How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Hair Stylist for Your Big Day
How to Take Care of Sensitive, Irritated Skin in the Lead Up to Your Wedding Day
With your wedding day approaching, you’ll want to look and feel your best. If you struggle with sensitive, irritated skin, the stress of wedding planning combined with trying new skincare products can sometimes make matters worse. Luckily, with the right approach, you can turn things around. As part of our bridal beauty hacks, here’s a helpful guide on how to soothe and care for sensitive skin leading up to the big day so you can glow as you walk down the aisle.
Start With a Clean Slate
A good skincare routine starts with proper cleansing. For someone with sensitive skin, this means choosing gentle, non-irritating face washes that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils. Look for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic options with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile. You should also avoid harsh scrubs or exfoliants that can cause further irritation and instead focus on cleansers that won’t compromise your skin’s delicate balance.
Identify and Eliminate Triggers
Sensitive skin often reacts to specific triggers – certain ingredients, environmental factors, or even stress. In the months leading up to your wedding, pay close attention to what might be causing flare-ups. Common culprits include:
- Fragrances in skincare and makeup products
- Alcohol-based toners or astringents
- Hot showers or baths
- Extreme weather conditions
- Certain foods or drinks (e.g., spicy foods, alcohol)
- Lack of sleep or high stress levels
Keeping a skin diary where you track your skin’s reactions can help you identify the most common patterns. Once you’ve pinpointed your triggers, do your best to avoid them, and adjust your skincare routine accordingly.
Watch this video to learn more:
Simplify Your Skincare Routine
For sensitive skin, simplicity is key. Stick to the essentials: a gentle cleanser, an alcohol-free toner (if needed), a fragrance-free moisturiser, and sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. You should also avoid introducing new products close to your wedding day. If you’d like to try something new, do so at least two to three months in advance to give your skin some time to adjust.
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Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
One of the best ways to soothe irritated skin is to hydrate it both internally and externally. Start by drinking plenty of water throughout the day and use a humidifier in your bedroom to help maintain optimal moisture levels in the air while you sleep.
You’ll also want to incorporate a hydrating serum into your skincare routine, preferably one with hyaluronic acid. This ingredient is renowned for its ability to effectively lock in moisture and it works optimally when applied before a moisturiser.
Skin sensitivity isn’t limited to the face, so remember to moisturize your body as well, especially if you’re prone to skin sensitivities in other areas, for soft, luxurious skin from head to toe.
If you think you got dehydrated, watch this video:
Protect Your Skin From the Sun
Sun exposure can make sensitive skin issues worse, which is why you should incorporate sunscreen into your routine. Choose a broad-spectrum, mineral-based sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredient to effectively shield your skin. For added protection, consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat and seek shade during peak sun hours.
Photo by Mikhail Nilov on Pexels.com
Prioritise Soothing Ingredients
Look for skincare products that contain ingredients known to calm and soothe sensitive skin, including:
- Aloe vera
- Chamomile
- Oatmeal
- Green tea
- Calendula
- Niacinamide
- Ceramides
These ingredients can help reduce redness, inflammation, and irritation while supporting your skin’s natural barrier function.
Don’t Neglect Your Diet
What you put into your body can affect your skin just as much as what you put on it. Focus on a balanced diet rich in:
- Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts)
- Antioxidants (found in fruits and vegetables)
- Zinc (found in lean meats, nuts, and seeds)
- Probiotics (found in yogurt, kefir, and other fermented foods)
For best results, consider consulting with a nutritionist to create a skin-friendly meal plan in the months leading up to your wedding.
Manage Stress
Wedding planning can be stressful, and stress can wreak havoc on sensitive skin. To combat this, incorporate stress-management techniques into your daily routine, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises. Regular exercise can help reduce stress as well, but be gentle with your skin by showering immediately after sweating.
Watch this video about how to avoid stressed skin:
Be Cautious With Makeup
On your wedding day, your makeup should enhance your natural beauty without irritating your skin. So, do a makeup trial well before the big day to check for reactions. Make sure to only use hypoallergenic, fragrance-free products made for sensitive skin, and look into gentler mineral-based makeup. If you can, collaborate with a makeup artist experienced in working with sensitive skin who can suggest suitable products.
Consider Professional Treatments
If your budget allows, consider scheduling professional treatments in the months leading up to your wedding, such as:
- Gentle facials designed for sensitive skin
- LED light therapy to reduce inflammation
- Hydrating treatments like HydraFacial
Start these treatments well in advance of your wedding day to allow time for your skin to adjust and address any potential reactions. And always inform your aesthetician about your sensitive skin and any known triggers.
Get That Bridal Glow
Taking care of sensitive, irritated skin in the lead-up to your wedding day requires patience, consistency, and a gentle approach. It starts with simplifying your skincare routine, identifying and avoiding triggers, staying hydrated, and managing stress.
Most importantly, give yourself plenty of time to implement these changes and see results. On your wedding day, you’ll not only look radiant but also feel confident and comfortable in your skin as you celebrate this joyous occasion.
