let the countdown to your big day commence

wedding skincare essentials

wedding skincare tips from dr. uchenna r. okereke

everyone wants perfect, radiant skin on their wedding day, but between all the planning, invitations, or traveling, how do you factor in skin prep? we asked our friend and board-certified dermatologist, dr. uchenna r. okereke, for her best tips to get your skin clear and glowing for the big day. so, whether you are the bride, groom, or a guest, we’ve got you covered for wedding season.

board-certified dermatologist, dr. uchenna r. okereke, suggests keeping it simple & consistent in the lead-up to your day.

what's your best tip for pre-wedding skin care for brides & grooms?


start early! as soon as you set a date, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist. if possible, allow 6-12 months to help you achieve the most radiant and natural glow. in the final month before your big day, i recommend keeping it simple: stick to products your skin knows and responds well to. the month leading up to the wedding is not the time for drastic changes!

 

when should i consider incorporating skin procedures or getting a facial before a wedding?

 

to improve your skin’s texture or clarity, consult a dermatologist 3-4 months in advance for any targeted treatments like lasers or chemical peels. 

in the final month before your big day, i recommend keeping it simple: stick to products your skin knows and responds well to. the month leading up to the wedding is not the time for drastic changes!

what are your suggestions for dealing with day-of wedding skin issues like a pimple or rash (and how to treat fast!)?  

i typically prescribe a course of antibiotics to protect against day-of issues. in addition, i prescribe a prescription strength cortisone cream in cases of rash, too.    

 

how do i build my routine leading up to a wedding?

i typically recommend the holy trinity of skincare – a sunscreen, of course, vitamin c to even skin tone and boost your glow, and retinol to improve the appearance of lines and acne. start using these actives 3-6 months out for best results, and to ensure your skin is adjusting.

a simple routine would also include a gentle cleanser that doesn’t strip your skin of moisture, hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate, a moisturizer for your specific skin type, and a chemical exfoliant.

in your final month before the event, i would avoid harsh scrubs, new actives, or anything your skin isn’t familiar with to prevent reactions or breakouts.

wedding skin prep check list    

- start early. see a dermatologist 6-12 months out to form plan of action for clear, smooth skin.

- don’t stress, be prepped. if you are prone to reactions, consider asking for a prescription strength cortisone cream in case you have a flare-up.

-we also like our clear days ahead fast-acting salicylic acid acne spot treatment if any pesky pimples decide to pop up.

- keep it moving. 3-4 months before is when you should consult a dermatologist for any targeted treatments like chemical peels or lasers.

- don’t forget to kis(s): keep it simple! a gentle cleanser, hyaluronic acid, exfoliant, and moisturizer with spf will keep your complexion in check.