Ultimate Pre-Wedding Skin Prep

by Sophia Kim

The first step in achieving a flawless camera-ready skin is to focus on hydration! A well hydrated skin looks smooth, fine lines are plumped up and make-up glides on with ease and sits well throughout the day (less touch ups needed).  

If your skin is dehydrated on the big day you will notice: 

  • Scaly looking skin 
  • Taut skin 
  • Superficial lines 
  • Shiny skin 
  • Premature ageing 
  • Minor blemishes or breakouts 

How do you know if your skin is hydrated enough or if it needs a little TLC before the big day? Well truth be told, most of us could use some help in the hydration department, in fact, up to 98% of the population have some level of surface dehydration in their skin, yikes! So, it’s safe to say you’re going to want to add this to your pre-wedding to do list. 

So how do you achieve instant, volume boosting hydration in your skin? Is it as simple as drinking an extra bottle of water each day? Interestingly, water intake is vital for total body hydration and (hydrating the lower layers of your skin), but surface dehydration cannot be corrected by water intake (sigh). Instead you need to focus on an array of modifications to your lifestyle (to prevent moisture loss) while infusing the skin with topical nourishing ingredients to both moisturise and hydrate the outer layer of skin. 

Let’s start with the lifestyle changes, here’s what you’re going to want to do in the weeks leading up to the wedding: 

  • Eat plenty of foods that are rich in essential fatty acids (such as oily fish, nuts & seeds, avocado) - do not skimp on your EFA rich foods even if you’re on a pre-wedding shred diet 
  • Avoid excessively hot showers or try washing your face at the basin before you get into the shower 
  • Rely on fresh air ventilation where possible (dial back the heater or air conditioner) 
  • Avoid high consumption of caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, energy drinks and soft drinks (avoid having more than 2 x caffeinated drinks per day) 
  • Limit prepared meals and take away foods as these can be very high in sodium (not only will this dehydrate your skin but can also lead to bloating and puffiness especially around the eyes) 
  • Drink plenty of water (this is vital for internal hydration) 
  • Avoid smoking  

The all-important skin routine 

To see a professional or not see a professional, that is the question? If you’re suffering from a skin condition or concern (such as congestion, acne, pigmentation, sun damage or minor premature ageing) it’s best to seek out and visit a qualified skin therapist at least 6 months prior to the big day. This will give you enough time to undergo some more intensive treatments or simply put you in the know if your treatment plan is to be a little shorter. Be sure to avoid high intensity treatments for at least 4 weeks prior to your big day (such as Laser, IPL, skin needling, chemicals peels etc).
At this time your treatment focus would be more on superficial exfoliation and hydration.

How to nail it with your homecare 

Your pre-wedding essential is Skinstitut Hydrating Mask. This intensive treatment mask has the incredible ability to plump up fine lines and draw moisture into the skin (using a powerful humectant called trehalose). The complexion itself will appear visibly more radiant as the skin is infused with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Lastly, the addition of shea butter creates an ultra-smooth and buttery texture to the skin tone. Simply use 2 – 3 times per week leading up to the big day; then wear as a 10 – 15 minute mask the night before the weeding.  Pro Tip – if your skin is looking dull and dry try mixing Skinstitut Multi-Active Oil into Skinstitut Glycolic Scrub 14% for a gentle and nourishing facial exfoliation prior to applying Hydrating Mask.  
 
If you’re going to be fake tanning before the wedding, hydration of the skin on your body is equally as important (who wants a patchy or streaky tan). Simply mix a small amount of Skinstitut Repair Balm into Skinstitut Glycolic Scrub 14% to banish scaly winter legs – use this combo on dry skin and massage in for up to 5 minutes. Remember to apply a small amount of Repair Balm onto heels, knees and elbows right before your spray tan to prevent any tan from grabbing to dry skin. 
 
The ultimate finisher for long lasting dewy and fresh skin - Multi-Active Mist. This lightweight hydrating and brightening superstar can be used both under and over the top of make-up. Simply spritz before applying moisturiser to improve your skins’ hydration and luminosity, then spritz over a full face of make-up to help set. 

Kissable lips 

Did you know that if you experience chronically dried and cracked lips (weather aside) according to holistic skin analysis it could indicate gastric stress, poor digestion, and low gut flora? Our lips are much finer than the skin on our face so it stands to reason they can easily become dry and flaky. 

For a plump and juicy pout try this homecare combo: 

  • Use Enzymatic Micro Peel 2-3 times per week to gently exfoliate dry dead skin from the lips surface. The enzymes will only digest dead skin delivering a soothing micro exfoliant action. The complex of hyaluronic acid, chamomile and B vitamins hydrate and soften the lips reducing any existing sensitivity.   
  • To maintain immense hydration and plumpness apply Skinstitut Hydrating Mask over your lips as often as needed. The ginger extract helps to encourage circulation, assisting to keep your lips looking vibrant and luscious. 

Now you have all the secrets for a smooth, radiant and luxuriously hydrated complexion that will guarantee the best photo finish at the upcoming big day.  

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