The Ultimate Bridal Skincare Guide
Content editor
Rebecca Hastings
Getting started
6 months before your wedding: Start using a retinol product
Retinol increases your skin’s cell turnover, reducing the appearance of fine lines and blemishes. Start using your retinol product at least six months before your wedding to give your skin time to adjust – you might experience dry, flaky skin for the first month or so while using it.
If you’re a beginner or have sensitive skin, try a product with a lower concentration of retinol first – between around 0.3% and 1% – then working your way up to something stronger if desired. Our retinol offering includes Murad’s Retinol Renewal kit, which includes a night cream and an eye serum, and Pixi’s Overnight Retinol Oil.
Step up your skincare
3 months before your wedding: Start using an exfoliator
Starting regular exfoliation three months before the big day gives you time to assess how your skin responds – switch to something more gentle if you notice any irritation, flakiness or redness. We love Ren’s Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic. Infused with exfoliating AHAs and BHAs, this multi-tasking toner removes dead skin cells, decongests pores and brightens skin. Simply swipe across your face once a day – if you’re using it in the morning, protect your skin with SPF before going outside.
Prefer a textured scrub? Try the Ex-Glowliate treatment from our Fresh Elements range, which contains natural jojoba beads and radiance-boosting vitamin C. Use it two to three times a week and you’ll soon notice a gorgeous glow.
Approaching the wedding day
1 week before your wedding: Focus on hydration
In the week before the big day, it’s all about making sure your skin is as healthy as it can be. Go for a hydrating moisturiser to smooth and plump – try Origins’ Ginzing Ultra-Hydrating Energy-Boosting Cream during the day, and the Ultimate Sleep Cream from our Formula range overnight. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water and getting a good sleep every night, too.
The night before your wedding: Do a face mask
You’ll undoubtedly be busy with all that last-minute prep, but it’s worth taking a moment to relax with a face mask. Pick one that best suits your skin’s needs. If you’re worried about redness or irritation, try Ren’s Evercalm Ultra-Comforting Rescue Mask, or for some last-minute brightening, opt for Emma Hardie’s Moringa Renewal Treatment Mask.
The morning of your wedding: Use a great primer
To make sure your make-up has great staying power and that you look your best in photos, invest in an excellent base. Pur’s 4-in-1 wonder product smooths, soothes and hydrates, as well as reducing any redness for a flawless make-up look.
Published 6.1.2024