Wedding season means preparing your skin well in advance, which can include cosmetic dermatology procedures from chemical peels and facials to Botox® and fillers. Brides and the wedding party are often caught up planning for the event and choosing the perfect dress. Everyone wants beautiful, glowing skin on their wedding day, but may not think about it until the last minute. You might be wondering where and when should you start seeing your dermatologist to get flawless skin on the big day.
“It can be difficult to determine which skin treatment or procedure you should consider and when, especially when you’re planning for a big event like a wedding,” said Cyndi M. Torosky, MD, dermatologist at Pariser Dermatology. “Skin treatments need to be planned ahead of time. You don’t want to experiment with chemical peels or Botox® a month or two before your wedding.”
Dr. Torosky shares her event-prep timeline for fantastic skin before an upcoming wedding. You can begin a year to 6 months out to make sure you love any new treatments you try before walking down the aisle.
6 Months Before the Big Event
- First, you’ll want to schedule an initial consultation with a dermatologist to discuss the areas of your skin that you’re looking to target. With your doctor, you’ll create a management plan for any existing skin conditions, from large pores to rosacea. Your game plan will be specific to your skin needs, and treatments will take place 3-6 months out to ensure you have enough time to get the result you want.
- Next, ask your dermatologist to recommend an aesthetician to create a skincare regimen for your skin type. Sunscreen is an essential component to your routine, as is Retinol.
“For clear skin before your big event, getting on the right products is key,” said Dr. Torosky.
- At this time, you’ll also start scheduling regular facials with your aesthetician. Routine maintenance for your skin, as well as consistency of treatments, really matter 6 months out.
- If you’re considering Botox® or fillers, you’ll want to begin 6 months to 1 year before your wedding. Once you’ve had several treatments, your pre-wedding treatment can be 1-2 months prior, as that’s enough time to allow any swelling or bruising to disappear. Most fillers, including Juvederm®, Restylane® and Sculptra®, will last up to 18 months.
“Getting these types of treatments for the first time with only a month before your event can be disastrous. You want to be comfortable with your provider, and you want to love the way you look. So it’s important to try new things with plenty of time before the big day,” said Dr. Torosky.
- For laser hair removal, winter is the best time to receive treatment. This is because you shouldn’t expose your skin to the sun before or after the laser treatments. It takes 4-6 sessions to see desired results, and sessions are separated by about 6 weeks. Therefore, laser hair removal needs to be scheduled and done well in advance of a big event.
- Considering Coolsculpting®? This procedure takes time, and often requires more than 1 session on the targeted area. We recommend beginning this process at least 6 months out from a special event. Do not wait just weeks before your wedding to start body contouring.
As a reminder, everything we do for our face, we can also do to our chest, hands and feet, too. If you’re concerned about your skin in those areas, speak to a Pariser Dermatology team member about skincare routines, chemical peels and laser treatments to address your concerns.
3-4 Months Out
- Exfoliation is important when you’re at this point in your timeline. Begin conservatively, especially if you aren’t used to exfoliating consistently. This can be achieved with the right skin cleansers and lotions, most of which contain salicylic, glycolic and lactic acid.
- Talk to your dermatologist about chemical peels, and whether you’d like a lunchtime peel, or something stronger. We always advise patients to schedule their peels at least 3 months prior to their big event, and avoid getting peels a week or two out.
“A chemical peel can even out skin tone, and boost collagen and elastin in the skin,” said Dr. Torosky.
- It’s time to begin dry brushing your skin. Take a bristled brush to your face, arms, chest and upper back and gently exfoliate. Remember not to be too aggressive while doing this! The brushing helps clear the lymphatic system (which can cause some inflammation at first). Get started by doing this 2-3 times per week.
2 Months Out
It’s time to readdress your need for filler and Botox® injections. Be sure not to wait longer than 2 months out from your big day to avoid any visible bruising. We can always re-tweak with additional injections, if necessary, 2-3 weeks out, but planning to have your final series of injections during this timeframe is ideal.
If possible, try to put off fillers until you’re within 5-10 lbs of your goal weight. Some women lose weight from their face first, and their thighs last. If you’re losing more than 15 lbs before your special event, you’ll lose face volume.
In a perfect world, you would want to be within 10 pounds of your ideal weight prior to getting Botox® or fillers. If you lose weight, you may need your filler evened out again. It’s also important to be mindful of how crazy crash diets can impact your overall health.
1 Month
If you want to try a new self-tanner, now is the time. This allows you enough time to decide if you want the color lighter or darker. No experimenting with only a week before your event! For spray tans, hand-spraying can get the best result. After your initial trial, repeat 3-4 days before your wedding, then let it be.
2-4 Weeks to Go
This is the time for minor Botox® tweaks. Want to address a fine line or two around your eyes or your frown line? Schedule your appointment at least 2-4 weeks in advance.
It’s also time for a Baby Foot® peel. These peels use natural fruit acid to exfoliate your feet. Give yourself at least two weeks before your big event to do this, as a week before you may still be peeling.
“The skin on our feet is thicker than other areas of the body, so the impact is often delayed,” said Dr. Torosky.
1 Week Before
Here is a list of treatments to consider a week out from your big day:
- Your last pre-wedding facial
- Gentle chemical peels
- Light microdermabrasion
If a zit or a fever blister pops up, your dermatologist can inject it with cortisone. The blemish should diminish within 24-48 hours. Be sure to avoid any injectables at this point, and don’t start any new treatments or procedures, as you don’t know how your skin will respond to them.
The Night Before
Apply extra hydrating product. Apply hyaluronic acid the night and morning of.
Although it can be tempting, don’t consume alcohol or overeat the night before your wedding. The most important thing you can do on the eve of your wedding is get a good night’s sleep.
Schedule Your Appointments Today
Call the Pariser Dermatology team today at 757-622-6315 and begin setting up your skincare appointments before your big day. Mothers of the bride and other family members and friends are welcome, too. We look forward to helping you achieve healthy, beautiful skin before your special event!
