The traditional pre-bridal skincare routine has undergone a major shift. We spotlight trends worth looking out for

Every bride dreams of having that perfectly-flawless skin and radiant glow in the run-up to the wedding day. From picking the right ensembles for their trousseau to meticulously looking into each detail about their makeup looks, brides nowadays are not shying away from going the extra mile for their wedding. Over the years, brides have also realised that even getting the best makeup done is not enough to ensure that flawless look. To get that radiant bridal glow on your wedding, it is necessary to invest time and effort in the right skincare treatments and rituals. 

We did the legwork for you and spoke to expert dermatologists and cosmetologists on what’s working for brides nowadays and following a minimal but sufficient skincare routine. 

Consulting a dermatologist well in advance 

Today, every bride is aware of her skin concerns and has specific goals that she wants to achieve before the wedding. It’s important to use the right skincare products that also include ingredients suited to one’s skin, which will help them get the desired results. Hence, most brides consult a dermatologist and based on their recommendations, adopt a specific skincare routine. The expertise and guidance of dermatologists help in safely treating one’s skin without any damage. 

When a bride consults in advance it aids in devising an excellent strategy for the skin type of the bride. Whether the skin concerns are acne, acne scars, tanning, or wrinkles, each issue can be tackled with utmost care and proper routines to help the brides achieve their dream skin goals. Besides, skin treatments require the necessary time to show up results on the skin, hence having a good amount of time in hand is always effective and helpful. 

Staying away from too many products

Less is more when it comes to skincare and most brides swear by this. Earlier many brides-to-be would indulge in using a variety of products without realising the potential harm they could be causing to their skin—from chemical exfoliation to using every possible active out there. However, a growing number of brides are sticking to a minimal skincare routine that is suited to their skin type. So, they are not mixing too many actives like vitamin C, niacinamide or kojic acid all together. Rather, they are relying on a few products and using them consistently over a period of time.

Keeping long-term skincare goals in mind

Brides are not opting for quick solutions such as invasive procedures to get a temporary fix for their skin concerns. Rather, they are invested in maintaining that healthy and glowing skin for which they are relying on a natural, holistic approach. Using skin boosters gives a natural effect to the skin and also helps in dealing with issues like uneven texture and marks. Moreover, they are starting their skincare journey at least a year before or 8 to 9 months prior to the wedding. Since it can take time for visible effects to show with skincare products, brides are no longer opting for treatments just a week before the wedding.  

Choosing customised treatment plans

Brides and grooms generally approach dermatologists 6 to 9 months before the big day to work on these issues, get educated about the right medication, and adopt healthy skin habits. A customised treatment plan is created with the aim of attaining luminous, glowy skin. 

Skin minimalism 2 weeks before the wedding
 
Brides have realized that using a ton of products on the skin can be harmful to the skin in the long and especially before such a big event in their lives, they are being cautious too, hence most brides are resorting to skin minimalism two weeks before the wedding. They are staying away from using any new skin care products, actives, or even home remedies two weeks before the big day as it can end up resulting in irritation, sensitivity, or breakouts. They are mostly concentrating on hydration and giving equal importance to skincare and body care. Sticking to a very simple skincare routine that is devoid of any exfoliation or harsh actives, to have clean and healthy skin. 

Treatment plans are generally divided into two phases:

A month before the wedding: you could opt for a few sessions of chemical peels, Microneedling Radiofrequency (MNRF), Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Q Switched ND Yag (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet) Laser as per your skin types and needs. These procedures are effective in treating pigmentation spots, old scars and other irregularities. Within a few sessions, your skin starts showing the effect with the building of new collagen and the disappearance of blemishes and spots. Laser toning with Q Switched ND Yag Laser is effective for dark circles and lip pigmentation too.

One month prior to the big day: the focus shifts to hydration and rejuvenation of skin to attaining that pre-wedding glow by opting for medi-facials. Some popular ones include oxygeneo and hydrafacial but dermatologists can also curate customised facials depending on one’s skincare needs.

A strong focus on science-based skincare

Times have changed and brides are not just using home remedies for addressing specific skin concerns. They are more focused on a science and tech-based approach where their skin is evaluated and a tailored regime is given to them. Instead of salon facials and treatments, brides are opting for treatments that have lasting solutions and which are also safe on the skin. 

Brides want that radiant glow to last and are now focused on getting permanent healthy, beautiful and blemish-free skin. The focus is shifting from salon-based facials to clinical and laser treatments targeting acne, scars, pigmentation, dark circles or even that pesky mole you always wanted to get rid of.

Focus on hydration and moisturization.

Many brides are now using products that help to keep their skin hydrated and moisturized, such as serums, facial oils, and moisturizing masks with retinol, collagen and hyaluronic acid. This is because hydrated and moisturized skin looks radiant and healthy, which is essential on a bride's big day.

In addition, many brides are now incorporating facial massages and facial yoga into their pre-bridal skincare routine. These techniques help to improve blood circulation, tone the facial muscles, and promote lymphatic drainage, which can help to reduce puffiness and dark circles.

Here’s what brides are abstaining from 

The change in pre-bridal skincare has been for the better as many brides have realised that in order to look gorgeous as ever on their wedding day, they have to work to achieve that glow not just from the outside but also the inside. This could include avoiding alcohol, which has negative effects on one’s health. Many are also doing away with surgical beauty procedures just before the wedding, avoiding new and experimental skincare regimes as well as microdermabrasion sessions or peels just before the wedding day. 

Always remember, the right kind of pre-bridal skincare can be a transformational step to achieving your desired skin goals.

Inputs by Dr. Alekya Singapore, Dermatologist and Cosmetologist, Founder of Skin Sensé, Skin and Hair Clinic, Dr. Anupama Bisaria, Dermatologist, Makeup artist Raveen Anand, Founder of Beauty by Raveen Anand insights on Changing trends in pre-bridal skincare 2023, Dr. Bansari Davda, Consultant Dermatologist and Cosmetologist at Welona Skin clinic, Chennai and Pooja Nagdev, Aromatherapist and Cosmetologist, Founder of Inatur