By Sally Hunwick
You’re counting down the weeks to your wedding day and want your dull, stressed-out skin glowing again before you walk down that aisle. Here are 5 tips to radiant skin. Just say, “Í Do”.
1. Professional facials
A professional is better equipped to look after troublesome skin so it’s wise to invest in a series of treatments.
Ask for cleansing facials, which often use steam and masks to dislodge dirt and impurities from your pores without adding too much stress to your skin. If you tend to break out, ask to skip the facial massage – yes it feels good, but it can aggravate the skin. Leave it to the honeymoon.
The lead-up to a wedding can be a stressful time so if you do suffer a breakout, don’t take matters into your own hands by squeezing; that will only causes redness, inflammation and even scarring. A skincare professional knows how to deal with zits safely, you don’t. Make that your mantra.
Rescu. Recommends: The grand daddy of all facials is the La Prairie Caviar Firming Treatment. You can even have it on the day of your wedding as it leaves the skin radiant, refreshed and photo ready.
We love the magical hands of the team at The Observatory Hotel and also Anna Field at The Paddington Beauty Room as she was the former National Trainer for La Prairie and gives the most incredible lymphatic drainage massage around the eyes.
2. Eat well
Sugar can have a bad effect on skin’s vibrancy and has the scary ability to speed up wrinkle formation, so cut back on the sweet stuff in the lead-up to the wedding.
Also skip the saltshaker. A diet high in sodium can lead to bloating, which is not only bad news for the wedding dress, but also has the potential to make your complexion puffy. Not great.
To stay lean and complexion-clear, drink plenty of water (it helps detox the system and keep skin clear) and stick to a diet of fruit, vegetables, lean meats and low fat dairy.
3. Extra facial care: Weekly exfoliation and enzyme masks
A mask with enzymes helps rid skin of dead skin cells, excess sebum and pollution so apply once a week to keep skin clear and glowing.
Need another reason to mask up? An enzyme mask, such as Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel, helps your other products to penetrate better, which gives you more bang for your moisturiser buck.
A good exfoliation once a week also helps mechanically remove the top layer of skin and brings back the glow. Great for removing blackheads and, over time, can even help reduce the appearance of old scars and discoloration.
Rescu. Recommends: Dr Lewinn’s Facial Polishing Gel. Jojoba wax beads, aloe vera, chamomile and algae work together to brighten, firm up and soothe the skin. It can even be used instead of your daily cleanser in the shower. Skin positively glows after using this beautiful product.
4. Pop a pill
No, we’re not talking anything heavy – but upping your Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids pays good skin dividends.
One or two Evening Primrose Oil capsules adds radiance and health to skin and hair and has the added bonus of getting rid on inflammation. Try Blackmores Flaxseed Oil 1000mg.
5. Groom your brows
Technically your brows can’t make your skin glow, but good shape really does help open up your eyes and change the balance of your face (read: great for the wedding photos).
In the lead up to the wedding day, seek out a professional brow expert to start the shaping process. But be warned, if you have plucked to oblivion you may need time to grow your brows back so book your brow appointment early. Try Benefit’s Brow Bar at Myer. Call (02) 8353 5000.
Products and Services:
• Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel, $69.30, 1800 802 036 www.elemis.com.au
• Blackmores Flaxseed Oil 1000mg, $18.25, 1800 803 760, www.blackmores.com.au
• The Paddington Beauty Room, Sydney, (02) 9356 8700 www.thepaddingtonbeautyroom.com.au
• The Observatory Hotel, Sydney, (02) 9256 22 22 www.observatoryhotel.com.au
• Dr Lewinn’s Private Formula Facial Polishing Gel, $39.95 www.drlewinns.com