To achieve a lit-from-within glow on your wedding day, give yourself a head start and begin a good skincare regimen combined with clean eating, hydration and exercise. A gentle skincare routine will also help restore skin dulled by dryness and irritation. If possible, plan to start home treatments three to six months before your wedding day. Transforming your skin doesn’t happen overnight.
Skin cells need time to turn over and produce the smooth canvas you want for wedding day makeup. Always moisturize after you cleanse before you go to sleep, because your skin rejuvenates while you’re sleeping. Incorporate retinol into your nighttime beauty routine.
For your morning routine, using a vitamin C serum and moisturizer is ideal. Apply SPF as part of your morning routine if you’ll be outdoors or if your home lets in a lot of natural sunlight. You can even give yourself a facial massage at home for a well-rounded morning self-care routine!
Facial Mist
Hydrate your skin with a facial mist before using a serum or oil. Massaging a mist into your skin is also great preparation if you plan on using the facial gua sha, a traditional Chinese skin-scraping method. Whenever using these techniques, always be very gentle with your skin.
Shop Mario Badescu Mini Facial Spray with Aloe, Cucumber and Green Tea, Shop Here
Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects skin from free radicals in the environment, such as pollution and ultraviolet rays. Vitamin C also helps fade hyperpigmentation and brighten the complexion while rebuilding collagen.
Shop Elf Vitamin C Serum, Shop Here
Facial Oil
Just a few drops of facial oil can nourish the skin. Using oil after a serum, especially during a facial massage, will lock in the benefits. Apply facial oil before using a rich moisturizer to restore skin cells. If you favor a lightweight moisturizer or gel, apply those first and then finish with facial oil on top.
Shop Pure Radiance Oil, Shop Here
Retinol
Retinol is famous for its anti-aging benefits that leave skin smooth and glowing. It’s also amazing at minimizing acne scars and blemishes.
Shop Luna Retinol Sleeping Oil, Shop Here
Lactic Acid
Lactic Acid will increase collagen promotion and rapid cellular turnover. Lactic Acid improves hydration and works without causing dryness. It is gentle on sensitive skin and helps reduce hyperpigmentation. If Lactic Acid is new to your skincare routine, start with a 5% formula and work your way up.
Shop The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA, Shop Here
Masks
Masks soothe the upper layers of skin, detoxify pores, and restore the skin barrier. A mask that works for all skin types would be great at easing sensitivity and discomfort.
Shop Glossier Moisturizing Moon Mask, Shop Here
At-Home Skin Micro Peel
Look for a micro peel to deliver beautiful results immediately. Other skincare products penetrate more effectively when skin is exfoliated properly.
Shop The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, Shop Here
Sugar Scrub
Beautiful glows aren’t just for your face. Give your entire body a polished finish with a hydrating body scrub. Even the roughest elbows and knees will be smooth and supple.
Shop Brooklyn Botany Brown Sugar Scrub, Shop Here
Facial Gua Sha
Look to traditional Chinese medicine to practice gua sha (pronounced gwah-shah) facial massage to sculpt features and refine skin texture. Using an authentic gua sha massage tool three to five times a week can also help reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Shop Herbivore Rose Quartz Gua Sha, Shop Here