Before the Big day, get camera-ready with a healthy skin care regimen.

By Ashley Breeding

The bad news? The pandemic has postponed your wedding until 2021. The better news? You now have more time to prepare, especially when it comes to getting camera-ready. Skin specialist Emily Keller Rockwell, founder of The Montchanin Center for Facial Aesthetics in Wilmington, advises brides to begin a skin care regimen as early as possible. “As soon as you get engaged, schedule a consultation and create a long-term skin care plan to fit your skin and current lifestyle needs,” she says. If you’re late to this beauty wisdom, worry not. Read on for what you can start doing now to get glowing.

Emily Keller Rockwell, founder of The Montchanin Center for Facial Aesthetics in Wilmington, advises brides to begin a skin care regimen as early as possible.

Weddings Today: What does a proper skin care regimen include?

Emily Keller Rockwell: A cleanser, exfoliant and toner, customized for your skin type, morning and night. Exfoliating dead skin cells is key to obtaining that wedding glow. Once you’ve gone through several months of skin-cell turnover, you can begin to incorporate other treatments.

WT: How long does it take to see a difference?

EKR: The goal is to achieve smooth, soft, even-toned skin that’s truly healthy, and that takes about six months to a year.

WT: What are some other treatment options and how far in advance of the wedding should I get them?

EKR: Overall, Botox is the best treatment for everyone in the wedding party. If it’s your first time, your treatment should be two months prior, as it takes approximately two weeks for it to kick in and lasts three to four months. The biggest mistake most brides make is getting Botox at the last minute, which doesn’t give their face enough time to settle into the treatment. A first lip filler—also very popular since they’re long-lasting and look super natural—should be done six months earlier. For extra pout, get your last filler two months before the wedding.

WT: What facials of the moment do you recommend?

EKR: The anti-aging Vampire Facial is an incredible option for older couples and mothers of the bride. Combined with microneedling, it uses a patient’s own platelet-rich plasma, which includes growth factors that help tighten, improve texture, shrink pores, blur acne scarring and stimulate collagen production and cell turnover. The Red Carpet Facial, one of the hottest treatments this year, also stimulates collagen production and increases cell turnover. It can also diminish dark spots, smooth rough texture and reduce fine lines and acne. Whichever facial you choose, allow two months of downtime before your wedding to let your skin settle into a gorgeous glow.

WT: How does healthy skin help with makeup application?

EKR: Makeup is only as good as the skin underneath. This is why I recommend all brides work to achieve a flawless complexion before their Big Day.

WT: How does diet affect skin’s appearance?

EKR: A well-balanced diet keeps skin looking fresh and fabulous. Certain foods like dairy, simple carbohydrates, alcohol and salt can cause breakouts, dehydration and inflammation. Eating healthy fats (avocados, salmon) will keep skin hydrated. Vitamin A (sweet potatoes, collards) increases blood flow, reduces wrinkles and gives skin a more youthful appearance. Vitamin C (strawberries, broccoli) boosts collagen and keeps skin firm and plump.

WT: What are some mistakes to avoid before the Big Day?

EKR: Many women try to cram a year’s worth of skin work into days. Don’t do this: Get Botox or fillers a few days before, as they can cause bruising and swelling; try new products you’ve never used before; at-home treatments. If you want to look your absolute best, give your skin the time and attention it needs.

Published as “Face Forward” in the Fall/Winter 2020 issue of Weddings Today.