We suspect you already have a lot on your mind, from whittling down the guest list to picking out stationery and finding that dress! So in thinking about your beauty regime and what treatments you should or shouldn't do in preparation for your wedding, the last thing you want is added complication. We had the chance to sit down with skin-care therapist Noah Kiani, president of Skinovation (skinovation.ca), who has had more than a decade of experience in the cosmetic industry, to help us understand some of the more complex treatments on the market.
1. Broadband Light Therapy/Intense Pulse Light
What: Also known as a "photo-facial" it was originally developed for the treatment of photo-damaged skin. Intense pulses of light are targeted at this particular skin condition.
Who: It's great for skin concerns like: sun damage, uneven pigmentation, rosacea, flushing, acne and enlarged pores.
Pros: It's a fast procedure, usually 20-30 minutes, and results can be seen in as little as one treatment, depending on the severity of the condition.
Cons: Give yourself ample time to recover. Again, recovery time depends on what filter was used (the deeper the pulse, the more discomfort you'll feel). Initially you'll be sore (feels like sunburn), then swollen and any dark spots will look worse before they get better.
Note: Not all photo-facials are created equal. There are many different levels of machines on the market, all with their own limitations. Don't shop based on price, but on what operator is being used. Look for a medical-grade device to get best results.
2. Diamond Microdermabrasion
What: Laser-cut diamonds are used to help exfoliate skin, while a vacuum pulls away sloughed-off particles.
Who: Great for creating a brighter and clearer complexion and smoothing out skin texture. It's ideal for aging skin, too, as fine lines and wrinkles will appear less visible.
Pros: Little down time is required (forget that image of Samantha from SATC) and unlike regular microdermabrasion it's more hygienic because the crystals are not reused.
Cons: A single treatment will result in some improvement, but for maximum results you'll likely have to plan for a series.
3. Glycolic Peel
What: Glycolic acid is used to help slough off dead cells and is the most common alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) used in chemical peels.
Who: This is a great pre-wedding treatment, as it will smooth out your skin’s texture (helping your makeup go on better) and it will minimize nasty stress-induced breakouts.
Pros: It's sometimes referred to as a lunchtime peel, since it technically could be done during your lunch hour, minus any telltale signs.
Cons: Skin may be slightly red for up to 24 hours post-treatment; you may also experience increased sensitivity to light, meaning that sunscreen is a must (as always!)
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