By Kerri Winick, GalTime.com
You've got the ring. The date is set. The venue is confirmed.
You're well on the way to the wedding of your dreams, but don't forget the icing on the three-tiered cake -- picture perfect skin!
Renowned dermatologist Dr. Jody Levine fills us in on everything from effective anti-aging to zapping zits. Brides -- think of this as your official skincare survival guide!
Start your skincare regimen stat. That means at least six months, if not a year, before you tie the knot.
"The worst thing you can do is to try a new regimen with unpredictable results or the potential to cause an allergic reaction. Having lots of time will allow your skin to properly adjust and give you enough time to see real results."
Skincare is all about what works best for you, but there are some treatments that derms frequently recommend.
"A good daily moisturizer, with sunblock in the morning, and great nighttime moisturizer are important to get the skin to look its best. For people needing improvement in skin texture, I like to use glycolic acid pads twice a day, and recommend glycolic peels in the office at least once a month. For people with acne, I integrate monthly facials, as well. For those with sun damage that need improvement in skin tone, I recommend daily lightening pads to help tone the skin and give it a nice glow. For some, photo-facials are essential to help with red or brown pigment."
Think of your dermatologist as your skincare therapist.
"As a dermatologist, I want my patients to feel confident with their skin and being a bride only elevates that need for confidence. You can discuss anything that's concerning you, or that you think will make a difference, as to how you look and feel on your wedding day. Anything from rosacea to acne to dull skin can be addressed. Hair, skin and nails are all a part of dermatology."
Botox, lasers, and chemical peels may sound appealing, but make sure you leave plenty of time for a test run.
"If you want to do a cosmetic procedure such as Botox, I prefer to do it once, 4-6 months prior to the wedding, to make sure you like it and then do it again before the wedding day. Chemical peels and lasers should be started several months before the wedding day. None of these things should be done for the first time the month of the wedding."
Remain calm if a giant blemish threatens to be your wedding day plus-one.
"A prednisone pill can do wonders for acne right before the wedding. Consult your dermatologist for a prescription."
Avoid hair removal treatments that are brand new to you. For legs, a traditional razor can easily get the job done.
"While you may be tempted to splurge for waxing or laser hair removal, all it takes is one treatment gone wrong to damage your skin. A quality razor will gently exfoliate dead skin cells to reveal smooth skin as it removes unwanted hair."
Remember... you are what you eat AND drink.
"Keeping your skin hydrated will help keep your skin glowing, so in addition to drinking lots of water, look for foods with high water content. That could include leafy greens, melons and tomatoes. Pre-natal vitamins are also really great. They have extra biotin and iron, so I often recommend them for people whose nails are brittle or hair is thinning. Green tea is a great antioxidant and I always recommend adding some green tea to your day, as well."
GalTime Likes: Bliss That's Incredi-Peel Glycolic Resurfacing Pads, $49; Orico London Streetwise Oxygenating Day Cream, $42; Bliss No 'Zit' Sherlock Spot Treatment, $18; Proactiv+ 3-Step System, $29.95; Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream, $24.99; Gillette Satin Care Pure and Delicate Shave Gel, $2.04; Yes To Carrots Blemish Clearing Facial Towelettes, $5.99; Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action Daily Gel Wash, $8.99
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