, fine lines, dark circles, or uneven skin texture. It is best to start thinking about bridal skincare a year before your special day so your skin has enough time to adjust to new products and treatments.

When to start skincare before a wedding

It is best to begin your pre-wedding skincare routine one year before your Special Day by scheduling a consultation appointment with an expert board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green. At your initial consultation, you will discuss your aesthetic goals, and Dr. Green will examine the treatment area to determine your skin type. After that, she will make a recommendation for the skin care products and in-office treatment options that will best meet your needs.

One Year Out

One year before your Big Day, Dr. Green will recommend skincare products based on your skin type to include in your daily and weekly at-home skincare routine. To address specific skin concerns, such as pigmentation, blemishes, acne scars, uneven skin texture, dark circles, or fine lines, Dr. Green may recommend products such as retinol for increased skin cell turnover and reducing the appearance of fine lines or Vitamin C for brightening the skin and boosting collagen production. By starting your pre-wedding skincare routine one year before the Big Day, your skin has time to acclimate to new products, and Dr. Green can make any adjustments to your skincare regimen for the best results.

Nine Months Out

Nine months before the wedding, Dr. Green recommends starting in-office, which requires multiple treatment sessions and any downtime, including medium-depth or deep chemical peels, laser resurfacing treatments, laser hair removal, or microneedling. Chemical peels are a highly effective option for patients concerned with uneven skin texture, acne breakouts, hyperpigmentation, acne scars, or fine lines. An exfoliating treatment that removes dead skin cells and boosts skin cell turnover, chemical peels are composed of an acidic solution that reacts with dead skin cells and debris on the face, causing them to slough off to reveal brighter, clearer, smooth new skin.

Laser resurfacing treatments, such as the Fraxel laser, are highly effective at addressing a range of skin concerns, including acne scars, surgical scars, fine lines, wrinkles, sun spots, hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, and enlarged pores. With two different wavelengths of light, the Fraxel laser uses fractional laser energy to improve skin tone and texture. Most patients require three to six treatment sessions, each spaced 4-6 weeks apart, and results improve over time, meaning it is best to start Fraxel laser treatment nine months out. Laser hair removal is another treatment option that requires multiple treatment sessions for the best results. Dr. Green typically turns to Intense Pulsed Light or the GentleYAG laser for laser hair removal.

Six Months Out

Any in-office treatments that require multiple treatment sessions should be continued six months out. Additionally, patients can begin Botox, dermal fillers, regular facials, and less intensive laser treatments, such as the Clear + Brilliant laser for reducing fine lines or the V-Beam laser for reducing redness and broken capillaries. It is best to begin injectable treatments, such as Botox and dermal fillers, six months before the wedding to ensure that you like the results. Then, you can receive a touch-up of these procedures one month before the wedding day. Dr. Green also recommends beginning regular facials six months before the wedding, and she will work closely with the facialist to ensure that the treatments help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

Three Months Out

Consistency will be your best friend three months before your special day. It is important not to try any new products for the first time within three months of your wedding, as new products may irritate the skin. As you continue with facials and any laser treatments you started, be sure to practice strict sun protection by always applying sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher anytime you go outside.

One Month Out

One month before your wedding is when you should have your last facial and get any final Botox or dermal filler injections. If you are getting final touch-ups for injectable treatments, Dr. Green recommends a less-is-more approach to Botox and dermal fillers so that you are not making any major alterations so soon before the Big Day. Getting these touch-ups one month out also gives time for any common side effects, like bruising, swelling, and redness at the injection site, to disappate. At this point, you should not be making any changes to your skincare routine to avoid any possible skin irritation.

What is the dermatologist-recommended pre-wedding skincare routine?

Experienced board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green is an expert at generating skincare routines for patients of all skin types with a wide range of skin concerns. Whether you have dry skin, oily skin, combination skin, or sensitive skin, Dr. Green has recommendations for products that will be safe and effective for you. As such, 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.

When it comes to your regular at-home skincare routine, Dr. Green recommends the following steps:

1. Clean the face with a hydrating cleanser.
2. Exfoliate the skin one to two times a week to unclog the pores and remove dead skin cells.
3. Apply toner to prepare the skin to absorb additional products.
4. Apply serums and treatments to brighten skin, improve texture, reduce the appearance of pigmentation, and address acne blemishes.
5. Moisturize to keep the skin hydrated and smooth.
6. 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 is the best pre-wedding cleanser?

The first step of any skincare routine—both morning and night—is to wash your face with a cleanser. A cleanser helps to keep the skin clear by removing dirt, makeup, sunscreen, and other debris, preparing the skin for the products to come, including toners, serums, boosters, and moisturizers. Dr. Green typically recommends a fragrance-free, hydrating cleanser to give your skin a glowing, radiant look.

Should you be exfoliating on your wedding day?

Exfoliation is an important part of your skincare routine before your special day. Exfoliants, such as those containing alpha hydroxy acid or beta hydroxy acid, should be used once or twice a week to help address skin concerns like hyperpigmentation, dullness, uneven skin texture, and acne. However, Dr. Green does not advise exfoliating on your wedding day, as it can lead to skin irritation, dryness, and redness. In fact, Dr. Green recommends that you stop using exfoliants and retinoids about a week before your wedding.

What is the best moisturizer before wedding makeup?

Moisturizer is an essential part of your daily skincare routine, helping to lock in hydration, keep the skin looking smooth, and prevent excess oil production. 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. 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.

What is the best wedding skin prep before applying makeup?

