Mantra 1: THE EARLY BIRD CATCHES THE GLOW
Arguably, there are certain elements of wedding planning where premature preparation isn't advisable; for example, putting a deposit down on a wedding dress before you've found a fiance; sending out your save the dates before you've found a venue, and the like. However, when it comes to prepping your bridal skin, there's no such thing as too early.
"Your skin needs time to react and take effect to a new routine," advises skincare specialist Abi Smith of Aqua, Cornwall's new advanced skincare sanctuary (aquaskincare.co.uk). "It's advisable to give your skin at least six months to get used to new products and for the products to work, so make sure your skin care regime is on your six-month wedding check-list."
The longer you've maintained a skin care routine and complexion-nourishing lifestyle, the more impressive the results will be. What's more, you'll want to flaunt a flawless complexion for this whole precious chapter in your life - the hen do, the pre-wedding parties and the honeymoon - so the sooner you start, the better.
Mantra 2: PICK YOUR POTIONS WISELY
You might think you're doing your skin a favour by slapping on a collagen-infused moisturiser from the high street. Think again. "Unfortunately all high street cosmetic products that state they contain collagen actually only contain about 1%," explains Abi. "The ingredients are also not in the correct form for your skin to absorb and therefore they just sit on top of the skin." Rather than feeding your skin with nourishing ingredients, they are, in fact, doing not very much at all.
So you need to be very choosy with the products you choose to nourish your skin at this all-important time - and products backed by science are the way forward. A whole new breed of cosmeceutical products has emerged, which, combining cosmetics and pharmaceutical grade ingredients, are being heralded as super products. In a nutshell, they are more effective as they contain higher actives that give deeper penetration to the skin.
"At Aqua, we use SkinCeuticals, which combine a range of vitamins (that are in L-ascorbic form - the correct form in which your skin can absorb them) to prevent, correct and protect your skin from the UV rays and free radical attack to your skin cells," explains Abi. Believe it or not, those dastardly UV rays are attacking - and ageing - your skin cells even on the greyest days of winter.
"The two most important products to use are an antioxidant and an SPF, to give you maximum prevention and protection." Opt for Brightening UV Defense, which provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and prevents the progression of existing and future pigmentation, and Phloretin CF, which provides advanced environmental protection against UVA and UVB radiation, improves the signs of ageing, suppresses pigmentation and accelerates cell renewal.
Mantra 3: FEED YOUR SKIN FABULOUS
A healthy and balanced diet doesn't just reap rewards on the waistline. It pays dividends for your complexion too. Fill your daily diet with these skin-friendly minerals and nutrients:
Silica: this trace mineral strengthens the body's connective tissues and a deficiency can result in reduced skin elasticity.
Eat: leeks, green beans, garbanzo beans, strawberries, cucumber, mango, celery, asparagus and rhubarb.
Zinc: a hugely important mineral that controls the production of oil in the skin, and is also thought to control some of the hormones that create acne.
Eat: fresh oysters, pumpkin seeds, ginger, pecans, Brazil nuts, oats and eggs.
Omega-3 fatty acids. Sufferers of dry, inflamed skin or frequent whiteheads or blackheads should incorporate some essential fatty acids - and particularly omega-3s - into their diet, which are responsible for skin repair, moisture content and overall flexibility.
Eat: salmon, sardines, walnuts and flax seeds.
Selenium. An antioxidant mineral responsible for tissue elasticity, selenium also acts to prevent cell damage by free radicals and can protect the skin from damage from excessive ultraviolet light.
Eat: wheat germ, tuna, salmon, garlic, Brazil nuts, eggs, brown rice and wholewheat bread.
Vitamins C. Vitamin C helps to reduce free radical damage, such as that caused by overexposure to the sun.
Eat: acerola, red and green bell peppers, guava, kale, parsley, collard greens, turnips and broccoli.
Vitamin E. Another powerful antioxidant that reduces the effects of sun exposure on the skin, Vitamin E also reduces the appearance of wrinkles, and, when applied topically, soothes dry or rough skin.
Eat: wheat germ oil, sunflower seeds, safflower and sunflower oils, almonds, spinach, peaches, prunes, tomatoes, cabbage, asparagus and avocados.
Vitamin A. Promoting proper repair and maintenance of the skin, deficiencies in Vitamin A can result in a dry, flaky complexion.
Eat: liver, chili peppers, dandelion, carrots, apricots, collard greens, kale, sweet potatoes, spinach and cantaloupe.
Mantra 4: TREAT YOURSELF TO A TREATMENT
Think of your skin as a car. Not only does it need the right blend of fuel and products - it needs a regular service too. A powerful treatment that revitalises and rehydrates dull, dried out skin will have the same impactful effects as a trip to the garage has on a dry, spluttering, oil-depleted car.
The botox-mimicking facial
The breakthrough HydraFacial is perfect for brides seeking instant zing for their complexion. The new generation of microdermabrasion, the treatment provides intense hydration by infusing powerful serums into the skin and removing 15 layers of superficial dead skin and impurities in the process.
"This 'skin polishing', non-invasive, non-surgical treatment - with no down-time - is the equivalent of having five strong facials," says Abi. "The best part of the treatment is when you get to see the grime that has come out of your skin and into a pot - it's strangely satisfying!"
A one-off treatment offers immediate improvement, providing a smooth, youthful glow for your moment in the spotlight, while monthly HydraFacials will provide long-lasting improvements. For results that mimic the effects of botox, an anti-aging course of six treatments (one per week) is recommended.
The prettifying peel
Cast aside those horrifying visions of blitzed skin from plastic surgery TV shows. We're talking gentle, non-invasive peels that come with spectacular results. "At Aqua, we use SkinCeuticals Peels, also known as fruit peels, which are safe and effective. The fruit acids penetrate to the dermis, rather than burning through the skin," says Abi.
The list of benefits is lengthy. In a nutshell, a peel is a wonder treatment that revitalises and brightens dull looking skin, refines and decongests pores, firms the skin and helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while addressing issues such as hyperpigmentation, sun damage, photo-damaged, aging skin and the appearance of problematic skin.
A wide range of peels is available, which is tailored to different types of skin. "The best result from any of these peels is seen from a course of six treatments, each peel should be spaced two weeks apart," advises Abi. "There's a limit to two courses a year, containing a three-month break between the courses. If you'd like a course of treatments before your wedding, you would need to start at least 12 weeks before."
A homecare regime tailored to your skin is recommended to achieve the best possible results. "A minimum of SPF 30 must be worn, this will protect the skin after a peel as you are more susceptible to hyperpigmentation," she adds.
The skin scanner
So you know you'd like some skin support but you're not sure where to start?
Go for a skin analysis and decide what course of action will produce the best results for your complexion. "One of our therapists will look at your skin in a skin scanner, which shows more than the naked eye can see, and discuss your options."
Aqua, Carbis Bay
01736 798961 aquaskincare.co.uk
words Rebecca Matthews
Copyright WED Magazine 2013
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