Wedding skincare
As a 2025 bride, I know how much pressure there is to have glowing skin for the big day. With wedding planning stress and everyday life, it can feel like our skin can have a mind of its own.
You don’t need an expensive 10-step routine or last-minute beauty treatments to achieve healthy, radiant skin. As a pharmacist, I believe in science-backed evidence-based skincare. I’m here to share practical no-nonsense tips that actually work.
Start early, but don’t panic if you haven’t.
The sooner you start a good routine, the better! Six to twelve months before your wedding, gives your skin time to adjust to new products and to build a healthy glow. If you are only a few weeks away, don’t stress, you can still make a difference with hydration, sleep and simple skincare swaps.
If you have time: Consider booking a consultation with a dermatologist to create a personalised skincare plan. Your pharmacist can also provide advice.
If you are short on time then stick to a simple routine (cleanse, moisturise, SPF)- more on that below. Focus on hydration and gentle treatments.
Avoid last-minute skincare experiments. They can cause unexpected breakouts or irritation!
The non-negotiable for me is SPF. Every single day. If there’s one skincare rule I swear by, it’s daily sunscreen. Sun damage is the biggest cause of premature ageing, pigmentation problems and uneven skin tone. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning, even in winter. Look for lightweight, non-greasy formulas that sit well under makeup.
Wedding stress can make skincare feel overwhelming, but your routine doesn’t need to be complicated.
Three key steps:
Cleanse – Remove dirt, oil and makeup without stripping the skin.
Moisturise – Hydrate and protect the skin barrier.
SPF – shield your skin against sun damage.
Drink 2-3 litres of water daily, especially in the months leading up to your wedding.
Use a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid before using the moisturiser.
Cut back on caffeine and alcohol, as they dehydrate the skin leading to dullness and fine lines.
Use a hydrating overnight mask once a week for an extra glow boost.
Applying lip balm every night before bed makes lipstick application so much easier.
Weddings and stress go hand-in-hand and unfortunately, stress can lead to breakouts. The key is not to panic and don't pick!
For ongoing acne – See a pharmacist or dermatologist at least 3-6 months before your wedding for a personalised treatment plan.
For sudden breakouts – Apply a spot treatment with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide overnight.
For red, swollen pimples – Wrap an ice cube in a cloth and press gently on the area for 5-10 minutes.
They don’t call it beauty sleep for nothing! Lack of sleep can lead to dull skin, dark circles, and breakouts. None of these are ideal before the big day!
Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep every night.
Silk pillowcases can reduce friction and prevent irritation.
Keep a consistent wind-down routine and avoid screens before bed.
If wedding stress keeps you up, consider magnesium supplements or herbal teas (chamomile is great!).
What you eat directly impacts your skin. Focus on nutrient-rich foods that support healthy and radiant skin.
Eat healthy fats (avocados, salmon, nuts) for plump, hydrated skin.
Load up on antioxidants (berries, leafy greens) to fight free radicals.
Cut back on sugar and processed foods, which can trigger breakouts.
Try collagen supplements if you’re looking for an extra skin boost.
Makeup Trial?
If you’re having a wedding makeup trial, bring the skincare products you normally use. This ensures your makeup artist knows what works for your skin and avoids any reactions or surprises on the day.
Ask your makeup artist what skincare prep works best under your foundation.
Take note of how your skin reacts. If it feels dry or oily, adjust accordingly.
Ask for touch-up recommendations and don’t forget about blotting papers and setting sprays.
If you’re worried about flashback in photos it is best to avoid SPF in your foundation on the wedding.
At the end of the day, your wedding isn’t about perfect skin; it’s about celebrating love.
No matter what your skin does, confidence, happiness and joy will shine through.
Photograph of Make up artist Melissa sophia varnavas by raquel rose
Nutrition and hydration ahead of the big day!
Your wedding day is one of the most special moments of your life. With the excitement and stress of wedding planning, it’s easy to fall into unhealthy habits or to consider last-minute crash diets. Extreme dieting can leave you feeling tired, irritable, and even bloated. Instead of focusing on short-term fixes, a balanced and sustainable approach will support your energy, digestion and overall well-being.
