Photo: Courtesy of Macmillan (Debra); Courtesy of St. Martin's Press (book)
A pimple on yearbook picture day? Disaster. A pimple on your wedding day? We can't even imagine such a horror. To keep you clean and clear in the weeks leading up to your wedding, follow these dos and don'ts from leading Manhattan dermatologist Debra Jaliman MD, author of Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist (St. Martin's Press, March 13, 2012).
Start early! Start taking care of your skin months in advance so that you are in tip-top shape for your wedding day.
Develop a skin care regimen: Make sure you have a skin care regimen which addresses your main concerns. Everyone's skin is different, but no matter what time of year, everyone should use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 to block UVA and UVB rays.
Ditch the fake lashes and grow your own instead: Fake eyelashes are a terrible idea and dyeing your lashes is even worse. Instead, start using prescription Latisse four months before the wedding in order to have thick, lush eyelashes that will look great for pictures.
Zap away broken blood vessels: Eradicate broken blood vessels and brown spots with laser treatments. Just make sure you start a few months before the wedding in case you need a series of treatments.
Use new products: Do not start new products a week before the wedding, because you could have an allergic reaction.
Make changes: Do not change your skin care regimen. I've seen brides who come in a week before their wedding day with a face full of acne and it is impossible to clear the skin completely in such a short period of time.
No last-minute treatments: Don't get a laser treatment or peel a few days before the wedding. Things don't always go according to plan and your skin may react with irritation, blotches, and peeling.
For more sound skin care advice from Debra Jaliman, visit her online at skinrules.org.