Every bride wants glowing, flawless skin on their wedding day and sometimes, this requires more than piling on the perfect moisturiser. If the timing is right, a pre-wedding facial can work wonders on the complexion, but there are a few facial facts to know about before you book an appointment.
Sanctuary Spa's skin care expert Nichola Joss treated Kate Moss and Keira Knightley before their weddings (translation: Joss knows her stuff when it comes to boosting radiance). She shares her knowledge below:
Why should you get a facial before a wedding?
Having a facial a week before your wedding will give the skin a boost. I've developed a new facial for the Sanctuary Spa called the Active Reverse Facial (£90 for 55mins). It instantly lifts and tones the face and gives skin a dewy glow so it's perfect to have a few days before the wedding. Facial massage movements and lymphatic drainage have an anti-ageing effect by helping to increase skin cell turnover which slows down as we get older. A regular facial will help improve the radiance of the skin by stimulating the blood circulation to the face. At the same time the lymph flow is increased which helps to remove toxins, thus the skin is more radiant and glows.
When is the best time to book a facial in the lead up to the wedding?
One week before the big day. After the facial and in the run up to your wedding day use a facial oil daily to keep skin clear, dewy and youthful.
Can a facial cause breakouts?
Some facials can cause breakouts, especially if they include extractions. For a pre-wedding facial I recommend asking for a gentle facial that focuses on facial massage instead of extractions.
Are there any products you'd recommend to brides to use after their facial?
Give yourself a facial massage every evening before bed using a facial oil – my favourite is the Sanctuary Lipid Recovery Facial Oil. Just pop a couple of drops into your palms, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths in to enjoy the aroma of the oil, before massaging the oil into your skin gently in smooth sweeping movements working from the centre of the face outwards.
Need more pre-wedding skincare saviours? Here's our pick of the best products to make your skin glow:
As for your wedding hairstyle, how about a classic updo?