Spring Cleaning…for your skin!

As a bride (or bridesmaids, even a wedding guest!) having picture perfect skin is so important on the days leading up to the big day and of course, on the day of! After months of planning and stressful days followed by sleepless nights, your skin usually takes a back seat when thinking of the thousands of things that have to get done before you say “I DO!” Well, we are here to help! We sat down with NYC Dermatologist, Dr. Salma Pothiawala to find out how to refresh and revitalize your skin so you are glowing on that special day! Below are her quick tips to flawless skin…

“Beautiful skin doesn’t happen overnight, it takes time” according to Dr. P.

–  Months before your wedding, as you run errands all around town, be sure to drink plenty of water!  Staying well hydrated will help you to achieve that healthy glow.  In addition, steer clear of foods that have been linked to breakouts.  These include dairy (specifically cow’s milk), whey protein, and foods loaded with sugar.

–  As you plan your wedding, be sure to plan your personal appointments as well. Book any in-office procedures with your dermatologist in advance, such as botox, fillers, chemical peels and laser treatments, as many procedures have some downtime and full effects may not be seen right away.  Speaking of chemical peels, they are a great way to clear up acne, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, lighten dark spots, and uncover glowing skin.   There are also numerous laser procedures to resurface the skin, in the case of acne scars, help tighten sagging skin around the eye area or neck, and remove unwanted hair.

–  Be sure to optimize your skin care regimen before your big day so you can get the flawless skin you want.  All of the pre-wedding festivities are always fun, but after getting all glammed up, be sure to wash your face before going to bed.  Prevent clogged pores by exfoliating on a regular basis with an exfoliating cleanser, particularly ones with glycolic acid.  Using a topical retinol or retinoid, which are both Vitamin A derivatives, is essential as they will increase the rate of cell turnover and prevent buildup of dead skin cells that clog pores.  Retinols and retinoids are also anti-aging and will help with dark spots.

–  Be sure to get enough rest…they don’t call it beauty sleep for no reason! Your skin rejuvenates overnight and produces natural oils that help keep your skin looking fresh and help you keep your natural glow.

For more skin care tips, be sure to check out Dr. Salma Pothiawala’s skincare blog!