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Whether you'll be wearing a strapless or a long-sleeved wedding gown, your body is just as important as your pretty little face. Just think about all of the bridal events leading up to the wedding, not to mention your honeymoon! Since it's our job to think of absolutely everything, we've rounded up several fail-safe ways that will give you airbrushed skin from neck to toe.
Bacne: Unfortunately, blemishes on your body are more stubborn than those on your face. "Start using a topical retinoid as soon as you get engaged because it can take weeks or months to kick in," says Neutrogena Consulting Dermatologist Joshua Zeichner. "Not only will it prevent oil glands from getting clogged, but it gives the skin a dewy glow." Spot treat large, red blemishes with over-the-counter 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide and cortisone cream to reduce inflammation. If this doesn't help, run to your dermatologist for an emergency cortisone injection.
Keratosis Pilaris: There's a name for those mysterious red bumps on your upper arms, and it sounds a lot scarier than what it actually is. (If you want to get technical, it's a condition that occurs when keratin blocks hair follicles.) "Keratosis Pilaris usually develops around puberty and is lifelong," Zeichner says. Treat with a salicylic acid exfoliator to remove dead skin and a lactic-acid moisturizer to reinforce hydration, since the condition goes hand in hand with dry skin.
See more: Five Simple Ways to Get Gorgeous Skin Overnight (Just In Time for Your Wedding!)
Dry skin: Slightly dry skin just needs a good ol' exfoliator and moisturizer, but if it persists, switch to gentle, fragrance-free products, lukewarm, short showers (appealing, we know), and a cool-mist humidifier. Try ointment-based moisturizers and those with colloidal oatmeal, which helps to soothe and protect irritated skin. Another trick? Apply body oil to damp skin for better absorption. For itchy, red patches of eczema, Zeichner recommends using an over-the-counter cortisone cream twice daily for one week.
Cellulite: This genetic condition is caused by superficial fat that pushes against connective tissue, which creates that dimpled texture. Now that we've got that out of the way, we can tell you the good news: Caffeine-containing creams help to dehydrate and break apart cellulite, Zeichner says. Cellulite is fat, after all, so regular exercise can greatly help to reduce its appearance. Supplement that with six to eight glasses of water per day and a healthy diet with lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and you'll be golden. Promise.
See more: Why You're Still Breaking Out (and What to Do About It Before You Get Married!)
Bruises: Bruises take one to two weeks to disappear, but creams containing vitamin K can speed up the healing process, Zeicher says. To prevent bruising altogether, use products with ammonium lactate, an ingredient that thickens skin.
Scars: Silicone-based gels quicken the fading process, but thick scars might require a cortisone shot from your dermatologist. While you're there, ask your derm about getting a laser treatment, because it helps to eradicate redness.
Sun-damaged décolletage: You can't undo years of sun damage overnight, but you can make that area look better in the short term by slathering it in retinol and intensive antioxidant-infused moisturizers. To keep it from getting worse, take special care of that thin, delicate area. Whatever treatments you use for your face, you should use for your neck and décolletage — especially when it comes to piling on the sunscreen.