Your big day is just around the corner— congratulations! We understand how important it is for you to feel confident and beautiful on your wedding day, so we consulted with Sam Stirek BSN, RN; Clinical Manager of Skin by Lovely’s Lake Oswego office and bride-to-be herself, to gather some helpful beauty dos and don’ts ahead of wedding season.

Wedding Countdown: 12 Months Out

Congratulations, the countdown to your wedding day is on! With 12 months left, you still have plenty of time to achieve your aesthetic goals.

Now (or earlier) is the perfect time to book a consultation to develop a customized aesthetic treatment plan. Sam explains, “I love it when brides come to me months before their big day because I can really tailor a treatment plan to their specific goals and needs.  The more time I have to get to know a bride, their preferences, and their face... the better!”

According to Sam, collagen-stimulating treatments like Sculptra Aesthetic or EZ Gel PRF treatments are a great place to start. These are injectable treatments that stimulate the growth of collagen, a protein that is naturally present in the skin and is responsible for its firmness and elasticity.

Sam also recommends focusing on your skincare routine. Visible improvements from topical skincare products can take about 3 months to see and will also enhance any of your injectable treatment results. Prioritize hydration, sun protection, exfoliation, and body care to achieve the best results. With this comprehensive approach, you can look and feel your absolute best on your big day. “Skin issues didn’t appear overnight, and they aren’t fixed overnight either. Getting on a regimen that targets your specific concerns as far in advance as possible will set you up for glowing skin on your big day.”

Wedding Day: Three to Six Months Out

Congratulations, you've reached the midpoint of the year, and the finish line is almost in sight!

At this stage in your aesthetic journey, you may want to consider dermal filler and wrinkle relaxer treatments depending on your desired outcomes. To ensure optimal results and allow for any necessary follow-up appointments and adjustments, Sam recommends scheduling these treatments at least three months prior to the wedding day.

Dermal fillers made of hyaluronic acid are perfect for restoring areas of the face that lose support as we age. Outcomes of these treatments can include:

• Lip hydration
• Cheek and chin balancing
• Jawline contouring
• Temple restoration
• Under-eye hollowing support restoration
• Backs-of-the-hands rejuvenation

Wrinkle relaxers, like the popular brand BOTOX Cosmetic, work by temporarily inhibiting the muscle contractions that contribute to the formation of wrinkles, resulting in a smoother and more youthful appearance of the skin. Treatment areas include:

• Forehead lines
• Frown lines, aka ‘elevens’
• Crow’s feet
• Masseter injections for a slimmer jaw profile
• Platysma band injections to reduce neck lines and wrinkles
• Hyperhidrosis of the underarms and hands to reduce excessive sweating. Sam says this is a “must” for her summer brides, and anyone who sweats when they get nervous!

Wedding Day: One Month Out

The day you've been eagerly anticipating is almost here - one month to go!

This is when Sam suggests booking your last wrinkle relaxer appointment, such as Botox or Dysport before the big day. These treatments take 1-2 weeks to take full effect, so one month out means there will still be plenty of time for a follow-up appointment and fine-tuning.

Additionally, a gentle chemical peel can be performed to reveal brighter and more radiant skin. If you’ve never received a chemical peel, speak with your esthetician or provider first to ensure it’s right for your skin.

As for skincare, Sam suggests sticking to the routine you've established in the previous month and being vigilant about sun protection. Consistently applying SPF to protect your skin from any potential damage is critical with just a month left.

Wedding Day: The Week Of

We can almost hear the wedding bells!

At this point, to prepare for your wedding, the name of the game is stress reduction and skin maintenance! We know it’s easier said than done but try and focus on good sleep and proper hydration this week. Continue to keep up with your SPF and stay consistent with your routine. We know it may be tempting to try out a new mask or skin treatment before the big day, but we don’t recommend introducing many new variables when you’re this close! Sam loves to use the SkinMedica Instant Bright Eye Mask on the day of any important events to help brighten the under eyes and reduce puffiness.

Consultations at Skin by Lovely

If you’re interested in learning more, Skin by Lovely’s expertly trained medical providers only focus on a handful of the safest and most effective FDA-approved treatments on the market today. “Whether this is your first injectable procedure, or you’ve gotten them for years, our team will ensure that you are comfortable and prepared every step of the way. We serve a wide variety of patients and from the moment they enter our clinical spaces, it is important to us that everyone feels welcomed and embraced in an atmosphere that will help them feel beautiful,” says Skin by Lovely founder and Medical Director, Lovely Laban MSN, GNP-C.

You can book your consultation online at skinbylovely.com

Skin by Lovely Lake Oswego
6000 Meadows Road, #104
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
(877) 568-3594
skinbylovely.com

Skin by Lovely Portland
2311 NW Northrup Street, #100
Portland, OR 97210
(971) 303-8060
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Skin by Lovely Camas
19120 SE 34th Street, #202
Vancouver, WA 98683
(877) 568-3594
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