The Ultimate Bridal Skin-Prep Guide – Your Countdown Starts Now

If you have the time, and budget, Sarah Chapman recommends regular facials during this period, especially if you want to target a specific skin issue, such as congestion or hyperpigmentation. “It will truly kick-start the transformation,” she says. “The goal with consistent facials is to strengthen the skin so it’s primed to respond to stronger treatments and actives to come.”

Focus on more intensive and aggressive treatments. “Peels are fantastic for smoothing and refining skin texture,” advises Chapman. “Collagen-boosting treatments such as radiofrequency, LED and microneedling are also great for perfecting tone, plumping skin and adding radiance.” Equally important is to focus on active ingredients in your skincare routine to maximize results. This is when your retinol and AHA-based products are key. “Incorporate vitamin A, peptides and stem cells into your evening routine,” says Chapman. “In the morning, focus on brightening and protecting with antioxidants and ceramides – and always use SPF. In the evenings, you could incorporate a chemical exfoliant, such as my Liquid Facial Resurfacer, but make sure you listen to your skin – if you’re already getting regular peel treatments, this might not be necessary.”

“This is the stage when you should be focusing on maintenance,” says Chapman. “Stay consistent with your routine and generally avoid adding in any products you haven’t tried before, unless recommended by your facialist. If I’m working with a client in the run-up to an event and I’m familiar with their skin, I’ll suggest they add in a powerful yet gentle combination of vitamin C and lactic acid to give skin that wedding-worthy glow.” Sarah Chapman’s C1 Vitamin C Power 1 serum includes skin-brightening actives niacinamide and tranexamic acid for boosted results without any redness while Westman Atelier’s Supreme C is a truly gentle gel-oil formula (despite being an ultra-concentrated 100% vitamin C serum) that fades dark spots and brightens overall.

“Avoid any strong resurfacing products such as peels at this point – they’re great for smoothing the complexion, but it can take a few days for the flaking and redness to subside,” warns Chapman. Think nourishing, anti-inflammatory ingredients like hyaluronic acid and omega oils instead. “They’ll give that bouncy, plump look to the skin come morning.” While many people advise avoiding treatments the day before the wedding, Chapman always gives her clients a nourishing facial the night before. “A few minutes of facial massage will boost circulation to encourage serums and nourishing ingredients to penetrate more effectively.” You can do this at home by using gentle strokes with a face roller or gua sha to stimulate lymphatic drainage and deflate any puffiness. In addition, Chapman suggests minimizing spicy, salty and processed food, as well as dairy products, in the three days beforehand, as these can increase inflammation. “Try not to drink alcohol in the week before as well – it’s very dehydrating and can affect your sleep.”

This is when facial massage is key: “It will really depuff and sculpt the face. Use your hands or your favorite tool to release stress-related tension, especially in the jaw,” says Chapman. To give the skin some slip, use it with a balm or oil-based cleanser at the start of your morning-skincare routine. Next, Chapman swears by this pre-event face-mask combination: “Start with a clarifying mask to instantly clear, firm and brighten skin, followed by a moisturizing mask to deeply quench the skin and calm any redness or inflammation. The two together re-create the effects of a facial in 20 minutes.” Finish with even more hydration: “Use lashings of a hydrating serum and moisturizer to ensure your skin maintains its glow. If you tend to be drier, add a drop of my Morning Facial Elixir after your serum and finish with a lightweight SPF for the perfect pre-makeup canvas.”

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