7 skincare mistakes every bride-to-be should avoid

Getting married? Avoid these skincare mistakes

Every young woman dreams of glowing on her special day. She visualises herself with the perfect outfit, stunning accessories, fabulous make-up, and of course radiant skin.

However, with elaborate marriage planning comes great stress and it’s hard to keep your skin at its best. And, in the quest for dewy, fresh and glowing skin, you could end up making a few skin care mistakes. Here are Seven common mistakes that every bride should avoid making:

1.You’re not eating right

The food you’re eating doesn’t just affect your waistline, it affects your complexion too. The face-friendly foods you should be including in your diet are: 

– Antioxidants (green tea, fresh fruits and leafy greens)

– Omega-3 fatty aicds (oily fish like salmon, mackerel and tuna, as well as walnuts, flax seeds, chia seeds and eggs)

– Healthy fats (avocados, nuts and seeds)

– Plenty of H₂O

(As well as this list of superfoods). Avoid adding that extra spoonful of sugar into your morning cup of joe, too – sugar breaks down collagen, which is what gives your face that plump, youthful look.

2.​Soaps

Cleansers that have a pH level of 9 and above are alkalising and disrupt the protective layer of the skin, which fight against the bacteria and dirt. This can result in skin losing its important oils, drying out and getting scaly. Cleansers that are acidic can aggravate irritation on sensitive skin. Thus, it is very important to use a pH neutral soap that does not affect the protective layer of the skin. To maintain the skin’s layer and preserve its natural balance, it is recommended to use a moisturizing soap that is pH neutral (having a pH level of 7).

3.You’re not wearing sunscreen

Other than pollutants and your diet, UV rays are a major culprit when it comes to pre-mature aging, fine lines and damage. So don’t be forgetting your SPF before you leave the house! There are plenty of fast-absorbing, lightweight formulas now that won’t leave a greasy feel or white streaks on your face.

4.​Not moisturising

Skincare actually begins in the shower. Ordinary soaps can strip your skin’s moisture. Make sure you moisturize your face and body after showering. This will help to maintain your skin’s hydration levels.

5.You’re not double cleansing

Especially if you’re wearing makeup, live in a polluted environment or wear sunscreen (which you should be doing, by the way), don’t get lazy when it comes to your cleansing routine. If you’re solely relying on makeup wipes, chances are that you won’t be getting all the product, grime and dirt off your face. Start with a cleansing oil or micellar water to break down the makeup so your second cleanser can reach right into your pores. Also avoid sleeping in your makeup.

6.You’re scrubbing too much

Exfoliating is a crucial part of your skincare regime – it reveals fresh skin cells and improves the texture and look of your complexion.  

But as much as we love the feel of scrubs, abrasive walnut shells or other natural fibers (don’t even get me started on microbeads – these non-biodegradable beads are disastrous for the environment) can actually cause micro-tears in the skin. Chemical exfoliants, on the other hand, work to shed more skin cells and promote skin regeneration. 

7.Trying new products or treatments right before the wedding

You’ll see this one popping up in many of our bridal beauty articles – because it’s just that important. There’s not much you can really do if you develop a major breakout or allergic reaction just days before your big day. If you’re trying out a new facial or product for the first, do it at least two to three weeks (if not a month) prior to your wedding.