Bridal Club Magazine

Skin Care For The Bride-To-Be

With all the hype of organising your wedding, it is easy to neglect a proper diet and adequate skin care.  It is a time in your life when you need it more than ever.  If you find your skin looking dull and stressed, it is a good indicator that all is not well in the self-nurturing department.  You don't need us to tell you, that skipping meals and not keeping your fluid intake up wreaks havoc on your body and your skin.

Here we give you some solutions from good-at-home care to seeking the advice of professionals.

If your skin troubles are only mild to moderate, all you may need is a good home treatment regime.  It only takes a couple of weeks to set the pattern for you, and you will find that you really just can't do without taking that make-up off at night. Your skin will thank you for it.

Products that are suitable for your skin type should include a quality cleanser, which removes dirt, makeup and excess oils without stripping your skin of the essential oils that help keep it supple.

A gentle facial scrub used 1-2 times weekly will exfoliate dead skin cells and speed up the rejuvenation process.   This will keep your skin looking soft and fresh.  A toner is essential, it prepares your skin to receive a moisturiser, by tightening the pores and refining the skin surface.  The moisturiser is paramount in replacing important oils and keeping your face from drying out with exposure to the climatic changes here in New Zealand.  Night moisturiser's are quite rich, designed especially to replenish and hydrate while you sleep. Day moisturiser's contain sunscreens that protect your face from premature aging.   This simple regime of cleansing, toning and moisturising should be done in the morning and at night.  You will see within a few days of sticking to this routine, a transformation in the appearance of your skin.

If you are experiencing moderate to severe problems with your skin, a consultation with a licensed Esthetician or Dermatologist will be to your advantage.  Before you start any treatments, beware of package deals such as you paying for nine treatments and getting the tenth one free. This many may not even be necessary.   Also remember to ask for information about products used on or in the body if you need to take medication.  Surf the net as there is a wealth of information available. Remember your body is important, and you can never be too well informed when it comes to looking after it.

At Home Tips

• Blend or process dry oatmeal to a fine powder. Mix with honey to make a paste.  Massage into skin. Leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse, tone, moisturize.
• Witch hazel is an excellent, inexpensive toner.
• Aloe Vera gel is a great mask for dry skin.   Apply to skin.  Leave on for 20 minutes.  Tissue off bulk of gel and massage the rest into skin.
• One to Two Weeks Before the Wedding Try To Avoid Tanning, both natural sunlight and tanning beds.
• Aggressive facials or skin care treatments.
• Facial waxing including eyebrows.