Ultimate bridal skincare guide: Say ‘I do’ to radiant skin on your big day

Having pimples on the wedding day is every bride's worst nightmare. From spending heavily on facial surgeries to consulting dermatologists and cosmetologists for skin care treatments, the journey to achieve radiant and glowing skin for the big day is a long one. This, however, doesn't and must not deter the brides from doing anything otherwise. Why? Because this is your big day and it ain't coming back ever!

The first step towards achieving a radiant glow is to understand what you require rather than going overboard with expecting too much. With the skincare space expanding like never before, we find ourselves lost in the maze of treatment options available. But how to know what's best for you? Mid-day Online tapped several skincare experts to help you pick the right regime.

"Bridal skincare involves specialised skincare regime and treatments that brides-to-be follow in preparation for their wedding day. The aim is to achieve a radiant, flawless and rejuvenated look for the big day and subsequent events," says Dr Batul Patel, celebrity dermatologist, founder and medical director, The Bombay Skin Clinic, Mumbai.

Dr Palak Deshmukh, consultant dermatologist, trichologist and venereologist, Jehangir Hospital, Pune adds, "This comprehensive routine encompasses cleansing, exfoliation, moisturising and the targeted application of serums and masks to address specific skin concerns. Following these basics ensures your skin stays clean, hydrated, free from dirt and dead skin cells and other skin conditions like acne, dark spots or fine lines".

Deshmukh advises incorporating basic skincare products instead of purely relying on skincare treatments. She says, "Make use of a gentle cleanser, exfoliator, moisturiser, sunscreen and eye cream to ensure holistic care of your skin".

The correct time to begin the skincare routine
Ideally, most professionals suggest brides should start their skincare routine 6 months to a year in advance of the wedding. This allows ample time to address specific skin concerns, try various treatments and establish a regimen that suits you the best.

Deshmukh shares a list of how the bridal skincare treatment progresses from month to month until the final day of the wedding.

At least 12-6 months before the wedding:
This is the time to try out new products and treatments as a part of your skincare routine. You can also start seeing a dermatologist or esthetician for professional treatments, such as microdermabrasion or chemical peels.

Over 3 months until the big day:
This is the time to focus on refining your skincare routine and making sure that you are using the right products for your skin type and concerns. You should also avoid trying any new products or treatments at this time, as you don't want to risk any skin reactions.

Just 2 months before the wedding:
This is the time to focus on hydration and plumping. Use products that will hydrate your skin and give it a dewy glow. You can also start getting regular facials to help remove any dead skin cells and impurities.

A week before the wedding:
Avoid using any harsh exfoliators or peels, as these can irritate your skin. Stick to gentle cleansers and moisturisers. You can plan a hydra facial session 1-2 days prior to the wedding day.

The day of the wedding:
Get a good night's sleep and wake up early to give yourself plenty of time to get ready. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and apply a moisturiser that is oil-free and non-comedogenic.

Top bridal skincare treatments
According to Patel, a bridal skincare treatment is usually divided into six steps.

1) Laser hair reduction
It is a non-invasive method that uses laser beams to target hair follicles, thereby reducing hair growth. It is ideal for areas like the legs, underarms, bikini line and face.

2) Brightening
These are treatments aimed at enhancing the glow and radiance of the skin. They include:

Hydradermabrasion: This involves exfoliating the skin using water. It helps to reduce fine lines, scars and pores.
The Hollywood laser peel: This helps to remove pigmentation and tan. It also helps to brighten the skin and improve the texture with no downtime or side effects.
Microneedling: It adopts tiny needles to induce collagen production. This treatment helps improve scars, fine lines and overall skin texture.
Chemical peels: This focuses on reviving dull skin and reducing uneven skin tones.

3) Medi-facials:
These are advanced facials that combine the relaxation of a spa facial with medical-grade products and techniques. They are designed to address specific skin concerns and deliver more noticeable and long-lasting results than regular facials.

4) Treating concerns like
Pigmentation: Reducing dark spots, melasma, and uneven skin tone can be addressed with a Q switch laser and deep peels.
Acne: Treating active breakouts and preventing new ones can be taken care of with an acne freedom programme.
Acne scars: Minimising the appearance of post-acne marks and scars is very important and needs to be treated with technology like MNRF and Dermapen 4.

6) Body wellness like body sculpting
Body wellness goes beyond facial skincare. One of the increasingly popular treatments under this umbrella is body sculpting. Body Sculpting (also known as body contouring) is a non-surgical treatment designed to alter the shape and contours of the body, reducing unwanted fat deposits and enhancing body definition. Unlike traditional weight loss methods, which shrink fat cells, body sculpting works to permanently destroy them.

Most women, besides adopting non-invasive skincare treatments, also opt for surgeries like rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, breast augmentation, liposuction or tummy tuck. Deshmukh warns, "All surgeries have risks, and it is important to discuss these with a surgeon before making a decision. It is also important to be aware of the recovery time for surgery. Some surgeries require a longer recovery time than others." She adds, "Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to have surgery is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer, and it is important to do what feels right for you."

