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Us Brides want to look ahhhmazing on our wedding day. I mean, so many photos! It all starts with our skin and getting our glow on but there are lots of treatments that can leave us looking the absolute best versions of ourselves for the BIG DAY. Here Lucy Foster from Three Medical Aesthetics tells you what to try!
Congratulations! You’re getting married! From 12 months in advance, to the days leading up to your wedding, I’ve got you covered. I’ll divulge the most popular treatment requests, my favourite in-clinic treatments and tips for home skincare to get you glowing ahead of what’s sure to be a day you’ll cherish forever.
The treatments that brides ask for can really vary. Often, ladies think they need a particular treatment, but, following a thorough consultation, will leave with a completely different plan altogether. This depends on a number of factors, such as the timeframe we have to work with, the overall effectiveness particular treatments will have on the underlining issue(s), or perhaps they are a complete novice when it comes to medical aesthetics and skincare (don’t worry – we got you) and are not aware of alternative treatments available.
It does seem that in recent years, brides have shifted their focus from immediate results driven treatments – such as antiwrinkle treatments and dermal fillers - to medical grade skincare, in a bid to get going on what can be a long and slow, yet very valuable process. Concerns range from acne scarring to fine lines and wrinkles, volume loss in the face, hyperpigmentation and overall skin appearance. Some ladies don’t quite know what their concerns are. They are relatively happy with their appearance, but with a wedding date looming, they want to look and feel a million dollars on the big day – that’s where guidance from an aesthetics professional comes in super handy!
This all depends on the treatments brides are looking to book. 12 months prior to the wedding date is when you really need to be hunting down a skincare professional and, together, making a long-term plan. If you’re considering anti-wrinkle injections (Botox), but have never tried this before, don’t leave it until a month or two before the big day. Find a practitioner you trust, and try Botox early on. That way, if you don’t like the results, it’ll have worn off after three to four months.
Treating concerns such as acne, acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, rosacea and fine lines takes time, and you want a game plan in place at least ten months prior to the wedding date. Advanced skin rejuvenation treatments such as microneedling and chemical peels produce better results after three to six sessions, each spaced six to eight weeks apart, so these are the first to consider alongside medical grade skincare, which will help control your skin between clinic treatments.
Prescription strength retinol (derived from vitamin A) increases cell turnover, unclogs pores, boosts collagen, and helps diminish hyperpigmentation. Amazing right?! However, despite the incredible long-term benefits of retinol, it is known for causing redness and peeling at the outset, causing the skin to seemingly get worse before it gets better.
Lucy achieved these amazing results for her bride-to-be patient in just four months by introducing some AlumierUK chemical peels and a sprinkle of Botox!
One appointment will not necessarily treat all your concerns at once. This is why a good consultation between patient and practitioner is vital at the beginning of any patient’s aesthetic journey, to ensure both parties are clear of the long-term goals, and that realistic expectations are maintained along the way. A good medical aesthetician will ensure that this is the case.
There are so many treatments that I love, but for that ultimate GLOW, I have to say both in-clinic chemical peels alongside a good prescription skincare regime. I really enjoy educating patients around the importance of skincare, protecting our delicate skin from daily environmental factors (changes in temperature, pollution, stress, UV rays) is the most important thing we can do. It also allows brides to have some control of their skin between treatments and there is nothing better than seeing those improvements with effective lotions and potions. Medium depth chemical peels, carried out in clinic with your practitioner will improve skin texture and firmness, decrease fine lines and wrinkles, even out skin tone, improve acne-prone skin and reduce pore size appearance. A truly perfect pairing!
There shouldn’t be any experimenting in the month running up to the big day. Avoid any new treatments. Personally, I’d advise your last chemical peel – if this is part of your treatment plan - at least 2 months before and stick to the skincare regime you’ve tried and tested to avoid any breakouts. If you know and trust your aesthetic practitioner, and have already experimented with anti-wrinkle injections, you may want to consider this a month prior to the wedding, allowing time for a 2-week follow up. The night before the wedding, pop on a hydrating sheet mask, and, once again, make sure it’s a sheet mask you’ve tried and tested before so you know how your skin will react.
The money shot. Lucy's patient looking utterly flawless and incredible on her wedding day.
First and foremost - enjoy the process - the run up to your big day can be stressful, so your time in clinic and focusing on your at home routine is the perfect opportunity to de-stress!
We want you to feel happy, confident in your skin and ready for those photos! If you're happy, you will look your best, that’s most important.
Secondly, find a practitioner who you trust, who explains everything well and works with you – someone who appreciates that feeling sexy and confident on your big day is important to you, and will support you in your aesthetic journey.
You can check out Lucy’s Glowday profile here and her website here.
Ready to get your wedding glow on? Check out the hundreds of medically qualified aesthetic practitioners listed on Glowday, and get gorgeous skin for your big day!
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