8 Tips On Tackling Stress Breakouts Before Your Wedding

The most unwanted guest at your wedding has to be an unannounced breakout. Unless your distant aunt is more annoying, that is.

But seriously, stress pimples can be quite common as your big day draws closer, with all the running around and a switch in your daily routine. We speak with four celebrity dermatologists for advice on how to control it, prevent it, and make sure you have clear, glowing skin for your wedding.

KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON: “Brides and grooms-to-be are almost always stressed because of the many shopping sprees, make-up trials, and general coordinating,” says Dr Jaishree Sharad, CEO of Skinfiniti Aesthetic Skin and Laser Clinic.

She adds, “Those with acne-prone skin or oily skin are more likely to develop a flare-up due to the release of the cortisol hormone caused by stress. This stimulates the sebaceous (oil) gland to secrete more oil, contributing to acne.”

“Do yoga, go for a run, try anything that calms you down,” says Dr Rashmi Shetty, founder of Ra Skin and Aesthetics. The idea is to reduce the cortisol levels and increase the feel-good hormones, instead. And Dr Harshna Bijlani, founder of The Ageless Clinic, adds, “Remember to work out or try meditation to keep your stress levels as low as possible.”

FOLLOW A PLAN: Make sure you start on a personalised skincare regime given by your dermatologist at least three months before the wedding (though six months is ideal). “I also recommend getting a diet plan, so that even if you deviate, you know how much you’re going off track and where you can pull back,” says Dr Shetty.

According to Dr Sharad, it’s best to avoid sugar, dairy, and food with a high glycaemic index—cut these foods out three months before the wedding. Research also found that those who eat refined carbohydrates like bread, pasta, sodas and sweetened beverages are 30 per cent more likely to develop acne. Replace such foods with whole-grain options and naturally sweet fruit, which are slower to digest and keep the blood sugar levels stable.

LOOK AFTER YOUR HAIR: You may not expect your hair to have much to do with acne, but it can be a major contributor! Dr Shetty explains, “A lot of times brides-to-be don't wash their hair because they are constantly entertaining guests, and they want their blow-dry to stay. That leads to an oily scalp, which affects the face. You don't want that happening!'

Wash your mane twice a week if you have dry hair, and every other day if it's oily. 'Hygiene of your scalp and face is also super important,” she states.

TRY THESE CURES: At the very first sign of acne, go to your dermatologist to have it checked for an instant fix that is safe and effective. However, if you’re pressed for time, you can also consider an over-the-counter ointment, but always within the prescribed dosage.

“Start by washing your face with a salicylic acid face wash to unclog pores,” says Dr Sharad.“You could also use a Mandelic acid or salicylic acid scrub if you have a breakout a day before your wedding, but remember to be gentle when applying it.”

Your best bet is to keep your go-to creams handy for last-minute breakouts. Dr Sharad recommends applying a combination of 2.5 per cent benzoyl peroxide gel and clindamycin gel as a spot treatment, while Dr Shetty suggests an anti-inflammatory with an antibiotic cream. She also suggests Clindot Gel, Clindamycin, or a very mild steroid such as a Hydrocortisone 1 per cent, which are easily available over-the-counter.

“You could also use dapsone 5 per cent cream to dot it on the acne,” she states. “Or if the skin is oily, a dot of Retin-A or tretinoin that will irritate the skin less. You could use azelaic acid cream or gel—that would reduce the acne scar and inflammation and bacteria there.”

Your dermatologist will also have quick fix peels and procedures that can correct the skin issue.

TURN TO NATURE: If you are at a destination wedding, and don't have any ointment at hand, Dr Geetika Mittal-Gupta, founder and medical director of ISAAC Luxe, suggests using ice or saline water to calm big cystic acne, or even green tea ice cubes to reduce the inflammation.

Dr Sharad adds, “Though home remedies don’t really work so fast if you have no option, do a little hot fomentation and apply a paste of turmeric and aloe vera on the acne.” She also suggests keeping a blue LED light therapy device handy, as it helps calm the acne. And Dr Bijlani recommends applying tea tree oil to the spot for relief.

CONTROL AN INFLAMED BODY: Yes, mental stress can lead to eruptions, but did you know that physical stress can also contribute to it? “I recommend having a set of supplements that can keep your system calm,” says Dr Shetty. “You can have ones that are anti-inflammatory and with anti-oxidants, and keep soothing essential oils at hand, like evening primrose oil,” she adds.

Meditation also helps in relaxing the body, because it regulates your breathing, metabolic rate, and blood pressure. Dim the lights and focus on your breath for a few minutes, or turn on a guided meditation from an app or online.

HIT THE SACK: Sleep is a great way to control cortisol and stress—the biggest culprits for stress breakouts. In fact, sleep deprivation increases your chances for acne, by upsetting your body’s chemical balance and increasing inflammation, which also adds to a stressful mental disposition.

Dr Sharad recommends sleeping for seven to eight hours every night, and to avoid sleeping late. “Four hours after sunset is the ideal time to sleep if you want your hormones to avoid triggering acne,” she adds.

But along with a good snooze, it’s equally vital to lay your head down on a clean pillowcase. Remember to replace your bedsheets once a week, because they tend to accumulate dirt, oil, and bacteria.

CONTROL YOUR MEDIA DIET: You may think that scrolling through a few hundred videos on social media will calm you down during an annoying time, but it could be equally counterproductive.

“Too much exposure to phones and computers can lead to acne because of the exposure to heat and blue light,” says Dr Geetika-Mittal. She adds, “This can also add to stress due to loads of digital information.”

Exercise your will power and restrict yours to a minimum—a study in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology suggests 30 minutes a day. And remember to clean your phone’s screen and case with a hand sanitiser daily to prevent the bacteria from touching your precious skin.