Beautiful You: A Bridal Guide to Healthy Beautiful Skin

(Article Published in Tulle Wedding Magazine Winter/Spring 2011 Edition)

Your “big day” is quickly approaching and everyone loves to see a radiant, glowing bride walking confidently down the aisle… It is your wedding day:  arguably the most important day of your life, and it should be filled with beautiful images reflecting the gift of love and lasting commitment between you and your husband-to-be.  It all starts with skin care.  In between choosing your dream wedding gown, selecting invitations and stationary, and executing your bridal checklist, make certain that you plan to carry out a full bridal skin care regimen before your wedding day.  Possessing a flawless even skin tone and complexion provides for better makeup application results and also offers a high quality photo-finish look to your wedding portraits. 

                To achieve a flawless radiant glowing complexion on your wedding day, begin with a thorough skin care regimen and be consistent.  Use potent product lines that work well for your particular skin type.  The proper cleanser, toner, exfoliate, and moisturizer will deliver the results that you desire on this glamorous occasion. 

                Choose a reputable cleanser to apply twice daily, morning and evening.  Cleansers are found in foam, gel, and liquid forms over-the-counter at most department and drug stores.  Select an appropriate cleanser that leaves skin feeling soft, clear, and “squeaky clean” without over drying. 

                If you have an oily skin type, then utilizing a toner is a must.  Incorporate a daily astringent-like toner into your routine.  A purifying toner balances the pH of skin, kills bacteria, and also shrinks over-enlarged pores back down to size.  Toners also renew and refresh the skin. 

                Use a gentle, yet effective exfoliating product 2-3 times per week.  Exfoliating more or less than what is recommended is counter-productive.  Over-exfoliating can be traumatizing to the skin and cause adverse effects, whereas under exfoliating will proliferate clogged pores, blackheads, whiteheads, and pustules.  

                In addition to cleansing, toning, and exfoliating, moisturizing hydration is paramount in obtaining a flawless, glowing complexion.  Apply a water-based hydrating lotion with an SPF of 15+ to neck and work in upward, sweeping motions from neck to forehead, making certain that all areas have been covered.  If using a vitamin enriched serum in your regimen, be sure to always apply serums before applying your moisturizer. 

                Before saying “I do” at the altar, follow these simple bridal “do’s” and you will be overjoyed that you did.  

Bridal Do’s

-Do establish a consistent skin care regimen and follow it daily

-Do consult a dermatologist or esthetician (skin care therapist) for treatment of advanced skin conditions such as recurring acne, scar tissue, and hypo/hyper pigmentation

-Do adopt a healthy, balanced eating plan that provides proper nutrition internally.

-Do drink plenty of water and herbal teas.  Water flushes harmful toxins out of the body and teas are natural antioxidants that fight “free radicals”.

-Do exercise regularly, at least 30 minutes of moderate to high intensity every day. Exercise increases blood circulation, which improves skin tone and texture, delivering vital nutrients to skin tissues. 

-Do schedule a “trial run” 3 weeks in advance with a makeup artist to guarantee no allergic reactions will occur on your wedding day

Bridal Don’ts

-Don’t try any new skin products or procedures in week leading to your wedding day.  Schedule all facial and body waxing services 2 weeks before the wedding and opt for a “touch up” session the week before the wedding. 

-Don’t try a new hair product line too close to your wedding day.  It may cause an unexpected allergic reaction. 

-Don’t wait to consult a dermatologist or esthetician at the last minute.  Health care professionals are often busy and it may take months to book an appointment. 

-Don’t drink heavily caffeinated and carbonated beverages.  They can reactivate skin problems in people with rosacia and acne.

                When anticipating the most important day of your life, keep these helpful recommendations in mind when developing a consistent skin care regimen that will prepare you to be the “center of attention” as you strut down the aisle.  With proper implementation, the flawless glowing complexion that all brides desire to have, can and will be yours.       

   

Emergency: Winter Skincare Advisory

Brittle cold temperatures plus dry home heating systems equals…less than desirable skin conditions for most people.  When dealing with the change of weather from the summer warmth to the chilly wintry season, keep the following practices in your daily skincare regimen to avoid problematic skin conditions: 

1.)     Use a gentle, yet effective cleanser twice daily (morning & night is best)

2.)    Exfoliate skin (face & body) 2-3 times per week; however, avoid over exfoliation because it can dry the skin and traumatize skin tissues.  

3.)    Choose a balancing toner to incorporate in with your daily regimen (witch hazel astringent works wonders and is also quite affordable)

4.)    Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize!!!  A hydrating, water-based, non-comedonegic moisturizer works effectively to prevent dry skin patches and to smooth overall facial texture.  Use an emollient hydrating lotion on the body to “lock in” moisture.     

5.)    Limit daily shower duration to less than 5 minutes, so skin won’t over dry. 

               

                Utilizing the above winter skincare maintenance tips with your everyday regimen will guarantee a smooth and polished appearance revealing a radiant, healthy glowing texture throughout the wintry months and beyond.