WEDDING SKIN PREP: 101

Wedding Skin Preparation: A Realistic Timeline

When it comes to wedding-day skin, the best results come from planning ahead, rather than relying on last-minute treatments. Healthy, balanced skin takes time to build, and starting early allows treatments to work gradually and predictably.

Below is a realistic guide to preparing your skin in the lead-up to your wedding.

12 Months Before the Wedding:

• Find an injector you like and trust
  If it’s your first time considering injectables, starting early is key. This allows time to discuss your goals, trial treatments if appropriate, and refine results gradually.

• Top tip: how your injector looks is often how they inject. If you prefer natural, subtle results, choose an injector who reflects that. If you like fuller, more noticeable results, find someone whose style aligns.

• Find an aesthetician you love
  This is when your skin should be properly analysed and a routine put in place that fits your lifestyle. Consistency at home is essential - the earlier this begins, the better your skin will respond to professional treatments. This is also the best time to introduce active ingredients like retinoids, allowing your skin time to adjust and build tolerance.

• Microneedling
  Microneedling is best started 9–12 months before your wedding. It helps improve skin texture, fine lines, pigmentation and scarring. Results are cumulative, and as collagen and elastin can take up to a year to fully remodel, starting early allows changes to happen gradually and naturally.

6–9 Months Before the Wedding:

• Chemical peels
  Depending on your skin type and concerns, chemical peels may be introduced to address dullness, pigmentation, acne or uneven texture. These should always be carried out as part of a planned course rather than a one-off treatment.

• Laser
  For concerns such as pigmentation, redness, acne scarring or uneven skin tone, laser treatments may be introduced during this window. Starting laser 6–9 months before the wedding allows time for multiple sessions if needed, as well as adequate healing between treatments. As with all advanced treatments, laser should be planned carefully and tailored to your skin type to avoid unnecessary irritation.

4–5 Months Before the Wedding:

• Dermal filler
  If you are considering filler, it’s best to have this done at least 4–5 months before the wedding. This allows time for swelling to fully settle and results to integrate naturally. Filler should never be left until close to the wedding date.

3 Months Before the Wedding:

At this stage, the focus shifts to maintenance and skin support.

• Continue monthly facials

• Prioritise hydration and barrier repair

• Avoid introducing new or aggressive treatments

1 Month Before the Wedding:

By now, you should have a stable skincare routine that you’re happy with.

• Final Botox appointment
  Every person’s timeline is unique, but generally speaking, your final Botox appointment should be no less than one month before your wedding day. This allows the treatment to settle fully, while leaving time for any minor swelling or bruising to resolve.

One Week Before the Wedding:

• Facial treatment
  Your facial should be gentle and hydrating, focusing on circulation, lymphatic drainage and overall skin comfort. Make sure your aesthetician knows your wedding date so the treatment can be tailored accordingly. Light exfoliation may be suitable, but strong chemical peels are a no-go.

• Dermaplaning
  Dermaplaning helps create a smooth canvas so makeup sits flawlessly.
  Tip: It’s a great idea to have a dermaplaning facial before your makeup trial, too.

• Ditch acids and focus on hydration
  To reduce the risk of irritation, many aestheticians recommend stopping exfoliating acids and retinoids about a week before your wedding. Focus instead on calming, hydrating and barrier-supporting products.

If you’re preparing for your wedding and would like a personalised skin plan, get in touch via my contact page or email me directly so I can help you achieve your skin goals for your big day!