Skin-Care Countdown

by Lauren Hall, Posted Mar 14th 2010 9:14PM

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Invitations? Check. Band? Check. Flowers? Check. Great skin for the big day?

Skin care isn't usually at the top of a bride's to-do list in the months leading up to her wedding, but with a little planning, you can have gorgeous skin as well as a gorgeous dress and ... well, a gorgeous groom, of course!

Six months out:

Consult with a dermatologist to get your skin in top shape. If you're having a problem with acne, she can prescribe a regimen that will clear you up in time. If you have fine lines or sun damage, she may suggest a series of peels or laser treatments to give you a more youthful look.

If you haven't been working out, hit the gym. Not only will it tone you up and reduce stress, but it will also increase blood circulation to the skin.

Pay closer attention to what you eat and drink. It may be difficult to schedule three proper meals a day with everything you have to do, but a diet featuring fresh fruits and veggies, along with plenty of water, will go a long way in making your skin glow.

Three months out:

Start pampering yourself! Visit a spa or salon for a facial, and plan for a facial every month until your wedding, unless your aesthetician recommends otherwise.

Exfoliating with a soft, dry body brush before every shower will polish your skin and increase circulation. Run the brush in small circles up your body, always in the direction of your heart.

If you're considering getting a glow, this is the time to experiment with self-tanners and spray tanning.

Splurging on a new face cream or serum? Now is the time to try out any new products to give them time to work, as well as to ensure that you won't have an adverse reaction to them. This is also a good time to consult with your makeup artist to make sure that the cosmetics she'll use on you won't irritate your skin or eyes.

One month out:

Your hands have been busy, so start treating them well! Book weekly or biweekly mani-pedis at your salon to have your nails in impeccable shape for the big day -- and your honeymoon.

Stress definitely shows on your face. Try to reduce your caffeine intake and schedule a massage.

One week out:

Time to hit the salon for a wax. This will give you enough time to allow for the irritation caused by waxing to subside, but should still leave you hair-free for your wedding day.

Whether you wax, tweeze or thread, have your eyebrows professionally done. Any stray hairs that appear later on can be quickly tweezed away with minimal irritation.

Try to cut back on your alcohol and salt intake to reduce bloating.

If you'll be using a fragranced body cream that matches or complements the scent you'll be wearing on your wedding day, try it out to now make sure it doesn't irritate your skin.

The big day:

Get plenty of rest the night before so you wake up refreshed.

Enjoy a final mani-pedi and follow the skin-care routine you've carefully developed, using the cleansing, exfoliating and moisturizing products your body has acclimated to.

Glow for the cameras -- and your groom!

Tags: skincare, wedding timeline