The Bridal Glow Guide: Expert Tips for Healthy, Radiant Skin

Credit: Stories by Chloe

For many brides-to-be, achieving healthy, glowing skin is just as important as finding the perfect dress. However, concerns such as dryness, dehydration and sun damage can leave skin looking less radiant than desired, making a well-planned skincare routine an essential part of wedding preparations.

Smita Ahluwalia, London-based facialist and skin health educator, shares her expert advice on how to restore hydration, address the visible effects of sun exposure and achieve a luminous complexion in the lead-up to the big day.

Start the skin prep now
"If you have concerns such as acne, pigmentation, rosacea, scarring or significant skin sensitivity, I would recommend starting your skin journey up to 12 months before your wedding. If you only have minor concerns, 3–6 months is usually enough time to make a noticeable difference."

Focus on skin health, not just skin appearance
"Healthy skin photographs beautifully. Concentrate on strengthening the skin barrier, improving hydration and reducing inflammation rather than chasing quick fixes. The goal is healthy, resilient skin that glows naturally. Try AlumierMD Ultimate Boost, at uk.alumiermd.com, to give your skin a real kick start to repair and regenerate."

Support your skin from within
"Great skin isn't just about products. Nutrition, hydration, sleep and collagen support can all play an important role in helping your skin look its best on the day. What you do inside your body is often reflected in your skin."

Choose treatments strategically
"I'm a huge fan of LPG Endermologie, at lpg.group.com, for lymphatic drainage. It helps reduce puffiness, improve circulation and gives the skin a healthier, fresher appearance. AlumeriMD Peels can be excellent for improving skin texture, brightness and overall skin quality. Start treatments early and follow a plan tailored to your skin rather than leaving everything until the last minute."

Use effective skincare consistently
"Consistency is key. I like active skincare that is backed by science, such as the SkinMed product range that includes some great products to treat pigmentation including the Thiospot Duo Pack which contains a Skin Roller Ball that delivers the lightening ingredients to smaller, difficult to reach or darker spots, £32.95 at skinmedshop.co.uk. Using good quality consistently will always outperform a complicated routine that you don't stick to, it’s worth paying a little more for the performance-led ingredients they contain, too."

Get a Glow
"A glow-enhancing facial during the week of your wedding can be lovely, but by then the hard work should already be done. The final week is about maintaining hydration, radiance and calm skin, not trying to fix problems at the last minute. And one thing I always say: the better your skin, the less makeup you need! Healthy, hydrated, glowing skin means your makeup will sit better, last longer and look more natural. Invest in your skin first, and you'll need far less coverage on the big day."

For more skin care advice and to book a wedding-prep facial visit, smitalondon.com