Aesthetics Treatments for Brides-to-be

• Skincare, Skin Treatment, Skin Rejuvenation, Medical Grade Skincare, AlumierMD, Chemical Peels, Acne Scarring, Anti-aging

Newly engaged or soon-to-be tying the knot following a frustrating 2020? Congratulations! Finally, it seems weddings could be back on the cards for 2021 and with clinics set to reopen on April 12th, there really is no time like the present to start, or perhaps revamp your journey to looking and feeling your very best on the big day. From 12 months in advance, to the days leading up to your wedding, we’ve got you covered. Glowday got in touch with aestheticsnurselucy and asked us to share our thoughts on a few commonly asked questions. Of course, we obliged and below we’ll divulge the most popular treatment requests, our favourite in-clinic treatments and tips for home skincare to get you glowing ahead of what’s sure to be, a day you’ll cherish forever.

What treatments do brides-to-be typically come to you for? What concerns do they want to address?

This can really vary, often ladies think they need a particular treatment, but following a thorough consultation, will leave with a completely different plan altogether. This depends on a number of factors, such as the timeframe we have to work with, the overall effectiveness particular treatments will have on the underlining issue(s), or perhaps they are a complete novice when it comes to medical aesthetics and skincare (don’t worry – we got you) and not aware of alternative treatments available. It does seem, due to the lockdowns, brides have shifted their focus from immediate results driven treatments – such as Botox and Dermal Fillers - to Medical Grade Skincare, in a bid to get going on what can be a long and slow, yet very valuable process. Concerns range from acne scarring, to fine lines and wrinkles, volume loss in the face, hyperpigmentation and overall skin appearance. Some ladies don’t quite know what their concerns are, they are relatively happy with their appearance, but with a wedding date looming, they want to look and feel a million dollars on the big day – that’s where guidance from an aesthetics professional comes in super handy!

How far in advance should they be booking in for these appointments, and why?

Again, this all depends on the treatment’s brides are looking to book. 12 months prior to the wedding date is when you really need to be hunting down a skincare professional and together, making a long-term plan. If you’re considering anti-wrinkle injections (Botox), but have never tried this before, don’t leave it until a month or two before the big day. Find a practitioner you trust, and try Botox early on, that way if you don’t like the results, it’ll have worn off after three to four months. Treating concerns such as acne, acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, rosacea and fine lines take time, and you want a game plan in place at least 10 months prior to the wedding date. Advanced skin rejuvenation treatments such as Microneedling and Chemical Peels produce better results after three to six sessions, each spaced six to eight weeks apart, so these are the first to consider alongside Medical Grade Skincare, which will help control your skin between clinic treatments. Prescription strength Retinol (derived from Vitamin A) increases cell turnover, unclogs pores, boosts collagen, and helps diminish hyperpigmentation. Amazing right?! However, despite the incredible long-term benefits of retinol, it is known for causing redness and peeling at the outset, causing the skin to seemingly ‘get worse before it gets better’.

Is one appointment enough to get that amazing glow? Or will they need a course of treatments?

One appointment will not necessarily treat all your concerns at once. This is why a good consultation between patient and practitioner is vital at the beginning of any patient’s aesthetic journey, to ensure both parties are clear of the long-term goals, and realistic expectations are maintained along the way. A good medical aesthetician will ensure that this is the case.

What's your favourite treatment for giving a great wedding glow?

Ooh, there are so many treatments that I love, but for that ultimate GLOW, I have to say both in-clinic chemical peels alongside a good prescription skincare regime. I really enjoy educating patients around the importance of skincare, protecting our delicate skin from daily environmental factors (changes in temperature, pollution, stress, UV rays) is the most important thing we can do. It also allows brides to have some control of their skin between treatments and there is nothing better than seeing those improvements with effective lotions and potions. Medium depth chemical peels, carried out in clinic with your practitioner will improve skin texture and firmness, decrease fine lines and wrinkles, even out skin tone, improve acne-prone skin and reduce pore size appearance. A truly perfect pairing!

Are there any treatments they can book in for at the last minute? And what determines 'last minute'?

There shouldn’t be any experimenting in the month running up to the big day. Avoid any new treatments, personally I’d advise your last chemical peel – if this is part of your treatment plan - at least two months before and stick to the skincare regime you’ve tried and tested to avoid any breakouts. If you know and trust your aesthetic practitioner, and have already experimented with Botox, you may want to consider this a month prior to the wedding, allowing time for a two-week follow up. The night before the wedding, pop on a hydrating sheet mask, once again, make sure it’s a sheet mask you’ve tried and tested before so you know how your skin will react.

Do you have any other recommendations for brides who are looking for that perfect wedding glow?

First and foremost - enjoy the process - 2020 was such an unsettling time for brides, but now all we want is for weddings to go ahead, filled with more fun and laughter than ever before. In the end, if you are happy, you will look your best, that’s most important. Secondly, find a practitioner who you trust, who explains everything well and works with you – someone who appreciates that feeling sexy and confident on your big day is important to you, and will support you in your aesthetic journey.

You can also find this article over on the Glowday Blog