Christina San Clemente, hair and makeup artist at Christina San Clemente Beauty. A Philadelphia, PA based, on location makeup and hairstyling team presents…
FIVE THINGS TO DO RIGHT NOW TO GET HEALTHY, GLOWING, WEDDING DAY (OR OTHER SPECIAL EVENT) SKIN
If there was ever a time to develop or amp up a good skincare and lifestyle routine it’s in the months leading up to your wedding. Having healthy-looking skin is one of the best ways to help you feel more confident on your big day.
If your skin is generally in pretty good shape it will take about three months to get that glow you’re looking for, but if you have specific concerns, like acne, or discoloration you’ll need a bit more time.
*One super important caveat to mention…there is no such thing as “flawless” skin but with a great skincare routine and a fabulous makeup artist (i.e. philadelphia based Christina San Clemente Beauty) you’ll get that glowing “you, but better” look you’re going for. So without further ado, here are my top tips to get the absolutely beautiful, glowing, healthy bridal skin that you’ve been dreaming of.
1. GET ENOUGH SLEEP AND KEEP STRESS AT BAY.
I know what you’re thinking… You’re saying to yourself, Christina, I’m planning my wedding, stress management isn’t my priority right now! Listen, I know planning one of the biggest days of your life is chaotic, time consuming, stressful and full of varying emotions but it’s sooo important to prioritize your mental and emotional health. Take a deep breath and a little time for yourself and some self care. The first thing I want to stress to you is that this day is about YOU and YOUR PARTNER, so remember that! You both already love each other so much. You want to remember this special time fondly, not with you sitting in a dark closet, breathing into a paper bag. Set some boundaries for yourself to avoid getting overwhelmed.
In addition to managing stress, getting adequate sleep is one of the best (and easiest) ways to avoid getting overwhelmed and to improve our skin quality. First, it gives you a little reprieve from all of that wedding planning noise and second it lets you recharge and repair. This time is also super beneficial to our skin because cell mitosis (cell division) peaks in our body at night. Our skin follows a 24 hour cycle, and goes through peak repair from about 9pm to midnight. It is critical to take full advantage of this time in order to maximize those cell renewing benefits of sleep. So try to catch some Zzzzs during that window.
A good skincare routine includes a healthy sleep routine, as well as anything that helps you to destress. Exercise, meditation or even an afternoon shopping trip with a friend are all fabulous ways to do just that. So the next time you’re feeling guilty about getting into bed earlier than you feel you should, or if you’re on the fence about booking that spa day, don’t! You have my full permission to pamper yourself, your skin will thank you for it.
Pro tip… grab an essential oil diffuser and diffuse some lavender oil or other de-stress/sleep blends. Just make sure it’s a high quality source that doesn’t contain artificial fragrance.
2. HEAL YOUR SKIN FROM WITHIN.
Food provides nutrients to live, grow and prosper. We need to be mindful of how we are fueling our bodies. One of the most effective ways to benefit your skin is by being aware of what you’re putting into it and making sure you’re eating high quality, real food. Eating well goes hand in hand with any good skincare routine. A diet high in processed, sugary, high glycemic foods contains very little nutrients and spikes your blood sugar. Instead, opt for lower glycemic, nutrient dense foods such as ethically raised, good quality meats and proteins, and vibrant colored vegetables and fruits. As for fruits, prioritize berries, that are rich in antioxidants which help to fight free radicals that cause signs of aging.
Hydration is equally, if not more important, than the foods you’re eating. Make sure to drink plenty of water and avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol. The more hydrated you are the more plump and glowing your skin will look. Don’t forget, caffeine and alcohol are dehydrating. When you do imbibe make sure to drink an extra glass of H2O for each alcoholic or caffeinated beverage you drink.
Pro tip… add some electrolyte packets to your water. Just try to find some without added sugar, I recommend LMNT. My favorite flavors are orange and watermelon. I like to carry my Yeti with me everywhere and won’t leave home without it. When you prioritize your water intake by carrying around a water bottle, it makes it that much easier to remember to HYDRATE!
3. COMPLETELY REMOVE YOUR MAKEUP AND WASH YOUR FACE BEFORE BED.
I don’t know about you but after a long day, the last thing that I want to do is spend time on my nightly skincare routine. While it may be tempting to hit the hay with a face full of makeup, completely removing your makeup before going to bed is essential to your skin’s health. As I mentioned previously, your skin repairs and renews itself at night. Sleeping with makeup on impedes this renewal process. To make matters worse, makeup can settle into creases and lines leading to a complexion that looks lackluster and even aged.
Another reason to cleanse your skin before bed is because throughout the day we are bombarded with many different environmental assaults (free radicals). Whether it be the cosmetics we are putting on or the pollution in the air, these free radicals and other oxidative stressors can break down collagen and cause lines and wrinkles. Additionally, sleeping with makeup on will actually increase your chances of a breakout. While you sleep your makeup can mix with additional built-up debris and oil from the skin’s surface creating the perfect storm for clogged pores, acne, and blackheads.
Pro tip… opt for a cleanser with added benefits like skin brightening.
4. EXFOLIATE.
Exfoliating is the process of removing dead cells from the surface of your skin. Your skin naturally sheds dead skin cells to make room for new cells approximately every 30 days. As you age, the rate of cell turnover slows. This allows dead cells on your skin’s surface to stick around longer accentuating fine lines and making your complexion look dull. Removing these dead skin cells, whether physically with scrubs or chemically using acids or enzymes, helps make up for the gradual slowing of your skin’s natural renewal process, improving your skin’s texture and tone.
Additionally, exfoliation can leave your skin looking brighter and improves the absorption of moisturizers, serums and topical skin care products. Regular exfoliation can also help prevent clogged pores, resulting in fewer breakouts.
Long-term exfoliating can increase collagen production. Collagen is key to glowing, vibrant skin. The protein also promotes skin elasticity, minimizing the appearance of fine lines and a loss of firmness.
Pro tip… I recommend starting out exfoliating once a week, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. If you have oily skin you can increase to every other day as tolerated but back off if you notice sensitivity or irritation.
5. DON’T SKIMP ON THE SUN PROTECTION!
One of the quickest ways to destroy your skin is to spend too much unprotected time in the sun. A limited amount of vitamin D is great for your skin and feels wonderful, but make sure you are wearing AT LEAST an SPF of 30 and remember to reapply every two hours. Make it a rule to NEVER go out, even in the winter, without sunscreen on your skin. I also recommend investing in some fabulous, floppy, wide brimmed hats. With the right sunglasses you’ll look like you’re vacationing on the French Riviera instead of an original Jersey Shore cast member in 2024. All those years of GTL definitely took its toll. And it goes without saying, but don’t even consider tanning beds. JUST NO!
Pro tip… don’t forget to include your neck, decolletage, and hands. Those three areas typically reveal a person’s age the earliest as they are often neglected when it comes to skincare and sun protection.