Whether you’re the bride, mother of the bride, or a glowing guest of honour, preparing your skin for the big day isn’t just a luxury—it’s a confidence essential. In our recent Instagram Live, I sat down with my wonderful colleague, Dr Mia, to map out the exact timeline and approach we recommend to get your skin wedding-ready with grace and clarity—no panic, no guesswork.
Three Months Out: Time to Get Serious
Your Key Goals:
- Sort out breakouts and redness
- Address texture issues (face, chest, back, arms)
- Begin any in-clinic treatments
In-Clinic Treatments to Consider:
- Botox (Soft and Subtle): We recommend treating at least once before the big one—ideally 5–6 months prior. Then, time your final session 4–6 weeks before the wedding for natural, softened expressions (no frozen faces here).
- Profhilo: Our MVP for hydration and glow. Think of it as the secret sauce for smooth, dewy skin. It’s ideal 6–4 weeks before the big day—for face and neck.
- Microneedling: this is transformative for refining texture and radiance—especially helpful for acne-prone or dull skin.
- Underarm Botox: A game-changer for long-sleeved dresses or anyone prone to stress-induced sweating. Effective, discreet and confidence-boosting.
Learn more about our clinic here.
Skincare Strategy:
- Retinoids for clarity and tone
- Azelaic Acid for calming redness and boosting glow
- Vitamin C for that antioxidant-powered radiance
- Barrier Support: Always pair with a nourishing, hydrating moisturiser
- Don’t forget SPF—daily, without fail
And yes—extend your skincare to the neck, chest, shoulders and back if they’ll be on show.
One Month Out: Time to Fine-Tune
By now, your skincare routine should be going swimmingly. This is not the time to start anything new. Stick to what you know works.
Body Focus:
- Bacne and Chest Texture: Glycolic acid, salicylic acid washes, or even prescription treatments if blemishes are stubborn. Flawless Neutralising Gel is an absolute winner here.
- Keratosis Pilaris (KP) on Arms: Try CeraVe Blemish Control or a gentle glycolic/urea combo. Our Flawless Body Therapy AHA Body Lotion is another option we love.
- Neck Prep: Profhilo is phenomenal here at smoothing crepey skin; or keep it gentle with topical retinoids and niacinamide if skin is sensitive.
One Week Out: Hydration, Not Experimentation
This is the week when things can go pear-shaped if you’re not careful! Here’s your ultimate survival guide.
Don’t:
- Try new skincare or facials
- Use active ingredients right before waxing (especially retinoids!)
- Attempt DIY treatments or new makeup products
- Skip a patch test on anything going near your face (hello, lash tint disasters)
Do:
- Use your SOS kit (topical prescriptions, barrier creams)
- Stop retinoids 24–48 hours before the big day to minimise any dryness if they’re a new addition in the last 6 months
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate – think masks, moisturisers, and barrier protection. Flawless Revival Mask is a super-hero - use it daily for 3 days in the run-up and prime skin on the big day with it too - simply cleanse off after wearing in a steamy shower.
- Have your makeup trial done early and agree on your strategy for shine control zones
- Plan sun protection into your day—especially if your photos are outside and you’re getting married somewhere sunny.
The Day Before and Day Of: Glow Mode
- Mask the night before (Flawless Revival Mask is our pick for overnight success)
- No exfoliation unless it's very gentle and you're confident in how your skin reacts
- Cream-based makeup and smart powder placement: keep glow where it flatters, control shine only where needed
- Sunscreen as primer: Crucial if you’re doing photos outdoors. Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF50 won’t let you down.
Extra Bits We Loved Chatting About:
Fake Tan:
- Test well in advance
- Never try a new tan the week of your wedding
- Book a spray tan artist you trust, and agree the tone (no Oompa Loompas here)
Hair Removal:
- No waxing if you’re on a retinoid
- Stick to threading or plan shaving carefully
Scalp Health:
- Dandruff? Treat it early with ketoconazole shampoos
- Wash frequently to keep inflammation down
Final Thoughts
You’re not prepping for perfection—you’re prepping for peace of mind. When your skin behaves, you feel like the best version of you - confident, calm and radiant. And that’s exactly how we want you walking down the aisle… or dancing at the reception!
Have questions or need help building your plan? We’re here. Come see us at the clinic, or slide into our DMs.
Here’s to glowing skin and joyful memories—on the day and beyond. And don’t forget to share a pic and tag us!
— Dr Sam 💫
