5 Things to Avoid With Your Wedding Skin Care

When your wedding day is approaching it’s understandable that you’d want to have the clear, glowing skin of your dreams. But you shouldn’t go to any lengths to get it — not when the stakes are high and the photos are forever. 

It’s typical for brides to experiment with new products or beauty treatments in order to look they’re best for the big day, but doing that immediately before the event can have the complete opposite result from what you were seeking. An adverse reaction can also make makeup application a lot harder, making your overall bridal beauty routine tougher to execute and possibly not the look you envisioned. 

1. Don’t Try Out New Beauty Treatments 

The skin care industry has seen incredible innovation in products and treatments in the last decade, and it’s difficult to avoid the temptation to try it all out — especially in preparation for a special occasion. From chemical peels to microneedling, specialized facials and more, skin-focused beauty treatments have become incredibly popular. While these treatments can be beneficial to the skin, the truth is that they can be harsh and everyone’s skin will react differently. 

It’s never a good idea to try out a treatment that is brand new to you right before an important event. If you’re looking to try a new treatment to address skin concerns before your wedding day, it’s a good idea to consult with a dermatologist at least 6 months prior so they can recommend an appropriate timeline to get the treatment and leave enough time to heal in the event that you have an adverse reaction.

2. Don’t Try Out New Procedures

In that same vein, stay away from brand new procedures and procedures that are new to your skin right before you walk down the aisle. You may have been thinking about how quickly an injectable could smooth out those crow’s feet, forehead wrinkles or that pesky deep line on the bridge of your nose, but beware. While rare, people do have reactions and allergies to fillers and other injectables and yes, they often find out the hard way. And while treatments may undergo extensive testing for efficacy and side effects, if something has only been on the market for a short time (less than two years) you should avoid it. We’re not saying you can never try it, just refrain from indulging just before your nuptials so nothing ruins what’s supposed to be a special day where you look and feel your best.

3. Don’t Drastically Alter Your Existing Skin Care Routine 

Perhaps the upcoming occasion is making you feel better about splurging on the ultra-expensive moisturizer you’ve been dying to get your hands on, or it’s given you the guilt-free green light to purchase a whole new skin care routine. If you want to treat yourself and practice some good self care before the big day, go for it. But remember, if you want your skin to look its best on your wedding day, drastically altering your skin care routine right before your wedding is not a good idea. Give your skin time to test out or adjust to new products that you introduce into your routine. Skin purging is a real thing!

Start by testing one or two products a few months in advance, and then gradually introduce products into the new routine. Think about this in terms of the worst case scenario: If it goes completely wrong and leaves you with a reaction or breakout, you’ll have enough time to heal and get back to a routine that works for you. And remember to consult with your dermatologist before introducing new ingredients, especially actives, into your routine.

4. Don’t Over-Exfoliate

We’re constantly stressing the importance of exfoliating so we’d be remiss to tell you that you shouldn’t do it before the wedding. After all, exfoliating — when done the right way — can offer multiple benefits to your skin, including removing dead skin cells so that your complexion looks radiant and glowing. But note that exfoliating too often or too aggressively can damage the skin. 

If you don't exfoliate regularly as part of your skin care routine, exercise caution when dipping your toes into the world of exfoliation for the first time. First, it’s important to understand the difference between mechanical (physical) and chemical exfoliation. The L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 3.5% Glycolic Acid Cleanser is a great physical option because it’s gentle and also contains glycolic acid which is a chemical exfoliant that works in combination with the physical component of scrub to shed dead skin cells and reveal brighter skin. 

If you prefer to go the chemical route which feels more gentle on the skin but offers great benefits, there are serums that are great at resurfacing. The L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum exfoliates dead skin cells while also addressing dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles to reveal a smooth, even skin tone.

5. Don’t Go Sunbathing

We get it, tanned skin tends to look healthy because it’s glowing and radiant and drips of vacation vibes. However, if you’re achieving that tan by baking in the sun, you run the risk of getting sunburns and long-term skin damage, and on a superficial level, tan lines that are far from ideal for wedding photos.

Tanning beds can give you a quick bronze glow before your nuptials, but tanning beds are just as dangerous as sunbathing, and there are plenty of sunless tanning options that will give you the bronze glow you desire without the risks. 

Try L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Water Mousse for your body and L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Facial Water Mist for face. Both are formulated with vitamin E for added moisture and they provide a bronze, streak-free tan that doesn’t give your skin an orange tint.

Editor’s tip: To avoid sunburn or sun damage on your wedding day (or any day) be sure to wear SPF daily. The L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Invisible UV Fluid is a lightweight sunscreen that absorbs quickly, doesn’t feel greasy or sticky on the skin, and doesn’t leave behind a sunscreen white cast, so it’s suitable for any skin tone.

Next: 8 Wedding Makeup Looks for Guests to Bookmark This Wedding Season

Photo Credit: Jonet Williams