Natural way to prep for your big day
Although common bridal skincare treatments are the preferred choice of many, natural skincare treatments too, are preferred by a few. For this purpose, we also roped in Dr Dinyar Workingboxwalla, Skin Guru, BiE who shares with us natural ways to attain glowing skin for your special day.

Homemade face packs for radiant skin
1. The Papaya fresh-faced face pack
Papaya as a fruit, is packed with antioxidants, Vitamin A, C & E, collagen and an enzyme called papain that helps in slowing the ageing process, brightening the skin tone and texture and giving your skin a boost of radiance and glow.

Method to make the pack:
Take a ripe papaya, remove the seeds, mash the fruit pulp it in a bowl.
Always mix the pulp with another skin-benefitting ingredient like rose water or honey.
Apply this skin-nourishing mixture on your entire face except around the sensitive areas of your face like around the eyes, lips and other itchy areas.
Allow the pulp to remain on the skin for at least 15 minutes and then rinse it off with diluted mother apple cider vinegar.
Since this fruit is rich in active components, it is advisable to use this pack only once or twice a month.

2. Strawberry and yoghurt face pack
Strawberries are rich food sources of antioxidants and other skin vitamins like A and C. They instantly charge up the dull and dead skin cells and restore one's complexion to a smooth and soft appearance. It regulates the production of sebum as well due to its acidic properties and inhibits the occurrence of acne.

Method to make the pack
Take some strawberries in a bowl, mash them and mix the pulp with oatmeal, plain yoghurt or just plain cream.
Apply this combination of fruity pulp and cream on your face and allow it to work on the skin for 10-15 minutes.
Then gently rinse your face with water and dry it with a soft cloth.
You can use this face mask once or twice a week.

3. Honey, egg white and almond oil face pack
This face pack helps stimulate blood circulation, smoothens the skin texture, brightens your complexion and deeply hydrates and moisturises the face.

Method to make the pack
Take the whites of three large eggs, two tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of sweet almond oil.
Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl.
Apply this mixture to your face and spread it all over in thick layers.
Leave it for 15 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water.

4. Lemon brightening face pack
This mixture revives dull skin cells and gives you a sublime boost of radiance, glow and youthful vigour. It smoothens the skin texture and hydrates deeply.

Method to make the pack
Take one cup of fresh lemon leaves, one tablespoon of yoghurt and one tablespoon of oatmeal.
Simmer the lemon leaves in fresh water for fifteen minutes.
Add the yoghurt and oatmeal to form a paste.
Leave on the mixture for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water and mother apple cider vinegar.
You can use this face pack once or twice a month.

5. Cucumber skin energising face mask
Cucumber is a cost-effective, environmentally friendly kitchen ingredient that is packed with rich antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, vitamins A and C, zinc, folic acid and copper. It soothes, refreshes and hydrates the skin beautifully and leaves your skin feeling rejuvenated, radiant and nourished.

Method to make the pack
Take a cucumber, mash it in a bowl and mix it with aloe vera, rose water or yoghurt.
Apply this skin-soothing concoction to your face and leave it for 20 minutes.
Rinse it off with warm water
You can use this mask once or twice a week.

Balanced diet for desired results
"You get that luminous glow on the most important day of your life, it is important to have a balanced diet plan in place besides your other skincare regime," says Workingboxwalla.

He suggests all brides must incorporate multi-vitamin foods, essential fatty acids, and food rich in antioxidants. Also include probiotics like yoghurt to keep the gut healthy and avoid junk food, oily foods and food items with high glycaemic index. Drink at least 2-3 litres of water to keep your body hydrated and the skin moisturised.

Here are 5 foods to-be-brides must include in their diet
Berries:
Rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, prebiotics and potassium, brides must include blackberries, strawberries, blueberries and raspberries to achieve a radiant glow, keep the skin firm and improve its elasticity.

Eat your greens:
Include an organic bed of greens like lettuce, bell peppers, broccoli, tomatoes and other leafy greens in your salad to get that extra dose of fibre, vitamins and minerals. This will lower your risk of skin-threatening conditions.

Flaxseeds and nuts:
Add 1-2 tablespoons of flaxseeds or other seeds and nuts to your diet to achieve a luminous, soft and supple glow. It is rich in antioxidants and anti-ageing properties.

Fish:
Eat fish, salmon, sardines or tuna at least once or twice a week. Fish contains selenium that keeps the skin looking youthful, diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and maintains the elasticity of the skin.

Experts advise against doing anything that might have a negative impact on the skin. Once you begin with your pre-wedding skincare routine, manage stress, get enough sleep and steer clear of caffeine, alcohol and smoking. Also avoid consuming, junk, sugary and processed food. Do not expose your skin to excessive sunlight, especially without sun protection.

Your choice of pre-wedding skincare treatment must depend on your skin concerns, the desired result, the budget and the amount of time available before the wedding. Consulting with a dermatologist or skincare professional can provide guidance tailored to the individual's needs.