The key to nailing 2014's hottest beauty trend? Great skin. As brides are increasingly embracing an effortlessly chic, natural look, the importance of a healthy, glowing complexion has hit new heights.
While a balanced diet, lots of water and plenty of sleep are the cornerstones of great-looking skin, a consistent skin care routine is also essential. We all know the mantra: cleanse, tone, moisturise - and this ritual is imperative during the run-up to your wedding. But, on the one day when you want to look the most gorgeous version of yourself - with all the radiance of a Disney princess, the luminosity of a Hollywood starlet and the silkiness of a Galaxy bar - your skin may need something more. It might be a shot of rejuvenation, a touch of smoothing or a blast of brightening.
Setting off on a quest for that lusted-after bridal glow, I've sampled some of the most innovative skin treatments available this side of the Tamar.
The one for rejuvenation
So the Dermaroller might sound scary. But, I can assure you: it's not. Lying back and having 300 micro needles rolled over your face is strangely relaxing - and it's great for your skin to boot. The concept works on the skin's natural ability to repair itself. No sooner has the skin been rolled, and your body whisks away the damaged collaged, elastin and other structures, which is then promptly replaced with shiny new components. Just the ticket for brides concerned about ageing skin, scars and pigmentation, the multi-tasking marvel thickens the epidermis, restores skin firmness and tightness, relaxes old scars and lightens pigmentation marks. "Visible signs of skin rejuvenation are seen after six weeks so it's recommended to have the Dermaroller treatment six weeks before a special occasion," advises Aqua's manager Abi Mitchell. "For maximum results, opt for a course of three treatments six weeks apart."
The one for busy brides
Aqua's Ultimate Facial is ideal for time-starved brides seeking a quick skin fix. "This is the perfect facial to have one week before your wedding," suggests Abi. Designed to generate top-notch results without any downtime, Aqua's signature facial combines a series of treatments in one marvellous pampering experience. First comes the deep clean via a Clarisonic cleanse where a hand-held machine, which cleanses six times deeper than regular cleansing, is whisked across your face. Then comes a glycolic mask to exfoliate the skin, followed by a Dermaroller treatment to tackle fine lines, wrinkles and texture, and, to round off the skin-spoiling, a blissful spell under the Dermalux LED light, which allows the potions to seep deeper into the skin and accelerate natural rejuvenation. I emerged feeling squeaky clean, super smooth and - thanks to the Dermalux LED light brilliantly replicating that lounging-in-the-sun feeling - blissfully relaxed. And the bonus? You get to take the roller home so you can regularly tackle any fine lines or pigmentation.
The one for instant radiance
I had my first HydraFacial three days before my wedding. This ingenious treatment is the new generation of microdermabrasion and is best described as a vacuum for the face, which sucks away no less than 15 layers of superficial skin. While it removes the debris and dead cells that dull your wedding-worthy skin, it simultaneously delivers various serums which are formulated to address your skin concerns, whether it's congested pores, fine lines and wrinkles, hyper-pigmentation or acne. And the result? My skin instantly felt super clean, silky smooth and, come the big day, my complexion was wowed over almost as much as my dress. "A one-off treatment right before your wedding will give phenomenal results but, like anything, the more you have the better results will be," says Abi.
The one for plumping
Don't let names such as 'Bee Venom' and 'Dragon's Blood' put you off. Heralded as the glam alternative to cosmetic procedures, specialists skincare brand Rodial takes the goodness of natural ingredients and mixes them up with cutting edge science to create a unique approach to super-savvy skincare. A choice of five Rodial facials is available, with Sting being the ultimate facial using Bee Venom. I opted for Dragon's Blood for its... benefits.
A powerful potion of anti-ageing products were lavished onto my skin and, in combination with vigorous massage techniques, I could almost feel my skin fizzing with lifting, firming, plumping and rejuvenating delight. "It's recommended to have a Rodial facial two weeks before your wedding and monthly for optimum results," advises Abi.
The one for saving face
Face it: we all have a certain amount of skin damage. As I acknowledged while surveying my reflection in the light box, even sun-shy, SPF-obsessed souls such as myself. If you're keen to prevent future damage, correct previous damage and protect healthy skin - then the pre-wedding period is the perfect time to embark on a whole new skin-saving chapter. Skin Ceuticals is designed to address all three skin mantras via their advanced skincare formulas, which are full of pure, pharmaceutical grade ingredients. The relaxing Skin Ceuticals facials are tailored to your skin type and condition for maximum benefits, protecting, restoring and promoting youthful radiance.
"It's recommended to have these monthly, and the last one being 2 weeks before your wedding," says Abi.
The one for wow-worthy results
The word 'peel' often conjures distressing visions of raw faces and shedding skin thanks to cosmetic surgery shows. Rest assured: not all peels work that way. Skin Ceuticals Peels are safe, effective and utilise fruit acids to penetrate to the deeper layers of skin without burning to tackle all manner of skin complaints. Aqua's 'Lunchtime' peel, for example, helps to reduce pigmentation, refine pores, brighten and smooth out the skin as well as working on fine lines and boosting cell renewal. Choose from three types of peel, depending on your skin condition (SM peel for sensitive, congested skin; micro peel for ageing skin and pigment balancing peel for hyperpigmentation or photo-damaged skin). "A course of six peels two weeks apart is recommended for maximum results (the last one finishing two weeks before your big day)," advises Abi.
www.aquaskincare.co.uk
words Rebecca Matthews
Copyright Wed magazine 2014
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