(BPT) - The ideal dress, the perfect menu, the heartfelt vows - to these add another necessity of your dream wedding: gorgeous, glowing skin. Throughout your entire wedding - from the moment you start walking down the aisle to when you exchange vows to your first dance as man and wife - the focus is on your face. Beautiful skin is essential, and with some expert tips, achieving it doesn't have to be difficult.
'On your wedding day, smooth, glowing skin is an absolute must. Good skin care is an internal and external process,' says Veronica Barton-Schwartz, a leading expert in skin care with more than 30 years of experience.
Barton-Schwartz founded the Skin and Body Care Center in Malibu, Calif., where she uses her extensive knowledge to help clients look and feel their best. Whether she's prepping a celebrity for the red carpet or a bride before her big day, she helps clients get smooth, healthy skin that truly glows. Here are her top skin care tips for brides-to-be:
1. Start three months ahead of the big day
'Start prepping skin at least three months in advance. That will give you enough time to ensure that your skin is clear, smooth and glowing for your special day,' says Barton-Schwartz. She recommends finding a qualified esthetician to help you choose the right treatments, but here are some general guidelines based on age:
20s: 'When brides are in their 20s, they most likely are facing acne and some discoloration from sun damage. Deep-cleaning facials are a must to prep the skin at this age,' say Barton-Schwartz.
30s up: 'In your 30s and 40s, the skin needs exfoliating regularly because it only exfoliates naturally every 35 days as opposed to every 14 days in your 20s. This is the time to start using retinoids to help improve the overall texture and tone of your skin,' she says.
40s and 50s: 'In your 40s, your estrogen levels are tapering so your skin will be drier. You'll have to add collagen-building peptides morning and night to your skin care regimen. In your 50s, you'll notice loss of elasticity and you will need stronger antioxidant treatments and moisturizers. The older you get the more important it is to use a good serum under your moisturizer to help combat dry skin and loss of elasticity,' she explains.
2. Eat foods and beverages that nourish skin
When it comes to healthy skin, it's not only how you treat it externally, but internally as well. Barton-Schwartz says it's wise to eliminate all sugar and white flour while increasing some skin care superstar foods. 'Increase consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables and lean protein,' suggests Barton-Schwartz. 'Add more essential oils and healthy fats, like salmon and sardines, to lubricate dermis layers. Drink more water. Water is absolutely vital for every process in the body and especially for your skin.'
3. Consider supplements that benefit the skin
Supplements can greatly benefit skin health from the inside, out. In addition to a good multi-vitamin, Barton-Schwartz suggests considering alpha lipoic acid that assists metabolism, DMAE to improve muscle tone under skin, Co-Q10 that increases metabolic efficiency and improves heart health, and omega-3s (found in fish oil) for heart, eyes, brain, skin and overall body health. 'The research of the benefits of fish oil is growing every day and I believe my good health and skin is partly due to the fact that I've been taking Nordic Naturals since I was in my 40s,' she says. 'Now I'm 65 and I still have youthful skin.' For more information about Nordic Naturals omega-3 fish oil supplements, visit www.nordicnaturals.com.
4. Don't forget last minute to-do's for the big day
When the big day comes, you're likely to feel a mix of emotions: excitement, anxiety, etc. Some important day-of skin care tips can help you stay calm and look your best: 'Eat some protein in the morning and take a walk to boost circulation and lymphatic drainage. Use your Veronica Peptides to help with any puffiness and dark circles under your eyes,' suggests Barton-Schwartz. 'For your complexion, use a sheer, satin-matte foundation, medium coverage concealer for trouble spots, a light dusting of pressed powder and a powder blush. Keep your makeup natural. Wear waterproof mascara, just in case.'
