You’ve probably curated moodboards, picked your palette and maybe even finalised your dream lehenga and chandbalis. But while the playlists and outfits fall into place, there’s one element that deserves equal attention: your skin.
“Your bridal glow is not built in a day,” says Dr Harshna Bijlani, aesthetic physician, celebrity skin expert and founder of AgeLess Clinic. “It’s layered inside out with science, consistency and a little bit of soul care.” With six months to go, the focus is not just on looking flawless but on building a foundation that lasts, starting with lifestyle changes, skincare habits and treatments that work over time. A thoughtful bridal skincare routine begins here.
Six months to go: start with the basics
This is the ideal moment to get serious about your skin prep. “The first step is always to fix your foundation, and I don’t mean makeup. I mean your lifestyle,” says Bijlani. She recommends consistent sleep (ideally by 11 pm), cutting back on sugar and dairy if you’re acne-prone, and using sunscreen daily. “Sunscreen is your skincare insurance policy. It protects your treatments, prevents pigmentation and keeps your glow intact.”
Begin a personalised routine with actives like vitamin C for brightness, niacinamide to strengthen your barrier and retinoids (if suitable) for smoother texture. You can also start in-clinic treatments such as pigmentation correction through peels, Q-switch lasers or mesotherapy, and laser hair reduction if needed. “Don’t wait till the last minute to fix skin concerns that need months to heal,” she advises. Six months out is when you build your glow, not chase it.
Three months to go: plan your treatments
The three-month mark is peak treatment season. This window allows enough time for procedures that deliver long-term results but may need recovery. Energy-based options like Ultherapy, Fotona 4D or RF microneedling gradually lift and tone skin, with results appearing closer to the wedding. Regular IV drips containing glutathione, vitamin C, collagen and biotin can also support skin health from within.
If you’re open to injectables, this is the right time for baby Botox to soften expression lines, subtle fillers for contour and hydration, and skin boosters for luminosity. “The three-month mark is when your skincare routine, workouts and diet need to go on autopilot,” says Bijlani. “Consistency now equals confidence later.”
One month to go: maintain and protect
With a month left, avoid new products or aggressive treatments. “Your focus now is on maintenance, hydration and keeping inflammation down,” warns Bijlani. Skip first-time peels, strong actives or lasers. Stick to trusted facials such as hydra facials, LED light therapy and lymphatic drainage to sculpt and reduce puffiness. Continue IV boosters only if your skin is already familiar with them. Treat this period as a dress rehearsal for your wedding day.
One week to go: keep it calm
This final stretch is about calming the chaos. Stress and poor sleep can raise cortisol levels, leading to puffiness, dullness and breakouts. Bijlani recommends a simple routine: a gentle double cleanse, a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid, peptides or ceramides, followed by SPF in the morning and a nourishing barrier cream at night. Cold water dunking can help tone and depuff, while gua sha or jade rolling can relax the face. Above all, prioritise sleep. “Nothing replaces a full night’s rest. No serum, no facial,” she says.
A day before: soothe and rest
The day before your wedding, give your skin a break. Avoid exfoliants, masks or new products. A gentle hydration mist, barrier cream and nourishing lip balm are enough. Stay away from waxing, shaving or picking at pimples. Use a cold compress if needed and focus on rest. A cup of chamomile tea, light reading or breath work can help ease nerves. “Keeping your body and mind relaxed is just as important as caring for your skin,” says Bijlani.
On the day: less is more
On your wedding day, simplicity works best. Hydrate, then use only what your skin knows and loves–a mild cleanser, hydrating serum, moisturiser and SPF. Bijlani stresses the importance of at least one makeup trial, ideally a month before. “It’s not just about finalising your look. It’s about testing how your skin reacts to the products, especially base makeup and eyelash glue.”
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: vogue.in
