Skin Care and Your Wedding (or Special Event), Episode 208

The date is set, the photographer hired … you are getting married! Congratulations!

Weddings can be one of the most special days of your life, they can also be one of the most stressful times of your life - all the planning, financials, relationships. The stress associated with a wedding (or really any big event) can take a toll on your skin at a time when you want to be your most glowing self.

This 7 Day Glow Podcast is dedicated to all of the brides, grooms, attendants, parents, and more that need to look their best on the big day.

It’s that time of year - with most weddings occurring after May, now is the time to start thinking about your skincare for your most beautiful wedding day glow.

When it comes to “big day” skincare, one of the biggest mistakes is thinking more about your makeup strategy for the day of the wedding than about your skincare needs leading up to the big day. 

If you have a solid skincare protocol in place and are committed to conducting your skincare actions every day for the months leading up to your wedding you will 1) not need much makeup to look your best, 2) not have to worry about how you will look halfway through dinner when your makeup starts to wear off, 3) feel luminous and glowing.

I know - I know - you are in hurry to get Glowing FAST but first, a few questions...

1. How far out are you from your wedding date? If your wedding is less than 8 weeks from today do NOT make any major product changes. Now is not the time to switch up to different products that may or may not cause issues in a few weeks. It takes 6 weeks to see real change from a new skincare product so avoid the temptation to make a switch. Why risk a major breakout on your wedding day on a marketing promise? Stick with products you know do not cause breakouts for you. But do follow along here for tips on how to most effectively use your current products.  

If your wedding is MORE than 8 weeks from today you can go ahead and give a new product or two a try. If you are more than 3 months away from your wedding day you have plenty of time to experiment with new products. If you are 8 to 12 weeks away I would not add more than 2 or 3 new products and even then I’d do so with care to give your skin time to react and (heaven forbid) heal.

2. What are your specific skincare goals for your wedding day? I’m sure they include the words glowing and luminous. But do you also have oily skin that you’d like to balance so you are not powdering your nose all day? Do you have breakouts? Are you prone to breakouts during stressful times? Do you have a skin condition that reacts more when stressed? These are all issues you need to consider now so you have the right plan in place for your skin.
3. Do you want to DIY this or involve some regular professional facials? This is a personal decision you must make based on your unique skin care needs.

SPECIAL EVENT SKINCARE PROTOCOL:

1. Cleanse:

We have two podcast episodes were dedicated to cleansing because cleansing properly and consistently is the cornerstone of your glowing skin protocol. If you do nothing else AT LEAST make sure you are properly cleansing your face DAILY. Sometimes our younger customers tend to skip proper cleansing in favor of a quick rinse in the shower. Now is not the time to skip anything. Invest in a good quality cleanser and use it daily. If you have trouble sticking to a routine, justifying time and expense on skincare, feel guilty spending time on you, or committing to skincare selfcare head over to our website at www.7dayglow.com and join us in the free Get Glowing Challenge where we walk you through my four step process for adding selfcare to your life with confidence and commitment. 

If you want more instruction on cleansing and how to choose a cleanser head over to our podcast page at www.7dayglow.com and listen to Podcast 205 about washing your face and 206 about double cleansing to get all of my advice on proper cleansing. You can find links to both podcasts in the show notes for today’s podcast episode.

2. Exfoliate:

Exfoliate - ex - fo - li - ate. I cannot stress this enough. Rid your skin of dead skin cells, debris, makeup and product build-up. Exfoliating is more than just a one-off. It should part of your weekly skincare routine. I recommend exfoliating twice a week for 2 to 3 weeks if you have not been exfoliating regularly, then, when your skin is cleared of buildup and you cannot feel any rough patches switch to once a week. I recommend alternating between a clay mask and a gel or oil based exfoliator. Or, if your skin is conditioned and not overly sensitive you can just use an oil based exfoliator, such as 7 Day Glow’s BOOST AHA Resurfacing Treatment, weekly. 

