Bridal Skin Series | Bridal Beauty Countdown

The International Dermal Institute has the most informative classes! I love heading over there when they have guest speaker events. The last class I attended was called Perfecting Bridal Skin. I learned the best way to incorporate services for brides-to-be, and how to address their skin concerns head on. There was also a live demonstration on prepping and applying bridal make-up which was a ton of fun!

Being that wedding season is quickly approaching, I'm going to break up all of the bridal information into a few separate posts since I have so much new information to share!

First thing I want to talk about is developing a game plan and scheduling your treatments for the big day. Whether you are the bride to be or a member of the bridal party, you are going to want to look and feel your best! Looking good doesn't just happen over night; trust me, it takes time. Planning is everything!

Here is a basic countdown on what you should be doing to make sure you are looking your best for the big day:

12-15 Months Prior

At-Home Skincare Regimen

Solidify your skincare treatment plan. Remember, consistency is key! I cannot stress how important it is to get on professional at-home products. Experts agree that 80% of the results you see on your skin come from what you are doing day to day, at home on your skin. Let's be clear on what are considered professional products; just because you are purchasing an expensive product, does not mean it is going to address specific skin concerns you might have for your big day. Professional products cannot be purchased at department stores due to the fact that they contain active ingredients that are not suitable for a multitude of skin types. Get in touch with your esthetician so she can point you in the right direction as to which products to use. 

Laser Tattoo Reduction

Laser tattoo reduction lightens and removes tattoos without damaging the surrounding tissue. It is scheduled every 4-6 weeks. Please keep in mind that it takes time to remove a tattoo, and rate of removal depends on several factors.

6-9 Months Prior

Laser Hair Reduction

This treatment permanently reduces unwanted hair. Scheduled every 4-6 weeks. Remember, the lighter your skin and the darker your hair the better the results will be. My favorite areas to treat with laser hair reduction are the underarms and the brazilian area. Who doesn't want to be hair-free for their wedding and honeymoon?!  

Cosmetic Injections & Fillers

This may not be for everyone, but if it is, make sure you schedule your first treatment 6-9 months prior to the big day. Injections like Botox or Dysport can help you achieve a wrinkle-free look just about anywhere on your face. Between the eyebrows, on the forehead, and around the eyes to minimize crow's feet are popular injection sites. Clients also request to have the lines around their mouth and their necks treated as well. Also, something to keep in mind, when Botox and Dysport are injected into the underarms and hands it reduces excessive sweating. Facial fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm, and Radiesse are available to enhance your lips and cheeks, replace lost volume in the face (due to aging), smooth wrinkles, and fill in scar depressions (including acne scars).  

4-5 Months Prior

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

This treatment helps removes age spots, moles, angiomas (red spots), rosacea, acne lesions, and spider veins. Common treatment area include the face, neck, chest, arms, and upper back. IPL works best in a series of treatments scheduled 4-6 weeks apart. 

Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peels

These non surgical treatments are great at treating uneven skin tone and texture, or discolorations caused by acne or sun damage. These work best in a series of treatments, usually spaced about 4 weeks apart, over the course of a few months.

4 Weeks Prior

Spray Tanning
A major pre-wedding no-no is sun exposure! Nothing ages and dehydrates the skin more than the sun does! Spray tanning gives your skin a nice healthy looking glow. Having a good tan accentuates your features and is also very slimming. A nice even tan can minimize the appearance of stretch marks and varicose veins and blends any imperfections. Try spray tanning at least one month prior to the big day so that there are no surprises.

Eyelash Extensions

This is a wonderful treatment to consider! Not only will your new lashes look great in pictures, but you can keep them fluttering worry-free on your honeymoon.

Trial Run for Hair and Makeup

Request a trial run for your hair and makeup. If you plan on spray tanning, make sure you are the color you plan on being on your wedding date as you are on the trial run.

Last treatments in all of your series.
Last appointment for injectibles, if using.

1-2 Weeks Prior

Any facial done within two weeks should be for cleansing and/or hydrating only.

Do not schedule a facial any sooner than one week prior to the wedding.

Practice stress management techniques.
Keep your pillowcase extra clean.

Stay away from dairy and sugar.

Avoid wine as much as possible.
Hydrate! Water! Water! Water!

4-5 Days Prior

Hair Removal

Get all remaining hair on your body waxed, including your brow, to prevent redness or irritation on the day of.

2 Days Prior

Spray tan, if that is something you have planned on doing.

Fill eyelash extensions, if you've decided to have them.

