Skin Saviour: How To Get That Wedding Day Glow

Getting your skin perfect for your wedding day requires a proper plan. Dr Rabia Malik show you how to make sure you get that flawless glow when you walk down the aisle

Countdown: One Year

Bride-To-Be Consulation

Every good skin regime starts with a thorough consultation. I like to spend time with my brides-to-be to really figure out their main concerns, their skin goals and also get an idea of their lifestyle so I can create a plan they will be able to stick to.

A year gives us enough time to create a schedule to manage any major skin issues, such as acne, scarring or pigmentation. It also allows me to create a suitable product regime, discuss diet and also create a plan for stress management, as this is inevitably an issue for nearly all brides as they get closer to the big day.

When it comes to products, this of course depends on your individual skin type, but I like to incorporate some antioxidant-based serums, sun protection, and collagen-stimulating active ingredients. I also recommend supplements to support internal health. Once we have created a bespoke product and supplement plan, we will create a treatment schedule over the next 12 months.

A big part of looking your best on your wedding day is also feeling your best. If you are comfortable, confident and happy in your skin, you will have the ultimate glow and that is what I want to help all my brides-to-be achieve.

Initial consultations can be done in person at The Wellness Clinic at Harrods or equally effectively remotely via video call.

Countdown: Six Months

Six months out is a good time to consider more intensive treatments which require downtime, as you will still have enough time for skin recovery, as well as for undertaking a course of treatments, if required. The treatments I consider for my patients with various skin concerns at this stage are as follows…

Main Concern – Acne

I believe in a holistic approach to dealing with problem skin, so it’s important to find out what the underlying triggers are for breakouts. Often diet and hormone imbalance can play a role, so they need to be addressed, usually with lifestyle modification and supplements to support internal health, and prescription medication if required.

This is usually done at the initial consultation, and once the internal aspect is being managed, combination treatments with peels (for the active acne) and microneedling (for any residual scarring) work well for resurfacing the skin and improving skin tone and texture.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are effective at helping to manage acne as they exfoliate the skin. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and peels (in combination with the right products) can also help to reduce sebum production, which contributes to blocked pores and subsequent breakouts. Salicylic acid-based peels are particularly effective at treating acne and blackheads as the active ingredient works well to unclog pores.

Main Concern – Hyperpigmentation

I treat hyperpigmentation with a combination approach incorporating products containing the active ingredients vitamin C, vitamin A and tranexamic acid, high dose antioxidant supplements such as liposomal vitamin c and glutathione, and combination treatments such as my mesopeel which combines microneedling with bespoke skin peels. Microneedling and peels also work well as independent treatments to help reduce pigmentation.

Countdown: Three Months

Injectables

Although I personally choose not to work with injectables, three months prior to the wedding is a good time to consider any wrinkle-relaxing injections or fillers. Make sure you see someone qualified and experienced and I always advise less is more, as many younger brides can inadvertently age themselves by overdoing it.

Main Concern – Acne Scarring/ Marks

Microneedling

Microneedling is a procedure that involves puncturing the skin repeatedly with hundreds of tiny, sterile needles.It can be done either manually with hand held dermarollers or with automated pen-like devices. This process stimulates the body’s healing/repair process to stimulate new skin cell production and also create more collagen in the skin. It helps with acne scarring by stimulating cells to fill the indents left by previous acne.

Laser Resurfacing

Laser treatments use light energy to stimulate skin cell renewal in a similar way to microneedling above, just with a different process. Not all lasers are suitable for all skin types, so you need to take advice from a professional who can guide you as to which treatment would be best for your specific skin.

Main Concern – Sagging/ Loose Skin/ Lack of definition around Jawline

There are two main treatment modalities I recommend for patients looking for a lifting or tightening effect.

Radiofrequency-based Treatments

Radiofrequency treatments use an electromagnetic device to generate heat in the deeper layers of the skin which in turn stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, leading to tighter and more lifted skin.

For patients who want mild to moderate tightening and definition of facial contours, a course of radiofrequency skin tightening (for example, Forma by Inmode) can be very effective. I usually recommend a course of four to six treatments done every four to six weeks, to allow skin cells enough time to regenerate between treatments. The great thing about radiofrequency treatments is that they are well tolerated, not painful, and have no downtime other than some mild redness for a few hours.

When combined with microneedling (for example, the Morpheus 8 treatment), radiofrequency works at a deeper level to deliver even better results. This can be a good option in situations when you may only have time for one treatment, or need more lifting, although this means it is a deeper treatment that can be uncomfortable and has more downtime.

Ultrasound-Based Treatments

Ultrasound-based treatments (e.g. Ulthera, Ultraformer, HIFU) use ultrasound energy which penetrates the deeper layers of the skin and has the potential to go further than radiofrequency-based treatments. This has its advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to seek the advice of a professional to help guide you as to which treatment is best for you and your specific concerns.

Countdown: Six Weeks

Aquagold

Aquagold is great for skin rejuvenation and six weeks prior to your wedding is a good time to have this treatment to help address any fine lines, refine pores and optimise skin tone and texture.

Microneedling with Exosomes

Exosomes is the latest growth factor-based system for skin rejuvenation. It also helps improve fine lines and optimise skin tone and texture when combined with microneedling to allow for deeper penetration.

Countdown: Two Weeks

Oxygen Infusion

Oxygen Infusions (e.g. Intraceuticals) are great to have two weeks prior to the wedding for boosting skin hydration to help achieve the ultimate glow.

Continue with your product routine and don’t try anything new in case of a reaction.

Countdown: One Week

I generally don’t advise having any facials or changing any products in the week prior to the wedding. Ensure skin glows by staying hydrated – make sure you drink plenty of water and are eating well. Continue with your regular skincare routine. Try to do some yoga or stretching daily to help stay relaxed and reduce the risk of a stress induced breakout!

The Night Before the Wedding

Apply a hydrating hyaluronic acid-based sheet mask (e.g. the Skin W1 rejuvenating mask kit) you’ve tried and tested before. Massage the excess product into the skin to ensure you wake up with hydrated, glowing skin.

Dr. Rabia Malik. Holistic Aesthetic Doctor and General Practitioner.
The Wellness Clinic, Harrods. drrabiamalik.com

From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia Bride Spring/Summer 2023 issue.