Pre-Wedding Skin Tips

Pre-Wedding Skin Tips

By: Lena

I’m getting married in less than one month, and I have never been more aware of my skin. In the past, I’d always had my usual flare-ups, minor pimples that popped up here and there, and the occasional whopper on my forehead. Now, however, I’m suddenly aware of a whole other set of problems that brides simply must not have - wrinkles, discoloration, scarring, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and more. It’s been pretty overwhelming.

On the other hand, it has also been very informative. The most in-depth skin analysis I’d ever done before was a quiz in Seventeen magazine that categorized my skin as ‘combination’. Now I know that I am prone to hyperpigmentation, I have oily cheeks and t-zone, my skin reacts well to peels, and I am prone to sun damage. With this knowledge, I feel a lot more equipped to tackle my skin problems. I’ve been particularly obsessed with three main ingredients, which I’ve outlined for you below. Get yourself familiar with these terms, ladies. They are the key to beautiful ‘wedding skin’!

Retinol

Made from vitamin A, retinol is known for helping the skin to create healthier skin cells.

It boosts collagen production, which plumps out the skin, and is known to improve skin tone and reduce dark patches on the skin. Retinol is a key ingredient in most anti-aging products, but has also been found to be helpful in reducing acne. It unclogs pores to allow other treatments to sink in and treat the skin more effectively. It also has antibacterial properties that can calm breakouts. Retinol is a bit harsh on the skin, so users are generally recommended to start by using it once a week, and increase according to how your skin reacts. I use a retinol cream every evening and have noticed measurable results in my skin’s texture and smoothness.

Alpha-hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

AHAs are acids originally derived from milk and fruit sugars, and are excellent skin exfoliators. The acid works to remove the top layer of your skin that holds on to its old, dead skin cells. This might sound like some form of torture, but it’s not. AHAs are pretty gentle, and can be used at different concentrations based on your skin sensitivity. Removing the top layer of skin helps to reduce fine lines, fade dark spots, and stimulate the growth of collagen and elastin. AHAs make the skin extremely sun-prone, so it’s essential to use a high SPF sunscreen after each use. I’ve been getting regular chemical peels for the past few months and my skin has honestly never looked better. I’m hooked!

Rosehip Seed oil

This non-greasy oil is found in the seeds of Chilean rose bushes. It restores elasticity, fades dark spots, moisturizes the skin, and reduces scarring and wrinkles. It’s been used by several ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, due to its abundance of vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids. It’s also anti-inflammatory, which means it helps with acne too! I love massaging this oil into my skin before bed. It smells wonderful, feels like a spa treatment, and the next morning my skin feels so soft.