The secret to getting that radiant glow, is being good to your skin. According to Doris Day, MD, a certified dermatologist who specializes in laser and cosmetic dermatology, getting a good night's sleep is the best thing you can do for your skin. As you rest, your skin works overtime repairing damage, creating new cells and replenishing moisture. Along with catching enough Z’s, Dr. Day has a pre-wedding skin routine to support your skin from the inside out.
To get that flawless, photo-ready face for every day, or your wedding day, commit to these five steps:
STEP 1 - Drink Water
For radiant skin, it is recommended to drink at least 8-10, 8-ounce servings of water per day to minimize dehydration. Remember, if drinking extra cups of coffee to cope with pre-wedding stress, extra water is needed to stay hydrated. Drink at least one extra cup of water per 8 ounce of caffeinated drink. According to Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, studies have shown that water intake improves skin health. One study found 9.5 cups of water each day, for four weeks, altered skin density and thickness. Another study found increased water intake to increase blood flow to the skin, which means a healthier skin appearance. "I've found that water makes a big difference in skin health," says Nazarian. "Without adequate water intake, skin appears duller, and wrinkles and pores appear more prominent.” When skin is hydrated, plump and elastic, it's less likely to crack and let in external particles, which can cause irritations and break outs. Just remember, hydrating skin from the inside out doesn't excuse skipping cleansing and moisturizing in your daily skin routine.
STEP 2 - Cleanse Skin Before Bed
For radiant wedding day skin, never, ever go to bed without removing your makeup. On those nights when you have spent all of your energy tackling wedding plans, gown fittings and are just too lazy to actually wash your face, take a minute and use a cleansing wipe to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. "Beyond clogging pores, which causes breakouts, sleeping with makeup can also lead to wrinkles later on", says Dr. Day. Taking that extra minute to wash off residue from the day can be a big step toward getting that wedding-day glow.
STEP 3 - A Skincare Routine
Establish a nightly skincare routine, using quality, natural skin care products such as Elemis, consistently and stick to it, especially before your wedding. Dr. Day breaks down her go-to five-step daily regimen to include cleansing your skin, applying toner, using an anti-aging serum, a pro-collagen overnight repair treatment, and finishing it off with a super-moisturizing night cream. Stay faithful to your ritual every night for a few weeks to see the best results.
STEP 4 - Select Quality Ingredients
For ultra-smooth skin, look for anti-aging treatments with retinol, which speeds up skin cells' turnover process, leaving your skin brighter and softer with fewer fine lines. Retinol can cause some redness and irritation, so if you find your skin stinging, scale back to every other night. Your other new best friends are peptides, which replenish collagen and make your skin look firmer, and anti-oxidants, which reverse damage from the elements.
STEP 5- Love Your Body
While you're sleeping, your skin is working to repair all the damage caused throughout the day, which means minimizing damage throughout the day means the less work it at night. "Emotional stress, pollution, dehydration, and too much sun add stress to your skin," says Dr. Doris Day, MD, a certified dermatologist who specializes in laser and cosmetic dermatology, "but the biggest cause of aging is sun exposure! It is so important to protect your skin from the sun every day." Make SPF a part of your morning routine, even during the winter and on cloudy days, and your night treatments will spend less time reversing sun damage and more time making your skin look brighter than ever.
Cellular Recovery Skin Capsules by Elemis
Formulated with a high concentration of Anti-Oxidant power, naturally found in Moringa Oil from the Tanzanian ‘Miracle Tree,’ these Skin Bliss Capsules, when applied to the skin, help repair the visible signs of aging and counteract the damaging effects of pollution.
Results:
Helps repair the visible signs of aging
Balances stressed skin
Restores a youthful bloom
PRO-COLLAGEN EYE GEL MASKS by Elemis
These clinically proven hydra-gel eye masks are formulated to instantly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Potent plankton extract, combined with the power of Padina Pavonica and chlorella, provides an instant skin-tightening effect, while hyaluronic acid hydrates the fragile eye area. Eye contours are left looking visibly smoother and feeling intensely moisturized.
Results:
Clinically proven to instantly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles* (independent clinical trials 2013)
Potent plankton extract stretched the collagen network providing an instant tensing effect.
Skin around the eye is intensely moisturized and instantly hydrated
Hydra-gel concept assists with the absorption of actives
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