3. Spot Treat:

Start now targeting bothersome spots such as break-outs, age spots, scars, sun damage. First determine the type of spot it is and then match products to that specific spot. For example, if its an open pimple you would not use the same product as a scar.

Two of the most troublesome spots can be dark age or sun spots and build up from boils or cysts. For Dark Spots I recommend applying an exfoliating spot treatment such as 7 Day Glow’s BOOST AHA Resurfacing Treatment directly to the spot - leave on for up to 8 minutes and remove or mix with a touch of face oil for an overnight treatment.

For scar build-ups I have good results by applying a touch of a good quality face oil to that area. Over time the dead, dry skin build up will flake off. I like 7 Day Glow’s INFUSE Retinoic Moisturizer for this as it encourages new cell formation. You can find BOOST and INFUSE on our website with free shipping at www.7dayglow.com.

4. Hydrate and Moisturize:

At this point if you head to any skincare sales counter and say “I’m getting married” (or have an anniversary party, standing up in a wedding, graduation party or more in your future) you will most likely be quickly overwhelmed with product choices that will include everything from pre-cleansers to highly targeted serums. Do NOT put yourself through this.

If you have a specific need, such as a skin condition - consult a professional for product advice or do an internet search first. Then, armed with a list of possibilities for products you’d like to try, head in to the sales counter to view the products. Or order online.

Most of us only need a good quality face oil or moisturizer to finish up this protocol. If you are cleansing, exfoliating, and spot treating consistently the last step would be a moisturizer. Check out last week’s podcast (number 207) about moisturizers to learn more about this important step. Personally I use 7 Day Glow’s INFUSE Retinoic Moisturizing Oil with added natural ceramides and collagen.

INFUSE is great for a bride because it’s formulated with oils that sink in well and won’t clog pores, and each ingredient is meant to boost collagen and elastin levels and to leave you looking younger, and to protect the skin from the elements.

5. Eat properly: 

Do not over-indulge in drinking in the days before your wedding (and I know that is more easily said than done!). Get plenty of sleep and relax. Meditate, stretch, do yoga exercises. Now is the time to focus on you! Be sure to check out the 7 Day Glow Podcast episodes for even more selfcare information.

GIFT BOXES FOR BRIDESMAIDS:

Lastly I want to touch on a related topic we get lots of questions about from brides. Often brides would like to put together gift boxes for their bridesmaids.

First, since we know it takes 6 weeks to see real change in your skin from skincare products I would recommend if you truly want to give the gift of vibrant, healthy skin to your bridesmaids then plan to deliver your skincare gift boxes at least 6 weeks before the big day.

My best advice is to avoid gifting a whole new system to your bridesmaids - they most likely already have a system they enjoy so opt for items that will supplement or enhance any skincare routine.

Products that are fun and easy to include in beauty boxes for bridesmaids are:

  1. Lip Oil for a pretty smile
  2. Maybe teeth whitening strips or whitening boosters for a brilliant smile on photo day.
  3. Face Oil and/or serum - opt for a good all-around face oil or serum that will supplement their existing system to produce a pretty glow.
  4. Masks - Choose a lighter mask, such as a clay mask or sheet masks. Do not include a strong treatment as a gift at this time to avoid any possible problem reactions.
  5. Body products such as lotion, body scrub, or pretty sponges are always a win.

All of these are gifts that anyone would love and enjoy without being too intrusive.

The biggest key to obtaining that luminous, glowing complexion we all want on a special day is consistent skincare. Design a protocol that works for your skin and stick with it every single day between now and your special event. You won’t regret it!

Thank you for joining me in today’s podcast. I am so genuinely happy for you and I wish all of you the most beautiful and special day!!

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I'm Alyssa Van Doorn.

I am the natural skincare formulator, biologist, certified clinical aromatherapist, and obsessed self-care advocate who founded 7 Day Glow's holistic, simple skincare approach. I'm on a mission to empower women with the tools they need to find and maintain their Glow simply and with confidence.

Notice: These statements and blog content have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information in our articles and podcasts are not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and are not intended as medical advice. The content of these blogs, podcasts and associated products is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using products or following blog/podcast advice.

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