Pre wedding skin prep for brides and grooms as decoded by Dr. Priti Shenai

Dr. Priti Shenai

Prepping for your own wedding can be stressful. From the day you locked your wedding date, you are only focused on getting everything right.

Amidst getting your outfits and invites ready, booking your hair and makeup artist, and planning your future ahead, do you know what suffers the most? Your skin! Yes, stress, an unhealthy diet, and bad lifestyle habits can take a serious toll on the health of your skin. You cannot afford to let that happen! That's why you need to start looking after your skin at least 3-6 months in advance. Here are a few tips and tricks as suggested by Dr. Priti Shenai, the reputed MD Dermatologist and founder of Skinworks Clinic that would-be brides and grooms can follow for rejuvenated skin:

Eat right to look bright

Well, that's the truest saying one has ever said. Eat right and you will be alright. Oily and fried food could clog up your system and even make your pores stand up. Say goodbye to junk, sugar, and dairy products. Consume Nuts, fresh fruits, protein-based food items, and green leafy vegetables.

Crash diets are a strict no as they can make your skin and hair look dull and lifeless. Avoid smoking and limit your consumption of alcohol.

Sleep well before you take the leap

Bad sleep is also a cause of skin problems. Avoid late nights and give yourself the time to unwind. Our skin cells are regenerated during sleep which helps in reducing puffiness and dryness around the eyes but also helps in releasing stress.

When to start the skincare regimen?

The best advice that could be given to any bride and groom is to start the skincare routine at least three to six months before the wedding day. Firstly, take some time to observe your skin carefully and identify the problems you want to target in your skincare routine. For instance, uneven skin tone or acne breakouts. Then decide on the routine you need to follow along with your dermatologist. It will vary from person to person depending on skin type and skin concerns.

What skincare products should one use?

Doesn't matter what your skin type is, cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and sunscreen remain a constant for everyone. And yes, the sunscreen is non-negotiable! Since you're out and about shopping and running errands, you have to load up on SPF to prevent damage from the harsh UV rays of the sun.

Secondly, understand the skin type and choose the right cleanser. For dry skin use a moisturizing creamy cleanser whereas for oily acne-prone skin, use cleansers with salicylic acid in them.

Further, opt for a moisturizer as per your individual skin type. Also, add serums and creams to the skin routine as per the skin concern, like for acne opt for glycolic acid and salicylic acid-based night creams whereas for pigmentation choose retinoids, azelaic acid, and niacinamide based creams.

What skin treatments should I opt for?

If you want your skin to look even, spotless, fresh, and glowing on your wedding day, then it is suggested that you pay your dermatologist a monthly visit, starting six months prior to your big wedding. Start treatments as early as possible as the skin may take time to respond to treatments.

Laser hair reduction is one of the best treatment options for permanent body hair removal with no side effects. Microdermabrasion or skin polishing removes dead skin, blackheads, and whiteheads, giving the skin a perfect even-toned glow. Q switch NdYAGlaser photo facials are ideal for reducing tanning, dark spots, and oiliness of the skin. Carbon Peel laser toning for skin brightening and acne-prone skin.

For dry skin, treatments like chemical peels for hydration, hydrafacial and LED light facials are great. Microneedling with platelet-rich plasma therapy can be done for both skin and hair. Those with wrinkles, loss of collagen, acne scars, hair loss, or thinning can undergo it.

Skin boosters are collagen shots given to the skin for improving skin hydration. Hyaluronic acid fillers injections can be done to correct tired, and sunken eyes. Do not ignore body parts like hands, feet, back n torso. Body polish n chemical peels can be done.

Everyone wants to glow their best on their D-day. One cannot solely rely on salons and makeup to achieve a glamorous look. So, it is highly recommended that all would-be brides and grooms start working on their skin without wasting time. Therefore, don't ignore your concerns and visit your trusted dermat today for healthy glowing skin that you definitely deserve.