By Petra Guglielmetti, Glamour magazine
Hey, engaged girls: I'm sure lots of you have been hitting the gym regularly since getting your rings, but how about getting your skin in tip-top shape before your wedding day? If you start now, you won't even have to do anything drastic -- these 5 easy tips can make a big difference.
These tips come from Jasmina Aganovic, founder of Stages of Beauty. She also happens to be an MIT-trained chemical and biological engineer, so when she gives advice on pre-wedding skincare, we listen. Here are 5 of Jasmina's best tips for all you brides-to-be.
1. Set an exfoliation schedule.
At least four to six months pre-wedding, get into a good exfoliation routine, which will ensure you sweep away any buildup of dull, dead skin cells that dim your glow and clog your pores. It will also help even out your skintone. Use a gentle grainy scrub that also contains antioxidants; if you're sensitive, a fragrance-free one is the best bet.
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2. Abide by the three-week rule.
Within this window of time before your wedding day, swear off ALL new skincare products. "Right before the big day is the worst time to test out a new product because your skin could have an adverse reaction to it and unwanted inflammation or a rash could appear," Jasmina says. (And that kind of inflammation can lead to longer-lasting skin discoloration, especially if you have medium to dark skin.)
3. Use extra protection.
De-stress your skin by adding a layer of protective antioxidants -- switch to a moisturizer that has antioxidants in it, or put on a serum first. "Antioxidants will improve the skin's barrier function and in turn, decrease the impact of environmental stressors like sun and wind," Jasmina explains. (Don't forget the sunscreen, either!)
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4. Switch to a super-powered moisturizer.
At least three months before your wedding, switch to a superhydrating moisturizer to help get your skin plump and healthy. Jasmina swears by those with hyaluronic acid. "This ingredient holds more than 1,000 times its own weight in water and helps to plump up your skin, diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles," she says.
5. Pop an omega-3 supplement.
"Since our body does not produce omega-3 on its own, it is important to incorporate this essential fatty acid into your diet," says Jasmina. "Taking supplements with this ingredient in the weeks before the big day increases skin vitality and radiance, while also acting as a pre-wedding mood-booster."
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