READY, SET, GLOW

Melbourne Wedding Expo Beauty Tips

Getting married is a beautiful declaration, and with all eyes on you, it’s important to put your best face forward. With advice from Darlene O’Gara, national training manager at Australian Skin Clinics, Annie Slevison weighs in on how to prepare your skin for your wedding day.

Organising your wedding can be a whirlwind of emotions. Every detail requires your utmost attention and planning, and your skincare routine is no different. Here, Wedding & Bride Expo shares some industry tips and tricks on how to improve your complexion and boost hydration in the lead up to your nuptials.

JUST MY TYPE

In the pursuit of a healthy and glowing complexion for your wedding day, it’s important to know your skin type. Dry and dehydrated skin requires different treatments compared to oily and acne-prone skin, and using the correct products will ensure your face receives the tender loving care it’s been longing for.

If your skin is lacking moisture, O’Gara suggests using a combination of methods to achieve a brighter complexion. “Skin peels are a great way to remove the dead surface layers of skin,” she says. “Exfoliating at home is also an option; microdermabrasion treatments are a fantastic solution for combating dry skin and can make a significant difference to your complexion.” For a flawless result, O’Gara suggests having the procedure done by a qualified and experienced dermal technician. The team at Australian Skin Clinics offer high-performance micro dermabrasion treatments that include two peels, which is ideal for achieving that pre-wedding glow.

When it comes to oily and acne-prone skin, O’Gara explains that using a combination of professional consultations and at-home treatments will entirely transform the look and feel of your skin. “Dermal technicians focus on fighting the root cause of breakouts,” she says. “[They combine] in-clinic treatments with home-care recommendations to accelerate visible results and help regain control of your skin.” Further, O’Gara suggests using products that are specifically designed to manage oily and acne-prone skin.

With so many skincare brands available, finding the right one is usually a case of trial and error. For a product that is suitable with most skin types, O’Gara highly recommends Balense. “[The brand] uses a simple four-step system of cleansing, boosting, hydrating and protecting [to ensure] every skin type is nourished through the use of specialty cleansers, exfoliators, serums, moisturisers and sun-protection products,” she says.

TREAT YOURSELF

During your journey to a pre-wedding glow, you may experience certain skin issues that will hinder your progress. O’Gara explains how brides-to-be can successfully treat some of the most common skin conditions and take control of their complexion.

Acne

“At Australian Skin Clinics, the acne programs focus on fighting the root cause of breakouts,” O’Gara says. If you are partial to the odd pimple, she suggests continuing with your morning and night skincare routine, and adding in the Balense Spot Control Serum. This treatment contains salicylic acid, which will reduce the appearance of redness and blemished skin with its antibacterial properties.

Dark Circles

O’Gara explains that although once untreatable due to the vulnerability of the area, the latest micro-needling technology at Australian Skin Clinics is allowing brides-to-be to combat tired and puffy eyes. “Mirco-needling targets the more sensitive areas around the eye via adjustable needle depth and increased oscillation,” she says. The result is a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, along with a healthier and firmer appearance. For an at-home remedy, O’Gara recommends the Balense Ageless Eye Cream, which offers an advanced peptide-rich formula that will increase hydration and reduce wrinkles by 63 per cent.

Redness

“Laser treatment is a great way to eliminate visible veins, broken capillaries or visible blood vessels on your skin,” O’Gara says. “Treatments are quick, effective, and safe, and work by transmitting light through the skin to the blood vessels. This results in unsightly imperfections being diminished.”

Pigmentation

From the age of 25 onwards, skin begins to age rapidly, revealing underlying pigmentation and discolouration, explains O’Gara. Depending on ethnicity, cause, and desired outcome, the treatment for pigmentation is typically tailored to the individual. “Common treatments for pigmentation are medi-aesthetic face peels and laser rejuvenation, as well as a mix of micro-needling and homecare products,” she says. In-clinic sessions will help remove current discolouration, while a strict at-home routine will prevent further pigmentation developing. The daily application of pigment inhibitors, exfoliation, and sunscreen are vital in treating this skin condition.

Sun Damage

“Every time you are in the sun, your skin is at risk of sunburn and skin cancer, but also accumulative sun damage that can result in premature ageing, wrinkles, pigmentation, visible blood vessels, brown spots, and open pores,” O’Gara says. “There are a number of advanced skin treatments used to combat these effects, such as microdermabrasion, medi-aesthetic face peels, micro-needling and laser rejuvenation. However, when it comes to treating sun damage, prevention is always better than a cure. Always remember to slip, slop, slap,” she continues.

LET’S GET CLINICAL

O’Gara says receiving regular clinical treatment can help further the expected results of an at-home skincare routine. “Australian Skin Clinics offers complimentary consultations to get you started,” she says. “[The team will] assess your individual skin concerns and tailor a bridal treatment plan to suit your needs and budget.” With monthly high-performance microdermabrasion treatments available, you can deeply exfoliate your skin, while also preparing it to look its absolute best for your wedding day. “This invigorating treatment gently removes dead skin cells on the surface, unclogs pores, and leaves your skin clean, clear, bright and purified,” she says.

Preparing your skin takes time and diligence, particularly if you are addressing specific problem areas. O’Gara explains that it’s important to start treatment in advance for optimum results. “I recommend visiting a dermal therapist at least 12 months prior to [the wedding day], especially if you experience acne, pigmentation or redness,” she says. “This will allow enough time to implement a treatment plan that will have your skin looking top-notch as you glide down the aisle.”

Your wedding is a treasured celebration, so take the time to properly prepare your skin in the lead up to the big day. Finally, ensure you let your rosy cheeks, gleaming smile and glowing complexion exude the love and happiness that fills the occasion!