Glowing Down The Aisle - An Essential Pre-Wedding Skincare Guide for Whistler Brides-to-Be

Your wedding day is one of the most memorable moments in your life, and no doubt you want to look and feel your absolute best for your big day. From the wedding dress, to the bouquet to the venue decor and food, every little detail matters. However, one aspect that often gets overlooked in the whirlwind of wedding planning, is a steadfast skincare routine.

Achieving radiant, glowing skin for your wedding requires proper preparation and extra care in the lead up. As a makeup artist, I will always do my best to get my brides looking radiant and glowing with my expert techniques and skincare products, but there's also plenty you can do, in advance, to help achieve perfect skin.

In this post, we'll explore some essential tips for getting your skin ready and radiant for your wedding, ensuring you'll have the picture-perfect glow you've always dreamed of!

Start Early

Good skincare doesn't happen overnight. Ideally, you should start preparing your skin several months before your wedding date. This allows time for any treatments or adjustments to your skincare routine to take effect and produce the desired results. Starting early also ensures that you have a buffer in case you encounter any setbacks along the way.

Establish a Consistent Skincare Routine

Consistency is key when it comes to skincare. Establish a daily routine that includes cleansing each morning or evening - I'm currently loving the balm-like texture of The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser - and moisturising both AM and PM, my current favourites are Ilia Base Milk or Kheil's Ultra Facial Cream. Protecting your skin from the sun year round is also a good idea, I currently use Clinique's Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturiser SPF25. Make sure to choose products that are suitable for your skin type, with a higher SPF if desired, and try to address any specific concerns you may have, such as acne, dryness, or sensitivity well in advance of your wedding.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Hydration is essential for healthy, glowing skin. I advise all my brides to make sure they're drinking plenty of water (2L+ per day) in the weeks leading up to their wedding, to keep skin super hydrated from the inside out. Additionally, consider incorporating extra hydrating serums into your skincare routine - my current favourite is The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum which reduces oil whilst locking in hydration and gives the skin a nice glowy sheen under makeup. The Ordinary's Hyaluronic Acid + B5 Hydrating Serum is also great and a best seller on Sephora.

Treat Yourself to Regular Facials

Treating yourself to regular facials for a few months before your wedding can work wonders for your skin. Consider scheduling monthly facials for 3+ months leading up to your wedding day, for optimal results. One of my favourite local services is a 90-minute customised facial by Catherine Wilson at her home studio, Polished in Squamish. She incorporates relaxing massage and face masks as part of her facials and also offers nail services. Catherine usually books up 4-6 weeks in advance, so be sure to get in early. I also advise pampering yourself at home, with a gentle, hyaluronic acid face mask every 2 weeks, Masque Bar's Biocellulose Mask is my favourite go-to, and a great price point for the quality you're getting.

Exfoliate Twice A Week

Exfoliation is key to removing dead skin cells and revealing fresh, radiant skin underneath. Incorporate a gentle and natural exfoliating scrub into your skincare routine once or twice a week to keep your skin smooth and glowing. Be careful not to over-exfoliate though, as this can irritate the skin and cause redness. Sometimes, just a face cloth and warm water with your usual cleanser or soap can work wonders.

Address Specific Skin Concerns

If you have specific skin concerns, such as acne, hyper-pigmentation or dryness, address them 6 months in advance of your wedding date. Consult with a skincare professional or Naturopath to develop a targeted treatment plan that will help you achieve your skincare goals. For acne, dry skin and rosacea, I highly recommend seeing a Naturopath or Nutritionist and consider taking a Women's Multi-Vitamin (a Pre-Natal Multi is great for skin and general health, regardless of pregnancy) 3-6 months ahead of the wedding. I began seeing a professional nutritionist in London, 3 months before my wedding, and with her advice following a healthy, hormone balancing diet, I completely cleared my adult acne within 3 months and had beautifully clear skin for my wedding day. I highly recommend Filippa Harrington Naturopathy who offers online consultations and care packages designed especially for women, alongside Alice Mackintosh who offers a brilliant Skin Regeneration package. There really is nothing better for your skin and body than good nutrition - great skincare products are just the cherry on top!

Smoothing Those Lines

Whilst the more advanced medical aesthetic treatments are not for everyone and nor should they be, I am now seeing a steadily growing percentage of my wedding clients opting for Botox treatments to improve and enhance the look of their skin. Botox can dramatically reduce frown and aging lines for a period of 3-6 months, giving a more youthful and fresh-faced appearance. Many of my clients find it helps them look less tired and gives a hydrated 'Botox sheen' across the forehead. Since it slowly wears off after a period of 3-6 months, it's something that can potentially be tried out in advance and used again, only if it feels right for you. This treatment is currently available with Dr Gillian Fisher in both Whistler and Squamish.

That said, there’s absolutely no pressure to go down this route - staying 100% natural is just as beautiful and definitly the best choice if it's what aligns best and feels right for you. It’s important to remember that the beauty industry's push for a ‘must look younger’ ideal doesn’t define your worth or beauty. Your beauty starts from within - your energy, your smile and from feeling confident in your own skin, whether that means embracing natural features or enhancing them in ways that resonate with you and not societal expectations. Ultimately, it's about autonomy and making decisions that make you feel great - whatever that looks like for you.

Don't Forget About Your Body

While much of the focus is often on facial skincare, don't neglect the rest of your body. Moisturise those limbs, exfoliate regularly, and consider treatments such as body scrubs or massages to ensure your skin looks and feels its best from head to toe on your wedding day. Gently tanning in the sun or using tanning booths in the lead up can help give a natural, healthy glow, or try my favourite - Salty Face - for some amazing faux-tan results for face and body.

Get Plenty of Beauty Sleep

In the midst of your wedding planning, getting enough sleep is crucial for healthy, glowing skin. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to allow your body and skin time to repair and regenerate. You'll wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever comes your way. If you're struggling to stick to a regular sleep schedule, the latest research shows that Yoga Nidra or Non-Sleep-Deep-Rest can help you catch up on sleep you may have missed - with just one session offering the equivalent benefits of 3-4 hours of sleep! I highly recommend doing a 20-minute NSDR meditation as often as you need, to feel wonderfully relaxed and reenergised. This is also a great 15-minute Yoga Nidra relaxation exercise, if you've been lacking adequate sleep in the busy run-up to your wedding day.

Conclusion

You deserve to feel confident, relaxed and beautiful from the inside out on your wedding day. By following these tips and prioritising your skincare and wellness leading up to the big day, you can help ensure that your skin is glowing and radiant and as a bonus, the extra self-care is going to help boost your oxytocin levels - the love hormone!

Remember, the key is to start early, be consistent, and treat your skin with the tender love and care it deserves, both inside and out. With a little effort and dedication, you'll be glowing with an effortless radiance as you walk down the aisle.

Wishing you all the best with your wedding planning!

Helen Hamilton

Whistler Wedding Makeup & Hair