1 Day Prior

Deep-conditioning treatment on hair.
Exfoliate and moisturize your entire body.
Manicure and pedicure.



No matter what regimen you decide on remember to talk to your esthetician and/or skincare professionals and thoroughly communicate your needs and concerns. I hope that you'll use this countdown all the way until your wedding day as a helpful guide of when to schedule your beauty treatments!

So... What are your favorite ways get wedding-ready???

Scalp Stimulating Deep Conditioner

Many men and women face the unfortunate problem of thinning hair. Hair loss has many causes including aging, stress, illness, genetics, pregnancy, and menopause. The majority of shampoos and hair products out there contain synthetic materials which can also contribute to thinning hair.


For those with thinning hair, or those who generally want healthier hair, below is a list of ingredients to avoid if possible:

• Propylene Glycol - May cause dry skin and skin irritation.
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Laureth Sulfate - Cleansing/foaming agent that may corrode hair follicles.
• Oleyl betaine - May cause dry hair and scalp.
• Mineral oils - Clog pores and may inhibit healthy hair follicle health.

It may come as surprise to those of you who know me, but I have thinning hair. You wouldn't think so by looking at me, because thankfully I have fairly thick hair,  So far it is not very noticeable. But seriously, I lose ...SO... much hair!!! I'm pretty sure it is due to genetics in my case, but it bothers me, so I decided to try to fix my problem with an at home scalp stimulating deep conditioner. I was hesitant at first, because rubbing oil directly onto my scalp sounded like a greasy mess. I'm so glad I tried it though, because the results were amazing! My hair was not greasy at all. In fact, my hair actually had significantly more body at the root. I could see the difference after only one treatment. The shaft of my hair was so smooth and revitalized.

Below you will see a before and after picture of my hair. Both pictures were taken first thing in the morning with no product in my hair. I washed my hair at night and put my hair up in a bun, so both pictures show my hair completely natural and air dried. Don't judge me!. Pictured on the left is obviously my hair before the treatment, and pictured on the right is my hair after the treatment. My hair looked and felt so much better! Who knew homemade hair products could work so well?!

Ingredients:

• 6 ounces Coconut Oil
• 3 ounces Jojoba Oil

Essential Oils:

• 9 drops Clary Sage
• 6 drops White Fir
• 3 drops Rosemary
• 3 drops Cedarwood

(I only use therapeutic grade essential oils that are safe for consumption.

For more information on how to purchase these oils, please feel free to contact me.)

Instructions:

Combine all the ingredients and blend in a blender or a food processor until well combined.

Store away from the light in an airtight container.

I like to apply the conditioner once a week on dry hair, before getting into the shower. I start by massaging small amounts of the product into my scalp. Once I feel like my scalp is saturated I apply the product very gently to the shaft of my hair. I then put my hair into a high bun and let is sit for a minimum of thirty minutes. Once I'm ready, I get into the shower and shampoo and condition my hair like usual.

There you have it! An easy and effective homemade conditioning treatment for pennies on the dollar!

Nerdy Extras:

Coconut Oil is an excellent conditioner for the hair and helps in the re-growth of damaged hair. It is made up of saturated fats, vitamin E, vitamin K, and Iron. It also softens the hair and conditions the scalp.

Jojoba Oil loosens and removes hardened build up on the scalp. Many scalp related problems, including hair loss, are caused by a hardened build up of sebum on the scalp which clogs hair follicles and creates scaling. If the build up is not removed, it can eventually interfere with the hair follicles ability to function properly. This is why jojoba oil makes such a fantastic base for do it yourself hair treatments; it cleans the hair follicles and allows the hair to function normally. Additionally, jojoba oil won't make your hair greasy if you have oily hair, as it naturally regulates the amount of sweat your hair follicles are emitting. Many people assume because they have an oily scalp they don't need to condition it. This is not the case, and the reason why many people with oily hair have flaky scalps. Jojoba oil also is an excellent moisturizer for dry hair. It really is great for all hair types.

Clary Sage is a very interesting essential oil with many uses. In this case, it strengthens hair follicles, which significantly reduces the amount of hair loss.

White Fir Essential Oil is said to have natural cortisone-like effects that often stimulate hair regrowth.

Rosemary Essential Oil stimulates the hair follicle; which as a result enables the hair to grow longer and stronger. It has been known to help treat and prevent dandruff and flaky scalps.

Cedarwood Essential Oil reduces dryness and hair loss by promoting healthy hair.

FDA Disclaimer: "These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease."