Follow these five rules to achieve perfect wedding-day skin. By Alyssa Buckley
Chances are you want to look radiant on your big day, and that includes having glowing skin. With a fast-approaching wedding date and an ever-growing “to do” list, skin regimens are probably the last thing on your mind. Don’t worry! To find out what it takes to get your skin looking wedding-day ready we sat down with Vancouver dermatologist Dr. Frances Jang from Skin Works (skinworks.ca) to learn her rules for radiant skin.
Rule 1. See a dermatologist about six months before your wedding.
It’s never too early to start thinking about your skin. If you know you’d like to see a dermatologist before your wedding, the sooner the better. Dr. Jang recommends booking an appointment at least six months before your wedding. You may not need to begin treatments or regimens that far in advance, but consulting a dermatologist early on will help you plan ahead, so you’ll know exactly when you need to start your skin-care routine.
Rule 2. Use SPF every day.
We all want a sun-kissed glow when we walk down the aisle, but be careful in your attempts to get a little colour before the wedding—the last thing you want to be is a burnt bride. Unfortunately, since all UV rays are damaging to your skin, there is no safe way to tan. To achieve a bronzed look without the rays, your best bet is to use sunless tanners or makeup, which are both completely safe for your skin. To keep your skin looking young, use an SPF 30 every day—it’s the cheapest anti-aging cream.
Rule 3. Don’t pick at pimples.
If a stress pimple erupts a few days before the wedding don’t pick at it! While popping a zit may seem like a good idea at the time, toxins often escape back into the skin and the acne can reappear. Your best bet is to consult a dermatologist. Dermatologists can give you an intralesional corticosteroid injection directly into the acne cyst. “This works to deflate the cyst within a few hours to a day or two. However, exercise restraint when using this procedure: if overdone, it can result in a concavity in the skin, called steroid atrophy, where the injection was done,” Dr. Jang notes. And because you’re dealing with a prescription drug make sure the individual performing this procedure is a certified dermatologist.
Rule 4. Use a mild exfoliating cleanser.
If you only have time to use one product on your skin every day, use an exfoliating cleanser. Exfoliating cleansers work best on normal to oily skin types, and are great because they allow you to achieve two steps with one product—cleaning and exfoliating. There are dozens of different products to choose from so take time to find the product that’s right for you. And remember, more expensive products are not necessarily better.
Rule 5. Drink water. Eat healthy.
Proper diet shows through in the radiance of your skin. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables, as well as keeping adequately hydrated, makes your skin look healthier. Water helps to flush out toxins while hydrating your skin and lips, leaving them looking luscious.
Dr Jang’s favorite non-abrasive (and affordable!) procedures:
Silk peel: A silk peel is an advanced form of microdermabrasion that makes the skin look fresh and dewy. This treatment is especially great for acne-prone skin.
Intense pulsed light (IPL): This treatment is recommended for more damaged skin, dullness or older skin. The treatment is performed once a month for three to five months. Result: your skin colour will appear more uniform.
Botox or filler: For any little wrinkles.