On the day of your wedding, it is important to follow your regular skincare routine in preparation for your appointment with your makeup artist. In the morning, start by cleaning your face with a hydrating cleanser to clear away any dirt, debris, sweat, or old makeup. Next, Dr. Green recommends applying a hydrating serum and moisturizer to lock in hydration. In preparation for makeup application, keep your moisturizer light rather than applying a heavy cream. Just like any other day, be sure to apply sunscreen to protect the skin from sun damage and UV radiation. If you are nervous about sunscreen causing a white cast on camera, use a chemical sunscreen rather than a physical mineral-based sunscreen. Finally, you can finish your pre-makeup wedding skin prep with a primer. Dr. Green recommends a hydrating primer for patients with dry skin and a matte serum for patients with oily skin.

What not to do before wedding makeup

Several products should be avoided on the morning of your special day before the wedding makeup application. Patients should avoid using any oil-based products, as oil is too heavy for your skin in addition to makeup. Dr. Green also recommends that patients avoid exfoliating their skin the week of the wedding, as exfoliation can cause redness, dryness, and irritation that can be exacerbated by wedding makeup. Sunless self-tanner should also be avoided in the week before the wedding, as the product can create uneven skin tone and further irritate the skin.

How far in advance do you add new products to your wedding skincare routine?

If you know the date of your wedding more than one year out, it is best to start your pre-wedding skincare routine a full year in advance. By adding in new products and starting your new routine a year before your big day, there is sufficient time for your skin to acclimate to anything new and for Dr. Green to adjust the type or concentration of the products being used. New products can cause skin irritation, redness, and dry skin, so to ensure that these side effects are long resolved, start your new skincare routine as soon as possible.

How long before a wedding to start retinol

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that can address skin concerns such as clogged pores, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and acne breakouts by exfoliating the skin, reducing oil production, and boosting collagen production. Retinol comes in a range of concentrations and can be incorporated into your weekly skincare routine. As an exfoliant, retinol can irritate the skin, so it is best to start using retinol a year before your wedding day to test which concentration is best for you.

How soon before a wedding to get Botox

Patients concerned about fine lines can turn to Botox injections, which help to relax dynamic wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes. Dynamic wrinkles on the face, such as forehead lines and crow’s feet around the eyes, form due to repeated contraction of the muscles. Botox contains the active ingredient onabotulinum toxin type A, which is a neuromodulator that helps to relax the muscles at the injection site, erasing the dynamic wrinkles there. With Dr. Green’s less-is-more approach, Botox injections can provide a naturally smooth look to the face.

Dr. Green recommends starting Botox treatment six months before the wedding day. The effects of Botox treatment only last for three to four months, and by getting your first treatment six months in advance, you can test to see if you like the results. One month before your wedding, Dr. Green recommends getting your final Botox injection with a less-is-more approach to the treatment. That way, there is enough time for the treatment to take effect and for any side effects of the injection, such as swelling and bruising at the treatment site, to fade.

How many days before my wedding should I get a facial?

A dermatologist or aesthetician offers many types of facials, including HydraFacials, extraction facials, and microcurrent facials. 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. Dr. Green recommends beginning regular facial treatments six months before your wedding, as the optimal results of most facials take time and multiple treatment sessions. You should also make sure you get your last facial a month before the wedding to enjoy the full effect of the facial and resolve any potential side effects, like skin irritation.

What type of facial is best before a wedding?

Facials can address several skin concerns, including hyperpigmentation, dry skin, oily skin, acne breakouts, and rosacea. They can also boost collagen production for smoother, brighter skin. In the months leading up to your wedding, Dr. Green recommends scheduling regular HydraFacial appointments to address blemishes, uneven skin tone, and pigmentation for clearer, brighter, glowing skin. The first step of the HydraFacial is to cleanse the skin of any superficial dead skin cells and impurities. The cleansing solution includes lactic acid for exfoliation and extraction and algae extract for soothing and hydrating the skin. The next step involves exfoliation with patented vortex function technology designed for powerful extractions to unclog the pores. The third and final step of the HydraFacial is to hydrate the skin with boosters and serums for maximum moisture retention. The hydrating step helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, firm the skin, and create a radiant glow to the skin.

When to get eyebrows done before a wedding

Many people desire perfectly sculpted eyebrows before their wedding day. The type of eyebrow treatment determines how soon before the wedding you need to schedule your appointment. Microblading to create the look of full, thick eyebrows should be performed six months prior to your wedding, with a touch-up appointment two months before to perfect the shape and color of the brows. Lamination also needs to be performed several months in advance of the wedding, with a touch-up two weeks before to create a uniform, lifted look to the brows. Threading for sculpting thicker brows is best performed at most two weeks prior to the wedding, while waxing for shaping the eyebrows should be performed about a week before.

How to get a bridal glow in 2 months

The best way to achieve a bridal glow is to follow a skincare routine that emphasizes hydration of the skin. Dr. Green recommends starting your pre-wedding skincare routine one year before your wedding. Two months out, it is important to stay consistent with your skincare regimen and try not to add any new skincare products. If you are two months away from your wedding and would like to adjust your skincare routine, the best course of action is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green, who can help guide your choice of skincare products.

How to get a glow on the face before a 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 do I take care of my skin 1 month before my wedding?

Achieving your skincare goals is a process that takes time, which is why it is best to start your pre-wedding skincare routine a year before your big day. A month before your wedding, it is not advisable to try any new skincare products or cosmetic procedures—other than a facial massage—because you will not know how they will affect your skin. New products have the potential to irritate your skin, and in-office treatments often require multiple treatment sessions for optimal results. One month before the wedding, the best thing to do is continue with your regular skincare routine. Suppose you notice any new skin concerns, such as acne breakouts or pigmentation. In that case, the best course of action is to consult with an expert dermatologist, such as Dr. Green, who can recommend treatment options that will keep your skin smooth and clear without causing irritation or requiring significant downtime.

How to prepare the face before marriage. Get started with pre-wedding 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.