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Wedding skincare 101, with Sarah Chapman

We asked the skincare expert what to do in the countdown to the big day

2 June 2023

Sarah Chapman

In the quest for glowing, wedding-day skin, the temptation to try any and every product strikes most brides-to-be, and those already in the planning process can be more prone to stress-related breakouts. But resist the urge to pile on all those lotion, potions and the serums and, instead, read on to discover Sarah Chapman’s advice on what to do in the run-up to this very special occasion to ensure you feel and look your best on the big day. 

As founder of the Sarah Chapman Skinesis Clinic on Pavilion Road, Sarah has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the subject and looks after the likes of Victoria Beckham, Jourdan Dunn and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.

 

Six months ahead

I recommend regular facials during the 3-6 months leading up to the wedding. For brides (and grooms!) who want to target a specific skin issue (such as congestion or hyperpigmentation), I always advise more regular facials to start with to kickstart the transformation. The goal is to strengthen the skin so it’s primed to respond to stronger treatments and actives. When it comes to treatments, collagen-boosting options like radiofrequency, LED and microneedling are brilliant for perfecting tone and bringing a plump, glowy look to the skin. Peels are also fantastic for smoothing and refining texture.

Alongside treatments, this is also the time to ensure you have a really consistent homecare routine, as this is key to maximising your results. In the morning, focus on brightening and protecting with antioxidants, ceramides and SPF. In the evenings, incorporate vitamin A, peptides and stem cells into your routine. You could incorporate a chemical exfoliant like my Liquid Facial Resurfacer in the evenings, but make sure to listen to your skin – if you’re getting regular treatments this might not be necessary.

Supplementation can also work in synergy with your topical regime to supercharge results. Deciding which ones to take is a personal matter and entirely dependent on your health and specific needs, but I always recommend a good quality omega supplement in general to support skin health. Most people can benefit from them, but I would still recommend checking with a doctor before introducing any new supplements in case of clashes with existing medications. 

Reach for your topical products to target specific concerns and respond to your skin’s ever-changing needs, while supplements get to work supporting your skin’s overall health and function from the inside out.

 

4-6 weeks ahead

This is the stage where you should be focusing on maintenance. Staying consistent with your routine and generally avoiding any new-to-you products unless recommended by your skin therapist are key to ensuring your skin remains healthy.

 

One week ahead

If possible, try not to drink alcohol in the week before – it’s very dehydrating and can affect your sleep. You should also minimise spicy, salty, and processed food, as well as dairy products in the three days beforehand, as these can all increase inflammation. 

 

The night before

At this point, I always advise avoiding any strong resurfacing products such as peels. They’re great for smoothing the complexion, but the resulting flaking and redness can take a few days to subside.

Instead, I’d recommend focusing on using really nourishing, anti-inflammatory ingredients like hyaluronic acid and omega oils to give your skin that bouncy, plump look in the morning. Doing a few minutes of facial massage will also boost circulation and encourage your serums and nourishing ingredients to penetrate the skin more effectively. 

 

On the day

Use lashings of a hydrating serum and moisturiser to ensure your skin maintains its glow (especially if you’re going to be enjoying a glass of champagne or two). 

Before you put on any makeup, do some facial massage – it is fantastic for depuffing and sculpting the face. Use your hands or your favourite tool – my Facialift facial massager is great for releasing stress-related tension in the jaw. To give the skin some slip, reach for my Ultimate Cleanse cleansing balm; it melts into a luxuriously silky oil as you work it into the skin.

A face mask is my secret weapon in the run-up to any big event. My 3D Moisture Infusion Mask deeply quenches the skin and calms any redness or inflammation. Then finish with a canvas for your makeup – I recommend my Intense Hydrating Booster and Comfort Cream D-Stress.

 

To book an appointment at Sarah Chapman’s Skinesis clinic, click here.
Sarah Chapman Skinesis Clinic on Pavilion Road
The clinic's treatment area
Liquid Facial Resurfacer, £48
Facialift Sculpting Facial Massager, £34 
Ultimate Cleanse, £54 
3D Moisture Infusion Face Masks, £15 for 1, £50 for pack of 4 
Intense Hydrating Booster, £69 
Comfort Cream D-Stress, £68 

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