A flawless complexion takes time and care. Bushra Hakim brings expert tips for brides-to-be on achieving picture-perfect skin.
There’s a lot that goes into planning a wedding. The perfect dress, the dream venue, the flowers, the seating plan and so much more. And amidst all the chaos, there’s one thing every bride hopes for: to wake up on her big day with calm, glowing skin. Dr Amina Al Tamimi, a dermatologist at Dr Amina Al Tamimi Medical Centre, shares her insights and skincare blueprint to help brides achieve their best skin yet.
SIX MONTHS – TREATMENTS
When it comes to preparing your skin for your wedding day, starting early is crucial. Dr Amina recommends beginning at least six months ahead, saying: “This is the perfect time to begin a professional skincare regimen where you can start addressing any long-standing concerns like acne, acne scars, hyperpigmentation or uneven texture.” This is the window for treatments such as microneedling and laser resurfacing, giving the dermis enough time to heal and show results. It’s also when powerful actives like retinol and vitamin C can be introduced gradually, allowing resilience to build without irritation.
THREE MONTHS – CARE
As the big day draws closer, the focus moves from correcting concerns to maintaining dermal health. “We start to taper off intensive treatments and focus on maintenance,” explains Dr Amina. Monthly hydrating facials, brightening serums and consistent sun protection take centre stage. This period is also ideal for trialling your wedding day make-up alongside your skincare products to avoid any unwanted reactions. If injectables like Botox or fillers are being considered, schedule them around six weeks in advance to allow any swelling or bruising to settle.
ONE WEEK TO GO
With just days to go, keeping things calm and simple becomes the priority. Dr Amina stresses: “Stick with tried-and-true, soothing and hydrating treatments. Now is not the time for anything new or aggressive.” Gentle facials, sheet masks, plenty of water and lots of rest will do more for you than any last-minute experimentation. Focus on locking in hydration and maintaining a steady, soothing routine.
LIFESTYLE ADJUSTMENTS
Good skin isn’t just about the products you use, it’s also about your daily habits. It all starts from the inside out. Key lifestyle tips include drinking plenty of water, eating an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables and healthy fats, and prioritising good sleep. Daily SPF use remains essential, even on cloudy days. Stress management is equally important, especially with wedding planning in full swing. “Stress triggers a hormone called cortisol, which can increase oil production, leading to breakouts, redness and even conditions like eczema or rosacea flare-ups,” says Dr Amina. To combat this, she recommends mindfulness practices such as yoga or meditation, regular exercise to boost circulation and the use of calming ingredients like niacinamide and green tea extract in your skincare.
LAST MINUTE PREP
If you’re less than a month away from your big day and haven’t focussed on your dermis yet, don’t panic. There’s still time to make a noticeable difference. “With a tight timeline, focus on hydration, exfoliation and calming the skin,” advises Dr Amina. Gentle, hydrating facials and skin booster injections can offer a quick refresh, while at-home care should prioritise vitamin C serums, mild exfoliation and rich moisturisers. However, caution is key. “In the month leading up to the wedding, I advise avoiding aggressive peels or laser treatments, new skincare products, high-percentage actives like strong retinoids or acids and excessive exfoliation,” she warns. Keeping the skin calm, nourished and your routine consistent will help you achieve a healthy, luminous glow when the spotlight is firmly on you.
Connect with Dr Amina Al Tamimi @draminaaltamimi