[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Months are spent on planning the perfect winter wonderland wedding – from choosing the date, the invitation list and the decorations to thinking about the clothes and accessories, these thoughts consume the bride’s every waking moment. But in the midst of all the planning and organizing, the bride often forgets the most important thing to take care of – herself. Winter can take a big toll on your whole body, especially the skin, which makes a proper skincare routine a crucial part of any winter bridal preparation. So, here are the best winter skincare tips for brides-to-be...
Cleanse and exfoliate
In order to keep your skin glowing and youthful, start your routine by using a gentle cleanser that will help open up your pores and allow your skin to breathe more easily. Follow up by using an exfoliator that will get rid of the dead skin cells, unclog your pores and allow your skin to absorb the products you apply after more easily. Make sure to exfoliate only once or twice a week using a mild product, as harsh exfoliation can irritate the skin and cause tightness, redness and even breakouts – none of which you’d want to have to deal with on your wedding day.
Photo Credit - Ben Yew Photography
Moisturise often
Transitioning from the cold, windy air outdoors to dry heater air indoors can wreak havoc on your skin and lead to dryness and dehydration. Always opt for more hydrating skincare in winter, such as thicker, heavier balms and creams, in order to seal all your skincare in and protect your skin from harsh winter elements. Moisturizing twice a day will also help lock in the moisture into your pores, making your skin hydrated, soft and supple.
Photo credit - Tobiah Tayo Photography
Always wear sunscreen
During the winter, you are most likely getting much more sun exposure than you realize, which is why sunscreen is just as important during the colder months as it is when you’re lying on the beach. If you are not using an SPF of at least 30 every day of the year, any other skincare products you apply become a waste of money, because not even the most advanced formulation can help your skin if it’s damaged in the sun. Always remember that sun damage affects your skin regardless of the season and that the worst skincare habit is unprotected sun exposure.
Photo Credit - Ben Yew Photography
Treat problematic skin
If you have problematic skin, the best idea would be to treat it as best as you can during the months leading up to the wedding, in order to have a flawless complexion on your big day. One of the most common problems women are faced with, regarding their skin, is discolouration. Whether it is sensitive skin that is prone to irritation or exposure to the sun for long periods of time, skin discolouration can be caused in many ways, but it also has a simple solution. The best way to tackle this problem is to invest in quality skin lightening products that get rid of discolouration and even out your complexion quickly and easily.
Photo credit - Tobiah Tayo Photography
Avoid hot showers
While it may be tempting to get out of the winter cold and hop into a warm shower or bath, do so sparingly, for the sake of your skin. Prolonged exposure to hot water will rob your skin of moisture, chap it and dry it out. That is why you should always avoid scalding hot water when you are showering and opt for a lukewarm temperature instead, which is far less likely to dry your skin out. When you’re finished with your bath, be sure to slather moisturizers or body oils all over your body, in order to keep your skin soft and supple.
Photo Credit - Ben Yew Photography
Don’t forget the rest of your body
Your face isn’t the only thing that is starving for moisture during the winter months. If you have dry elbows and itchy skin, products that are rich in ingredients like jojoba oil and argan oil will keep your skin healthy and moisturized throughout the colder months. Get rid of the dry skin on your heels using a pumice stone and keep your hands and feet soft by massaging olive oil on them before going to bed at night. In order to look beautiful and radiant on your wedding day, you need to take care of every part of your skin.
Photo Credit - Ben Yew Photography
Visit a local spa
This step isn’t absolutely necessary, but if you want to take some time off from all the wedding stresses and enjoy a relaxing massage, while getting the best facials and skin treatments, then you should consider taking a trip to the local spa for some much deserved self-care time.
Photo Credit - Ben Yew Photography
If you follow these simple skincare tips, there is no denying you will be beautiful and radiant on your big day – you will look and feel like a million bucks. But the best advice would be to stay happy, because the brightest glow is the one that shines from within.
-Sophia Smith (guest blogger)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
