Bride and Beautiful: What to Do For Glowing Skin on The Big Day

Peak wedding season in the UK is from June to August. That gives us between 3 and 6 months to get glowing skin in time for the big day. These are my top tips for scheduling your beauty regime to make the most of the months leading up to your wedding.

SIX MONTHS BEFORE: This is the time to focus on your skincare. The average time it takes for a new skin cell to be born and move to the top layer of the skin is 6 weeks. Most dermatologists will say that it takes 3-4 skin cycles to see significant changes in skin texture and reduction in blemishes. Starting 6 months prior to your big day should give your skin enough time to improve AND allow for minor tweaks to your regime. I recommend a combination of Vitamin A and C skin care, which will encourage cell turnover, reduce acne, brighten skin tone and minimise fine lines. For more advice on skin care check out our last blog on the ABC's of anti-aging skin care.

To accelearate improvements in your skin, add in a course of chemical peels. Chemical peels help to remove old and dead skin cells at the uppermost layers of the skin. Ideal for fine lines, and mild pigmentation, a chemical peel also does wonders for acne sufferers by preventing pores from getting clogged. Peels are most effective when done in a course of 3-6, aproximately 2 weeks apart. As these older skin cells are sloughed off, the skin can appear a little red and flaky. Getting your course of peels out of the way a good month before your wedding ensures that your skin has completely recovered before the big day.

Top trick, try a chemical peel on your elbows and knees if they are dark and discoloured.

If you are plagued with small veins on your face and cheeks, now is the time to have a course of facial electrolysis. A small current is passed directly to the fine veins causing them to stick together and dissolve. This is excellent for improving the skin's tone and complexion, but is also associated with mild dryess of the treated area. The effect can be immediate or be seen after a few weeks. You can also require more than one session, so starting 6 months before gives you enough time to banish these veins before the big day.

FOUR MONTHS BEFORE: Time to get your glam squad in order. This includes your make-up artiste, hair-stylist and eye lash professional. I highly recommend having a trial of all of these services before your wedding.

Hopefully you have a colour theme at this stage and know what sort of flowers you will have in your bouquet. It goes without saying that your make-up artist and hairstylist would need to see a picture of your dress.

If you have never had eyelash extensions before, you should try them a couple months beforehand to ensure you don't have an allergic reaction to the glue and that you are not irritated by the longer lashes. The newest trend in eyebrows is microblading: semi permanent tattooing to thicken out the brow shape. Another one to try a little while before your big day.

It is good time to consult with your regular hairdresser for advice on the length of your hair, suitable hair cuts and appropriate hair colour.

Find out how far each of these service providers is willing to travel especially if you are having a wedding some distance from your regular beauticians.

2 MONTHS BEFORE: This is your injectable period. If you have never had botox or dermal fillers before, I wouldn't risk it too close to your wedding. For first-timers, have your anti-wrinkle injections and fillers around 8 months before the wedding. Botox and most fillers will have worn off by around 6 months so that if you don't like the effect, your facial features will have returned to normal by the wedding day.

If you are not new to injectables, two months before your wedding ensures that the effects will still be visible, but gives you enough time for minor adjustments well before the day. My favourite procedures for brides are lip augmentation, cheek enhancement and jawline sculpting as these procedures enhance natural beauty. To see our packages for beautification using dermal fillers click here.

If you suffer from excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, this is also the time to have botox to your underarms. Botox prevents the sweat glands from being stimulated and will keep your underarms dry during what can be an emotional and sometimes stressful day. Click here for information about this specialised treatment.

ONE MONTH BEFORE: Sort out your smile. A smiling bride is a must in the portfolio of your wedding pictures. Feel confident with your smile, but making sure you have got your pearly whites as white as can be. See your dentist for a professional whitening session or try at home whitening kits and strips. If you want to do it the natural way, cut out all caffeine and coloured drinks such as coke and brush with baking soda.

If you think too much gum shows when you smile, a small dose of botox can help this, as well as reduce the appearance of fine lines around your mouth. If your upper lip disappears when you smile, you may also want to think about lip augmentation using dermal filler.

ONE WEEK BEFORE: Get Zen. Stress can manifest itself on your skin, and the last week before the big day is bound to have some last-minute dramas. To combat this and keep the glow you have worked so hard to achieve, we recommend some pampering. Have a spa day, get a massage and gentle facial. Try a body exfoliating scrub, a steam room or sauna. Good ole fashioned yoga can also reduce stress levels. Whatever does it for you, do it!

This week, we featured brides from all over the globe. To get inspired by global wedding fashion check out our pinterest page: Bridal Beauty.

So that's our advice for getting your skin into tip top shape in time for your big day. Feel free to Contact Us to discuss any of the treatments we've mentioned.

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