Your Bridal Glow Guide: How to Prep Your Skin for Your Wedding Day
When it comes to your wedding day, there’s one thing every bride wants
(aside from the perfect dress and a calm mind):
glowing, flawless skin.
Your makeup artist can work wonders, but the real magic starts long before the big day
— it starts with your skincare.
I’ve had the pleasure of working with so many beautiful brides, helping them feel confident and radiant as they walk down the aisle.
So whether you’re 6 months away or just 6 weeks, here’s how to prep your skin for your wedding, without the overwhelm.
6 Months Before: Start Your Skin Journey
Begin with a professional skin analysis to assess your skin type, concerns, and goals. Whether you’re dealing with breakouts, dullness, pigmentation, or sensitivity, your therapist will recommend a bespoke bridal skincare routine tailored just for you.
Now’s the perfect time to commit to:
• A consistent home skincare routine
• Fortnightly professional facials, such as the Esse Organic Probiotic Facial to strengthen your skin barrier and rebalance your microbiome
3-4 Months Before: Monthly Facials + Targeted Treatments
Now is a great time to start mixing some more advanced treatments in such as SkinPen.
SkinPen - Microneedling helps to even and smooth Skin Texture, reduce Pigmentation and Scaring, whilst tackling Fine Lines & Wrinkles and Firming the skin. SkinPen works by producing more collagen in the skin to rejuvenate and heal problem areas.
Skin Pen can be performed every 4 weeks. In-between your SkinPen treatments a hydrating, cleansing and clearing faccial would be wise to ensure pores are kept clean and skin is benefiting from extra hydarti
Recommended facials between SkinPen :
• Esse Organic Probiotic Facial: ideal for sensitive or unbalanced skin
• Advanced Anti-Ageing Esse Facial: lifts, firms, and hydrates for a visible glow
1 Month Before: Lock In the Glow
We’re in the glow-up phase now! One month out, we’re aiming for ultra flawless glow!
This is a great time for Dermaplane Facials:
Why Dermaplaning is the Secret Glow-Up for Brides
When it comes to getting wedding-ready, your skin deserves just as much attention as the dress. One of the most underrated (yet incredibly effective) treatments for brides-to-be is dermaplaning.
So, what is dermaplaning?
It’s a gentle exfoliating treatment that uses a sterile blade to remove dead skin cells and peach fuzz from the surface of your face. It’s painless, safe, and leaves your skin feeling baby-smooth.
Here’s why brides love it:
• Flawless makeup application – Dermaplaning creates the smoothest canvas for foundation and concealer, allowing makeup to glide on seamlessly and stay put throughout the big day.
• Instant glow – It instantly brightens the complexion by lifting dull, dead skin and allowing your skincare to absorb better in the weeks leading up to the wedding.
• Helps with congestion – By clearing away dead cells and buildup, it reduces the risk of clogged pores and breakouts, leaving your skin clean and balanced.
• Perfect for your makeup trial – Many brides choose to have dermaplaning before their makeup trial to get a true feel for how the makeup will sit on their wedding day.
Best timing?
I recommend booking dermaplaning 1 month before your wedding day so you see and feel the incredible results.
1 Week Before: The Finishing Touches
Final countdown!
Now we’re focusing on calming the skin, reducing puffiness, and creating a smooth, even base for your wedding makeup.
Here’s what I suggest:
• A gentle dermaplane facial 3 days before the wedding
• Alongside your Dermaplane opt for a lymphatic drainage facial, using techniques to sculpt and de-puff
• No experimenting with new products — stick to what your skin knows
⸻
Wedding Day Tips for Skin
• After cleansing skin, use a cooling facial roller to de-puff and shrink pores.
• Mist throughout the day if you’re feeling dry (rosewater or aloe are lovely)
Bonus at home tips!
1. Sleep on a silk pillowcase
Silk is gentler on the skin than cotton, helping to reduce friction, prevent sleep creases, and minimise moisture loss overnight. It’s also kinder to your hair!
2. Let fresh air in
Sleep with your window slightly open (if safe to do so) to allow fresh oxygen to circulate—this can help reduce puffiness and support clearer skin, especially in stuffy rooms.
3. Stay consistent with your skincare routine
Stick to a simple, nourishing routine: gentle cleanser, hydrating serum, moisturiser, and organic SPF in the morning. At night, consider adding a calming facial oil such as organic Rose hip oil.
4. Wash pillowcases and makeup brushes weekly
Bacteria buildup on your pillow or brushes can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Keep everything clean to avoid unnecessary flare-ups before your big day.
5. Drink plenty of water and herbal teas
Hydration plays a huge role in skin health. Herbal teas like cloves, nettle, spearmint, or chamomile can also support detoxification and calm inflammation.
6. Use a gua sha or facial massage tool, such as cupping
A few minutes each morning of facial massage helps boost circulation, reduce puffiness, and sculpt the face naturally—especially when used with a serum or oil.
7. Keep sugar and dairy in check
These can be inflammatory and are known to trigger breakouts for some. Opt for skin-loving alternatives like berries, avocados, leafy greens, and omega-3-rich foods.
8. Avoid trying new products too close to the wedding
Stick to what you know works. Save experimenting for after the big day to avoid any last-minute skin reactions.
10. Prioritise sleep and stress reduction
Skin regenerates overnight, so aim for 7–8 hours of good sleep. Use calming rituals like journaling, a warm bath, or a few drops of lavender oil on your pillow to help unwind.
Most importantly enjoy the journey to your big day.
Catherine x