Skincare Tips for a Pre-Wedding Glow

TheDailyZeel

By: StacyAtZeel

When Mary Martin, the bride who creatively tied the knot at mile 22 of the ING New York City Marathon this Sunday, was prepping for her nuptials, she was probably more concerned with interval training and energy gels than dress fittings and mascara.

If you're not planning to say your vows mid-stride, however, then you may be frantically searching for the perfect skincare regimen to achieve a radiant complexion for the big day. Zeel skincare experts weigh in on the best treatments for glowing wedding day skin.

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Dr. Kirk Churukian, Los Gatos, Calif.

"Superficial milk peels are a great way to exfoliate your skin and get that beautiful glow before the big day," says Dr. Churukian, a dual-certified plastic surgeon with a west coast practice. Dr. Churukian recommends a light lactic acid peel (a type of AHA peel), which hydrates the skin. Begin a series of peels a few months ahead of time (your dermatologist can determine how many you'll need). Schedule the final peel one week pre- "I do." Top off the treatments with a hydrating facial about four or five days before walking down the aisle.

Dawn Davidson, RN, Vernon Hills, Ill.

Dawn, a nationally recognized expert at the Midwest-based Ritacca Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Center, explains that microdermabrasion and DermaSweep (an alternative to traditional microdermabrasion treatments) can be performed a few weeks before the wedding. Both procedures exfoliate the skin with no downtime. Dawn discourages the use of retinols and glycolic-based products right before the wedding, as they may be too harsh and cause redness.

Dr. John Obi, Jacksonville, Fla.

A premier physician who's appeared on 20/20 for his plastic surgery expertise, Dr. Obi suggests a combination of microdermabrasion and a good at-home skincare program. (Wash your face, use gentle soaps, wear sunblock.) Microdermabrasion is a mild technique by which the top layer of skin is mechanically exfoliated. The result? Reduced pore size and a brighter, more even tone.

Dr. Robert Strimling, Las Vegas, Nev.

On top of microdermabrasion sessions, Dr. Strimling-a respected dermatologist in Las Vegas-also recommends a light chemical peel or a refreshing facial. While a basic lactic acid or fruit-derived chemical peel can remove the dull, outermost layers of the epidermis, facials can be used to address oily, pimply, flaky or lackluster skin while minimizing pores and reducing stress-induced breakouts.