Beauty Tip of the Week, April 2007

Counting down to the ‘Big Day’

The majority of brides realise that there is no point spending thousands of euro on their  wedding, if they wake up on the morning of the ceremony with a dull complexion, or worse still, a break out of spots or pimples!

The level of commitment that a bride-to-be needs to devote to skin care will depend on the condition of her skin, but the beauty experts agree that to get that ‘blushing bride’ glow she really needs to begin a comprehensive skincare regime at least four months before her wedding day.

If she has a particular concern to address, be it problem skin, pigmented blemishes or fine lines, treatment for these concerns have to be developed over time and there is no quick fix. If there is not enough time, then results will be limited. A consultation is vital for the bride to discuss her concerns and hope for the big day. A deep cleansing facial once a month for three months, with two hydrating and brightening facials in the final month is generally followed.

A good homecare regime needs to be recommended during the initial consultation with the bride. She should be ideally using products that are free from preservatives to avoid the risk of allergic reactions. Her daily moisturisers should contain protective anti-oxidant vitamins, particularly vitamin A to maintain healthy skin.

If she has a specific concern, she may need to look at her diet and lifestyle and make changes. She should increase her water intake, eat more fruit and vegetables, cut down on alcohol and take regular exercise. “A healthy diet means healthy skin.”

Stress is often unavoidable in the lead up to a wedding day and can play havoc with the skin causing over production of oil and can sensitise the skin. The regular facials along with your homecare regime should have your skin prepared for any crisis. Your last skin treatment should be at least a week before the big day, to allow for any outbreaks to have healed if the bride has problem skin.

On the morning of the wedding the bride should cleanse and tone as normal, with a light exfoliation (I’d recommend ‘Velvet’ exfoliating cream) after, then a radiance serum patted gently into the skin and finally, their daily moisturising cream. This will leave the skin primed for make-up application.

By Sacra @ Stairway 2 Beauty 091 875959

This article was first published in News and Views April 2007