We all want radiant, healthy skin for our big day. This requires some work and a good regimen, especially because the wedding preparations are stressful. Makeup, of course will help, but bright, healthy skin as a base is essential. Here are some tips to ensure that you can have the best skin for your wedding.

Start On It Early

Like, now. Really… I mean it! Time and consistency are very important. Just slamming tons of expensive beauty products on your face and neck or trying new products or procedures days before the wedding, regardless of how highly advertised they may come, will not make much difference. It could actually end in blemishes and/or allergic reactions. Invest in the best-quality products that you can afford. It’s better to use natural products on your skin. Always read the ingredients list on any skincare product before you buy to make sure they are natural and cannot adversely affect your skin. Never believe in quick solutions and miracles. There are no miracle products, just good and some not so good.

See An Esthetician: Book an appointment with an experienced esthetician as soon as possible, particularly if you do not have an established skincare routine. I know that this may be pricey, but you must work the visit into your budget, even if you need to make some changes regarding other items in it. A professional person will know what is best for the type and condition of your skin and will help you create a daily regimen. After the initial consultation – if you can afford it – continue with monthly appointments in the months before the wedding. If not, at least have a consultation no later than two weeks before your event for cleaning or waxing, etc., is a must.

Consistent At-Home Regimen: Taking some time to attend to you skin every day is essential to long-term results. In addition to good products, there are many simple and ordinary things you can and must do to make your skin healthy. Fortunately, they do not require an extra budget – just knowledge and discipline. Here are a few examples:

Hydration: Drink a healthy amount of water every day. If you don’t, your skin will be affected negatively and may look sagging, flaky, dry, and loose. Drink green tea daily, if possible. It has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that experts say can even help reduce acne.

Cleaning your face: The makeup you apply and the pollution from the environment sitting on your face will always block and enlarge your skin pores. Therefore, you should make it a habit to clean your face before bed each night, regardless of how tired you are.

Exfoliation: The skin cells on your face die because of various reasons. The dead cells will block the helpful pores, and this will have negative effects on your skin. By exfoliating weekly or monthly, you will be able to get rid of all the dead skin cells and to remove any other unwanted substances that might be on your skin. Your esthetician will suggest the proper exfoliation for your type of skin.

Don’t forget the lips and eyes and neck! Use Chapstick or balm and a good eye cream daily. Another golden rule in your daily routine – always give your neck and décolletage the same care you give your face! They are just as important.

Make sure to always wear SPF 30+ on your face, neck and décolletage. Do this regardless whether the sun is out or you’re just in your car. Using a sunscreen that has SPF will ensure your skin remains healthy all the time.

Healthy diet: The foods you eat determine the health of your skin. Eating the right foods, such as watermelon for hydration, grapefruit for Vitamin C, kale for Vitamins A and K, fiber, nuts, etc., will give your skin the nutrients it needs to stay healthy. Tomatoes, for instance, contain a high level of lycopene, which is a powerful skin antioxidant used in some of the most expensive facial cleansers. Cucumber is very hydrating. Eat half a cucumber and then thinly slice the remaining half and use it as moisturizing face mask.

Sleep! Your skin can heal and rejuvenate itself. This happens all the time, but mostly occurs when we’re asleep. Try to get at least seven hours of sleep every night. If you need help, try chamomile tea or some natural remedies.

Be gentle to your skin on the wedding day

Do not have exfoliation, cleaning, or waxing on the same day or even a few days prior to the wedding. Use only a gentle cleanser with your hands on your wedding day. Don’t use a washcloth or anything that can possibly irritate the skin. If you have a blemish, use a cool compress to minimize it before putting on concealer and foundation.