Photo Credit: Urban Essence

While making the wedding arrangements from the wedding trousseau, to the flowers to the invitations, it can become a stressful time and your skin may be under a lot of pressure. So don’t forget to take care of the most important part of your bridal look: Your skin.  Here are a few skincare tips to look like a diva on your special day.

1.When to Start a Beauty Routine:

Ideally, you want to start a regimen six months before your wedding day, but incase you are unable to get an advanced start; you must start at least a month before. The daily mantra of cleansing, toning, moisturizing and sunscreen will help you maintain a healthy and nourished looking skin. Consult your dermatologist to determine an appropriate skincare plan based on your needs.  The golden rule: Avoid new products and treatments just weeks prior to your big day.

2. Microdermabrasion:

Microdermabrasion is a noninvasive technique, which involves the exfoliation of dead cells from the outermost layer of skin by using aluminum oxide crystals. It helps to build collagen, smoothens fine lines and results in a fresher looking skin. Avoid the procedure if you have sensitive skin, otherwise the procedure may worsen your condition. While concentrating on your face, do not forget other areas of the body such as your neck, chest and back.

3. Superficial Chemical Peels:

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) and beta hydroxy acid peels (BHA) are the most common types of peels. AHA, such as lactic acid, is more suitable for dry skin whereas salicylic acid, (a BHA) suits the oily skin. Chemical peels tend to lighten pigmentation, reduce age spots and smoothen skin texture. To achieve the desired outcome, usually it takes about 6-8 sittings with a gap of minimum 2 weeks. It is a lunch time  procedure with minimum downtime. Under eye peels, such as the Arginine peel, also effectively get rid of dark circles and rejuvenate the delicate skin around your eyes.

4. Be Hair Free:

To banish unwanted body hair, opt for laser hair reduction, with either long pulsed Nd: YAG or Diode laser depending on your hair type and skin color. Ideally, it requires six sessions spaced at a monthly interval to achieve optimal results. With the latest technology, the procedure is painless and when done by an expert, such as a specialist  at a dermatologist office, it is free of side effects. Avoid spas and beauty saloons for cosmetic procedures as they do not carry medical supervision.

5.  Facials and Night care:

 With an oxygen facial, compressed oxygen particles are sprayed directly on to the skin surface with high pressure. Active ingredients such as vitamins and nutrients are introduced to the oxygen stream below the skin surface. This results in instantly smoothened and plump skin, thereby hiding any tiny imperfections

Night creams or serums containing retinol or Vitamin C are indispensable, if you are in your thirties. It will stimulate the cell renewal process and restore skin’s elasticity thereby making it supple and glowing for your big day!

Also, remember to maintain a healthy lifestyle by consuming food enriched in antioxidants such as dark green vegetables, berries and green tea. Antioxidants protect your skin from the inside out by preventing cell damage, leaving you with radiant skin.

This is your day and you deserve the best, so remember to follow these tips for glowing healthy looking skin!

— DR. UDHAY SIDHU