(Photo Credit: hair2toebeauty.com)

One of the most overlooked pre-wedding must-dos is proper skin care! We’re not talking a simple run over with some water and cleanser but a proper routine with exfoliator, toner and daytime and nighttime moisturizer. It’s just as essential to know why these steps are important, as it is to do them.

Here’s why…

Cleansing

Dermalogica daily and micro cleanser

The reason for cleansing your skin should go without saying; but we’ll say it anyway! A good cleansing routine is essential for removing makeup and dirt, which can block your pores and can lead to an outbreak in “spots”. Cleansing is especially important in the warm climate of your destination wedding location where you tend to sweat more than usual. Going to bed after a long day at the beach without washing your face is not helping you to your goal of a spot-free wedding.

If you can help it, don’t over wash your face. Cleansing too frequently can strip the skin of its natural oils, which will make those with dry skin have even drier skin. It will also make those with oily skin have even oilier skin, as the glands will become more active to replace the natural oils you washed away.
*Proper Cleansing Tip- Cleansing should be done twice daily (in the morning and at night) to keep your pores healthy and your skin clear. Before starting to cleanse, you should wash your hands thoroughly to remove any dirt or grease that might have built up. Stay away from soap bars and soap based cleansers.

Exfoliating

Dermalogia daily exfoliants

That woman in your office with the skin that looks about 12 years old probably exfoliates every week. It’s one of the secrets to lush looking skin. Without weekly exfoliating, chances are your skin is covered in dead skin cells on the surface of your skin and causing it to look dull and aged! Without proper exfoliation, foundation won’t smooth over your skin cleanly and moisturizer won’t properly soak in either.

*Proper Exfoliating Tips: Beauty experts from Allure magazine recommend exfoliating your face with a mild exfoliate one to two times a week in the mornings for younger looking skin. Do not over-exfoliate your skin, it may make your skin feel raw and may increase the risk of tearing (ouch!). Rub the product in a circular motion for 30 seconds and then rinse off with lukewarm water. When you exfoliate in the mornings you still have to wash your face in the evenings – no cheating!

Toning

Dermalogica multi-wear toner

Toning is the process of removing dead skin cells from your face, as well as removing any dirt, makeup or cleanser that may remain after cleansing. It never hurts to ensure that your pores are completely clean before you apply moisturizer to prevent “mucky” pores. Toning will help keep your skin clear and firm by leave you with a layer of new healthy skin cells.

*Proper Toning Tips- Using cotton pads apply toner around your nose and chin, across your cheeks and across your forehead (also known as the “T-zone”).

Moisturizing

Dermalogica active moist moisturizer

Moisturizing is one of the most important steps in your skin care regimen. What’s the point of having clean and fresh skin if you don’t seal in the moisture that closes your pores up and protects your face?

Exposed to the elements, skin can lose its natural moisture and you can be left with dry skin. This is also one of the main causes of wrinkles (bet that got your attention!) Unless you have very dry skin, always use a light moisturizer in the day and save your heavier moisturizer for bed time. It’s also important to apply a light moisturizer with SPF in the daytime to help prevent sun damage to the sensitive skin on your face.

*Proper Moisturizing Tips– Apply moisturizer lightly to your face using your fingertips. Start by rubbing the cream into your forehead, working outwards from the center. Gently apply the cream around the eyes, making sure you don’t get it to close to them. Massage the cream into your cheeks and around your jaw line, around your chin, mouth and nose, then around your throat and your neck. Don’t apply too much moisturizer, as this will just sit heavily, and prevent your skin from breathing. Make sure you apply moisturizer to your face before you apply makeup which can also dry out your skin.

So there you have it, your skin care regimen completely explained. Now that you know the benefits of being consistent with your skin care, we hope to see your naturally healthy looking face debut in your wedding photos!