Bridal Beauty: Glowing Skin on Your Big Day

You’re getting married! A wedding is the bride’s big day, and all eyes are going to be on you, so you want your skin to look its best. 

Prospective brides should allow plenty of time to research and plan any treatments or procedures they are interested in having to allow for proper healing time. It is recommended that you schedule a cosmetic consultation six months to a year before your wedding day. This will allow a team member at the UPMC Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Health Center to properly assess your skin, suggest a regimen for you to follow for the next year, and partner you with an aesthetician who will work with you to maintain your personal skin care plan.

A 2012 study by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery looked into the most common treatments brides have before they say “I do.” The three most common nonsurgical procedures were: BOTOX®, dermal fillers, and chemical peels. 

• BOTOX is an injectable treatment used to smooth facial wrinkles. Little to no recovery time is needed after the procedure, although it is recommended that you have treatments three to four weeks before the wedding for optimal results, which can take seven to 10 days to fully appear. This will also allow for plenty of time to schedule a touch up treatment if necessary.
  
  Just like with hair and makeup, schedule a ‘trial run’ before your wedding or event to make sure you will like this look before your big day.
  
  
• Dermal fillers are used to fill in hollow areas of the face, smooth wrinkles, reduce the appearance of scars, and even plump the lips. This can be done at the same time as your Botox appointment.
  
  Before appointments, take bromelain, a pineapple extract, to help minimize the risk of bruising. During your consultation, you will be provided with tips to minimize bruising.
  
  
• Chemical peels are applied directly to the skin to revitalize the face and shed old skin cells. For optimal results, treatments should to be done in a series of four to six peels about two to four weeks apart.

In addition, monthly facials leading up to your wedding can help give you the beautiful bridal glow you always dreamt of. Keep in mind that your last facial should be scheduled one to two weeks prior to your big day.

For more information, or to meet with an aesthetician and develop your bridal skin care plan, please visit UPMC.com/SkinHealthCenter or call the UPMC Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Health Center in Wexford at 724-940-SKIN (7546) or Shadyside at 724-940-SKIN (7546).