It’s time to fess’ up… you are spending so much time researching your makeup artist/hairstylist… you haven’t really given your bridal skin care plan any real thought, have you? Your bridal skin care regimen is the most integral step to look flawless on your wedding day! Afterall, makeup is merely art, it’s nothing without the canvas. So, the more your skin is looked after prior to the wedding, the more radiant you will look on your big day.. Simples!

So whilst another ‘wedding to-do list ‘ might be the last thing you want to tackle right now, adopting a wedding skin care plan leading up to your big day will be the best decision you ever made, aside from marrying the love of your life of course… But a close-second, mind you! And let’s be real, we all know you need a break from seat planning so those two aunties don’t sit together. So grab your notepad, a chai, and let’s talk about the 3 steps to beautiful bridal skin!

1. Does Retinol work for you?

The market is saturated with ‘miracle treatments’ for flawless skin but nothing quite lives up to the gold standard of Retinol.  Retinol is derived from Vitamin A, which is an incredibly unique ingredient that stimulates collagen, reduces wrinkles and evens out skin tone. The promotion in cellular turnover means an increase in blood flow in the skin, which in turn means a more radiant, youthful face with minimal clogged pores. In other words, you need this in your life! If you decide to add retinol to your skin care regimen, start with a non-prescription retinol for at least  9-10 months prior to your wedding. This will give your skin ample amount of time to adjust to this new addition to your skin care. Be prepared, retinol may cause a little redness and peeling to begin with. This lasts until the skin develops resistance, which honestly speaking, doesnt usually take very long! Personally, I cannot live without Retinol. The difference in my skin has been life changing! Using retinol is the secret to flawless skin, and now the secret is yours!  

Tanya recommends: Sunday Riley – Luna

Price: £45

How often: Alternative nights (Avoid unprotected solar exposure)

When to begin: Around 10 months before your wedding for maximum results on the day.

More affordable (but still amazing!) option: The Ordinary – Advanced Retinoid 2% (£9.60)

2. Get a HydraFacial

A HydraFacial is basically a small vacuum for your face. This vacuum cleanses, extracts, and hydrates the skin, and using a mix of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and botanical extracts, it deep-cleans your skin. All HydraFacials consist of the same process: a deep cleanse, an exfoliation, the extraction, a peel, hydration and the use of LED light. So how does it work? The HydraFacial removes debris from pores using a painless suction process and nourishes with intense moisturisers that quench the skin. This ultimately leaves your skin feeling nourished and super supple! The results are instant! Hydrafacials are not cheap, so of course consider whether your budget allows for this facial. Your beauty regimen shouldn’t be causing you financial stress.. afterall, we all know what stress does to the skin! There are plenty of at home alternatives, see below for details. For all those who are interested in the HydraFacial, I spoke to a consultant from Este Medial Group, and she has provided me with details of a discounted package below. 😉👇

Tanya recommends: Este Medial Group – HydraFacial.

Price: £200 per session (Sale: 3 at £297 or 6 at £594. Can be used within a 12 month period)

How often: One session is more than enough before the Wedding.

When to begin: 1-2 month prior to the wedding

More affordable (but still amazing!) option: Aztec Secret -Indian Healing Clay Mask (£12) followed by The Ordinary – Hyaluronic acid (£5.90)

3. Exfoliate and Vitamin C the results!

Okay so – After using Retinol, your skin is now clear and even-toned, and the me-time facials have left your skin feeling soft and supple. It’s now time to bring some brightness and glow to your skin!

Over time, dead cells accumulate on the skin, this is particularly problematic for a bride as these dead cells interfere with light reflection causing skin to look dull and tired. For this reason, it is extremely important to exfoliate your skin. Did you know, exfoliation also enhances the absorption of skin brightening products.

After exfoliating your skin, apply a Vitamin C tonic or moisturiser. Vitamin C helps prevent damage to the skin from UV and pollution and provides an instant glow boost which helps the skin look lit from within! Applying Vitamin C also fades acne scars and dark spots. Your skin will shine bright like a diamond. You know when that skin goes bling, it can only mean one thing! Okay, okay – no more!

Tanya recommends: Aplha-H – Vitamin C with grape seed

Price: £39

How often: Daily – AM

When to begin: At least 2 months prior to the wedding

More affordable (but still amazing!) option: Pixi – Vitamin C Tonic (£10)

These 3 steps are a guaranteed way to ensure your skin looks it’s very best on your big day! After all, wedding photos last forever, need I remind you? 🙂

Disclaimer: This advice should be taken as a guide and as always, when using a new product or service consider your skin type, your problem areas, if you have unhealed skin, your allergies, as well as any negative experiences with products/companies you may have had in the past. With new products, a patch test is also always recommended.

Posted on April 2nd 2020