Hello and welcome to the Trillium Creek Dermatology blog. My name is Michelle Koenig and I’m a Registered Nurse at Trillium Creek Dermatology.
You have the venue, caterer, and photographer all checked off your list, but did you stop and add skin care routine to the wedding prep list? Whether your big day is in two months, seven months, or a whole year away, I’ll breakdown what you can start doing now to get yourself ready for that special day. I’ll also give a few wedding day hair and makeup tips to help make you look flawless on your special day.
First, twelve months prior to your wedding, see a dermatologist for a skin check. It is important to start addressing your skin concerns early because treatments can take six months or longer to get the results you want.
Let’s go over some monthly guidelines and suggestions for treatments to get you ready for you big day.
12 months – 6 months prior
Brown Spots/Acne/Pores/Blood Vessels
IPL or “Intense Pulse Light”, is a form of light therapy that helps reduce unwanted brown spots, blood vessels, and pores. It is extremely important to use a sunscreen of 50 SPF or higher every day to maintain the improvement with these treatments. Several treatments are necessary for desired outcome.
Hair Removal
Laser Hair Removal is a permanent hair reduction treatment that is an alternative to waxing, shaving, and hair removal creams. This can be done on every area of the body with the most common being the face, arms, legs, and bikini areas. You can expect to see results after six sessions which are spaced six weeks apart. Hair grows in cycles, and in order to affect every hair, 6 – 12 treatments may be needed. Every patient is different so the number of treatments can vary.
Legs
Leg Vein Therapy can reduce and remove the appearance of spider veins on the legs. Depending on the amount and size of the spider veins, three treatments are typically required but more treatments may be necessary. Bruising and swelling are normal side effects from this treatment. We suggest wearing support hose continuously after treatments for about 1-2 weeks.
Pumping Up the Volume with Fillers
Scupltra® is a natural injectable product that restores fullness by stimulating collagen to replace the lost collagen in your face, giving you a more youthful appearance to the face. Common treatment areas are around the eyes, mouth, and cheeks. The skin will appear smoother and firmer. Results are not immediate, because of the gradual increase in tissue and thickness results can be evident within three months, and last up to three years.
Juvederm® provides immediate results to fill volume loss. This filler can be used for deep wrinkles, and enhance the shape of your lips, chin, and cheeks.
Peel Away
Chemical Peels are solutions that are used to rejuvenate the surface of the skin. It causes the outermost skin layers to gently peel away which will reveal the underlying, smooth skin. Chemical peels are a good noninvasive option for fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, age spots, freckling, acne scarring, uneven pigmentation, and anti-aging. A series of 3-5 treatments are recommended, with each treatment being 4-6 weeks apart.
Many brides opt for growing their hair long before their weddings, I recommend using the H&H Science Grow My Hair Kit sold in the HH Science Boutique at all Trillium Creek Dermatology locations.
6 months – 3 months prior:
Relax Those Frown Lines!
At this stage in the planning process, you will want to still be continuing your IPL, Laser Hair Removal, Leg Vein Therapy, Scultpra® or Juvederm®, and you should consider adding Botox® or Dysport® treatments. Botox® and Dysport soften wrinkles. They both work by relaxing the facial muscles, resulting in a smoother relaxed look. Full results can be seen two weeks after treatment and can last between 3-4 months.
Sweat No More!
miraDry® is an excellent treatment if you suffer from underarm sweating or odor. It uses thermal energy to target and destroy the sweat glands. Once these glands are destroyed and eliminated, they do NOT come back! No sweat on your important day!
The Eyes Have It!
Trillium Creek Dermatology also offers Microblading as an alternative to shaping your brows. Your eyes and eyebrows are the focal point of your face, let us help you define your brows for a fun wedding splurge!
To make sure your skin is glowing, schedule an appointment with any of our providers to discuss a skin care regimen best for your skin type. This will help clear any existing acne, and avoid any breakouts. Discuss with your provider about taking the HH Science Clear Skin Vitamin to help promote healthier clear skin.
2 months – 1 month prior:
To be looking your best on your special day, schedule a complimentary makeover with one of our HH Science makeup artists located at all four of our Trillium Creek Dermatology locations to help define your wedding day look! There are many gorgeous eyeshadows, highlighters, lip colors to choose from!
I recommend doing a hair trial with your hair stylist. This will leave you comfortable with the style that works best for your dress and HH Science makeup choices. Ask your Trillium Creek provider about prescribing Latisse® to enhance your lashes to achieve the look you desire. Latisse® is sold in our HH Science boutiques.
Doing hair and makeup trails early ensures you do not have an allergic reaction to the products used on your hair and skin.
6 weeks – 3 weeks prior:
Continue with you predetermined schedule of treatments of your choice of either IPL, Botox® or Dysport®, Sculptra® or Juvederm® and chemical peels.
If you notice any breakouts, be sure to schedule an appointment to be seen by one of providers rather than waiting until the week of to fix the problem. They may be able to tweak your regimen as stress can increase acne flares. And don’t forget not to stress eat! This can also cause flares when you eat things such as chocolate or rich foods.
To avoid split ends or your hair looking dry, be sure to get your hair trimmed three weeks prior to the big day.
2 weeks – 1 week prior:
Remain on your personalized skin care regimen outlined during your previous visits and avoid introducing new products to your skin. The last thing you will want is a reaction or a rash to a product you have never used. Remember to wear your sunscreen daily, stay hydrated, and be sure you are getting plenty of rest! Be sure to eat as clean as possible during this time. Avoid foods with lots of caffeine or sugar as these can cause acne flares. All these will help you look refreshed for your special day.
The day of:
Don’t forget to pack a “touch-up bag” of your setting powder, blush, lipstick, or gloss. It’s a long day and you’ll want to look best for all the pictures you’ll be taking throughout the day. Having these items are crucial to putting on the perfect touch-ups.
Lastly, celebrate and be comfortable in your skin, glow from head to toe knowing you took all the proper steps to look your wedding day best!
If you would like additional information, visit TCOhio.com. To schedule an appointment, call us at 330.725.0569.
