What Treatments To Get & When:
Your wedding day is a long-anticipated event, one you’ve likely dreamed about since childhood. It’s a day full of love, excitement, and memories, but let’s be honest—you also want to feel and look your absolute best. Glowing skin is the ultimate accessory to your dress, and makes sure that you look great in every photo taken to capture the celebration.
But – achieving that picture-perfect complexion takes time and dedication. Just like everything else in wedding planning, good skin doesn’t happen overnight. Think of it as your ultimate skin-care journey—and trust me, it’s worth every step! As a board-certified Physician Assistant and Master Injector, I’ve had the privilege of helping countless brides prepare their skin for their special day. In this guide, I’ll walk you through a six month beauty timeline designed to give you that flawless glow every bride dreams of. Whether you’re six months out or already feeling the final stretch, there’s something here to help you achieve radiant skin on your big day.
6 MONTHS PRIOR:
Start Building The Foundation
Let’s start at the six-month mark. I know it may feel like a long time away, but prepping your skin early is key to achieving long-lasting results. This is the time to lay the foundation for smooth, healthy skin that will radiate when you walk down the aisle.
First, let’s talk about microneedling. This treatment is a must for anyone looking to improve skin texture, minimize pores, and boost collagen production. I typically recommend a series of three micro-needling sessions, spaced about one month apart. It works by creating tiny, controlled micro-injuries in the skin that stimulate your body’s natural healing process. In turn, your skin starts producing more collagen and elastin—two of the most important proteins for youthful, firm skin.
Brides love this treatment because over time, it leads to smoother, firmer, and more even-toned skin. And who doesn’t want that? While micro-needling does wonders, it’s important to be patient. Collagen takes time to build, so starting early will give you time to do a series, giving you the best possible results by your wedding day.
At this stage, you’ll also want to introduce medical-grade skincare into your routine. Unlike drugstore products, these are specifically formulated with higher concentrations of active ingredients, ensuring they penetrate deeper into the skin and provide noticeable results. I recommend starting with a cleanser, exfoliant, antioxidant serum (hello, Vitamin C!), and a high-quality moisturizer. And of course, don’t forget sunscreen—protecting your skin from UV damage is critical for maintaining your glow.
3 MONTHS PRIOR:
Turn Up The Glow
Fast forward three months, and it’s time to start focusing on treatments that will give your skin a luminous, dewy glow—perfect for your big day. My go-to recommendation for brides at this stage is the Hydrafacial with dermaplaning.
Hydrafacials are a favorite for a reason—they deeply cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate the skin all in one treatment. Plus, they’re gentle enough to do monthly leading up to your wedding. By combining Hydrafacials with dermaplaning (which removes dead skin and peach fuzz), you’ll ensure your skin is smooth and prepped for flawless makeup application. Trust me—your foundation will glide on like butter, and you’ll have that soft, airbrushed finish in all your wedding photos.
If you’re considering Botox or dermal fillers to smooth out fine lines or enhance your facial features, this is the perfect time to schedule them. Botox typically takes a minimum of two weeks to fully settle in, and fillers need some time to reduce any swelling, so planning these treatments six weeks out ensures a natural, refreshed look without the rushed feeling.
1 MONTH PRIOR:
Relax And Focus On Self Care
At the one-month mark, your skin should be in great shape, but don’t let stress undo all your hard work! Stress is one of the biggest skin saboteurs. It can lead to breakouts, redness, and irritation—all things we definitely want to avoid right before your wedding.
The best thing you can do during this time is to pamper yourself. Stick to the treatments that are already working, like your
Hydrafacials, but avoid trying anything new. Now isn’t the time for experimentation! Instead, indulge in self-care like a relaxing massage, meditation, or even a cozy evening at home with a good book. Keeping your stress levels in check will help prevent any unwanted flare-ups.
BRIDAL BEAUTY DOS & DON’TS:
To keep your skin on track, here are some essential dos and don’ts for your wedding skincare prep:
Do: Start treatments like micro- needling, Botox, or fillers early enough to see full results by your wedding.
Do: Stick to a consistent skincare routine using medical-grade products tailored to your skin type.
Do: Hydrate! Drinking water is crucial for plump, glowing skin.
Don’t: Introduce any new skincare products or treatments in the last month before your wedding.
Don’t: Over-exfoliate or use harsh products that could irritate your skin.
Don’t: Neglect your body! Remember, glowing skin isn’t just about your face. Exfoliate, moisturize, and hydrate your entire body so you’ll feel confident in your dress.
BONUS TIPS FOR THE BIG DAY:
The day has finally arrived, and all eyes are on you! You’ve followed the timeline, prepped your skin, and now it’s time to enjoy the moment. To keep your skin hydrated and glowing, use a hydrating mist before makeup. Choose a lightweight, long-lasting foundation that won’t cake up, and keep blotting papers on hand to control shine throughout the day.
Oh, and one last thing—don’t forget to smile. There’s nothing more beautiful than a bride who feels confident, happy, and radiant from the inside out!
EMBRACE THE JOURNEY:
Your wedding day is one of the most special moments of your life, and you deserve to feel absolutely stunning. Beautiful skin is the result of thoughtful planning, so start early, stay consistent, and enjoy the pampering process! Whether you’re prepping with micro-needling, indulging in Hydrafacials, or simply sticking to your skincare routine, every step of this journey will bring you closer to your dream bridal look. Most importantly, remember that this is your time to shine—embrace it! The effort you put into your skin will pay off, not only on your wedding day but for years to come. After all, beautiful skin is always in style!
AUTHOR: MARLEE BRUNO
MIND, BODY, & SOUL MEDICAL
Founded by esteemed healthcare educator and board-certified physician assistant, Marlee Bruno M.M.S., PA-C, Mind Body & Soul Medical is nestled in the heart of Downtown Pensacola, FL, specializing in facial balancing, bio-regenerative aesthetics and expert injectable coaching. The top-tier wellness sanctuary offers an array of minimally invasive, result-driven aesthetic wellness treatments such as injectables, laser treatments, medical weight loss, hormone replacement therapy and targeted skincare treatments. Bruno also offers invaluable business and life coaching, integrating cutting-edge aesthetic techniques with robust wellness strategies to enhance both physical and mental well-being.
mindbodysoulmedical.com