The Ultimate Bridal Skincare Guide: Prepping Your Skin for the Big Day
Every bride deserves to look radiant on her wedding day, and the key to that glowing complexion starts well before the big event. We spoke with skin specialist and bride to be, Lauren Saul from Fenn to get expert insights on the best pre-wedding skincare routine. I’ve been seeing Lauren for regular facials for two years now, and I can vouch that she and the team at Fenn know what they are talking about!
From professional treatments to at-home rituals, here is Lauren’s guide to ensuring your skin is at its absolute best when you walk down the aisle.
On Treatments & Timing…
Q: When should you start your skincare prep?
A: The earlier, the better! Ideally, start your skincare journey a year before your wedding to allow enough time for consultations and treatments. A good routine involves seeing your skincare professional every three months, then two weeks before the wedding, and finally a few days before for an LED treatment. One of the best pre-wedding treatments is Cryo Kinetic, which is excellent for depuffing, hydrating, and exfoliating.
Q: What treatments should you avoid too close to the Wedding?
A: Avoid trying anything overly aggressive for the first time too close to the wedding. Skip advanced peels, skin needling, Botox, or fillers within three months of your big day. At this stage, consistency is key—stick to what works and don’t overdo it.
Q: You are a month away from you wedding. Talk me through your current routine…
A: Leading up to my wedding, I am trying to stick to the mantra of “less is more”. That being said, while my skincare routine is largely the same, I am trying to step it up with the tools.
Morning: Lymphatic activation and buccal massage in the shower (just two minutes!), followed by a hydrating serum, crème, and a few drops of facial oil. Then, use an ice roller, cupping, or gua sha to reduce puffiness.
Evening: A thorough double cleanse, followed by microcurrent treatments (such as NuFace) three times a week. Use a targeted serum and night cream three times a week, and on the other nights, deeply hydrate with a serum and rich moisturiser.
On Products & Routine…
Q: Should You Switch Up Your Products?
It depends on your timeline. If you have plenty of time, you can gradually introduce new products. However, a few months before the wedding, it’s best to only add one or two targeted products rather than completely overhauling your routine.
Q: How do I keep my skin hydrated and glowing?
A: It really depends on your skin type…
Dry Skin: Use a combination of hyaluronic acid and a rich oil-based moisturiser daily. Gentle exfoliation is key for better product absorption.
Oily Skin: Don’t fear oil! It helps slow aging. Often, oily skin lacks water-based hydration, so a hyaluronic acid serum and a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser work best. Retinol can also help balance oil production.
Combination Skin: A balance of hydration and oil control is essential. A water-based serum combined with an oil-based moisturiser or light oil works wonders. Retinol is also a fantastic option.
On when to Splurge and when to Save…
Q: What’s products or treatments are worth the Investment?
A: If you can make it work, I would invest in a Neo Sculpt treatment a few days before the wedding. This will be a a game-changer for sculpting, lifting, and hydrating the skin. Another great investment would be the 111Skin sheet masks for an instant glow.
Q: What are some budget-friendly alternatives?
A: LED light therapy is an affordable way to enhance skin health, prevent breakouts, and boost collagen production. Many clinics offer reasonably priced sessions. Sheet masks are also a great budget option—one or two a week can make a big difference!
On Avoiding Breakouts & Irritation…
Q: How does one handle a Pre-Wedding breakout?
A: Whatever you do, DO NOT pick! Instead:
Apply a hot compress before bed.
Dab a tiny amount of retinol on the spot.
If it’s a reaction, opt for LED therapy or apply a thick layer of fragrance-free moisturiser (like La Roche-Posay Cicaplast) overnight.
Taking an antihistamine can help calm inflammation.
Q: What techniques help prevent redness, puffiness & dull skin?
A: If you’re feeling a bit puffy or dull in the days leading up to your wedding I would recommend the following techniques:
Cold Therapy: Dunk your face in a bowl of ice water (brutal but effective!).
Lymphatic Massage & Gua Sha: These help with circulation and de-puffing.
Cold Showers: Another great way to refresh your skin and boost circulation.
On the wedding day…
Q: Before starting makeup and hair, what prep to you recommend?
A: As soon as you wake up I would Ice your face, then apply a sheet mask and let your skin soak up the benefits. Then, before your makeup avoid anything too heavy—just apply hydrating serum and light moisturiser.
Q: Are there any special masks, serums, or quick fixes I can use to boost my glow on the wedding day?
A: Absolutely, just be careful not to overdo it!
Medik8 Advanced Peptide Serum: Instantly plumps the skin in just 10 minutes.
Medik8 Cellular Repair Masks: Use any leftover serum on your body for an all-over glow.
Frozen Cucumber Trick: Freeze a cucumber the night before, then rub it over your skin in the morning for an instant refresh!
By following these expert-approved skincare tips from Lauren, you’ll be glowing with confidence on your big day. Remember, skincare is all about consistency—so start early, stay committed, and enjoy the journey to radiant, wedding-ready skin! I’ve gone ahead and created a wishlist with all the products Lauren mentioned - so you can start your skincare joruney today!
Click here to book an appointment with Lauren.