One of the most important aspects of pre-wedding nutrition is ensuring you get enough protein. Protein helps keep you full, maintain steady energy levels and it supports muscle tone. This is key if you are exercising more in preparation for your big day. Whether its lean meats like chicken and fish, plant-based sources such as tofu and lentils, or simple additions like eggs, Greek yoghurt, and nuts there are plenty of ways you can add extra protein to your diet.
Protein also stabilises blood sugar levels, reducing cravings and energy crashes, keeping you fuelled and focused throughout the day.
Hydration is another key factor in looking and feeling your best. Dehydration can cause dull skin, bloating, and fatigue. Aim to drink at least two litres of water daily. Water aids digestion, and keeps your skin looking fresh and radiant. If like me, plain water doesn’t appeal to you, infuse it with lemon, cucumber or berries for extra flavour. Herbal teas can also help with digestion, while water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumber, and oranges contribute to hydration. A simple habit like starting your morning with a glass of warm water and lemon can help kickstart digestion and support hydration.
Rather than cutting out entire food groups or drastically reducing calories, focus on balanced meals that include protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Healthy fats from avocados, olive oil, and nuts support brain health and glowing skin. Complex carbohydrates, such as quinoa, brown rice, and sweet potatoes, provide steady energy, preventing the highs and lows caused by refined carbohydrates and processed foods.
Avoiding excessive sugar and processed snacks will also help prevent bloating, mood swings, and skin breakouts. Choosing natural alternatives like dark chocolate, fresh berries and nut butter on wholegrain toast can satisfy sweet cravings while keeping blood sugar levels stable.
Supporting your gut health is also crucial, as digestion plays a significant role in how you feel leading up to your wedding. Probiotic-rich foods like yoghurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, while fibre-rich foods such as oats, whole grains, leafy greens, and flaxseeds promote regular digestion. Prebiotic foods like garlic, onions, bananas, and asparagus help feed beneficial gut bacteria. If you’re prone to bloating, reducing fizzy drinks and cutting out dairy and artificial sweeteners can make a noticeable difference.
If you are still feeling sluggish despite maintaining a good diet, it may be worth checking your vitamin and nutrient levels. Low iron is a common cause of fatigue, particularly in women, while vitamin D is essential for mood, immune function, and overall energy. B12 is another key nutrient that supports brain health and helps prevent tiredness. If necessary, a pharmacist or GP can advise on suitable supplements to ensure your body has everything it needs to function optimally.
Wedding planning can be stressful, and stress can take a toll on digestion, sleep, and overall well-being. Nutrition can play a role in stress management, with magnesium-rich foods such as spinach, nuts, and bananas helping to support relaxation.
Herbal teas like chamomile and lavender are also beneficial for calming the nervous system and improving sleep. Reducing caffeine and alcohol can also help lower anxiety and prevent dehydration, both of which are common during stressful periods.
Skipping meals in an attempt to cut calories can backfire, leading to low energy, mood swings, and binging later in the day. Instead, focus on regular, balanced meals and healthy snacks that provide steady fuel throughout the day. Simple snack options like an apple with almond butter, hummus with veggie sticks, or cheese with oatcakes can keep energy levels stable and prevent unnecessary hunger.
Sleep is one of the most underrated aspects of feeling good before your wedding. Poor sleep can impact skin health, energy levels, cravings and even metabolism. Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night by sticking to a regular bedtime, avoiding screens at least an hour before bed, and limiting caffeine after midday.
Too much alcohol can cause dehydration, disrupt your sleep, and lead to sugar cravings. In the final weeks before your wedding, try to be mindful of alcohol consumption by limiting it to special occasions, interspersing water between alcoholic drinks and ensuring you eat before drinking, which can slow alcohol absorption. If you still want a celebratory drink, opting for red wine, which is rich in antioxidants or a clear spirit with soda and fresh lime can be a better choice.
Your wedding glow isn’t just about diet, it’s about rest and self-care too. The goal is to feel energised, confident, and healthy as you walk down the aisle. Small, sustainable changes such as prioritising protein, staying hydrated, supporting gut health and managing stress will have the biggest impact on how you feel.
Nourish yourself, enjoy the process and get ready to feel amazing on your big day!
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