Whether you’re the bride, part of the wedding party, or attending as a guest, wedding season is the perfect time to refresh your skincare routine and put your best face forward. Glowing, radiant skin doesn’t happen overnight — but with a little planning, expert treatments, and the right products, you can achieve that picture-perfect complexion in time for the big day.

Here’s your complete guide to wedding skin prep, from months out to last-minute tips, tailored for every season and every kind of celebration.

Start Early: Build Your Skincare Routine

The earlier you start prepping your skin, the better. Ideally, aim to start a consistent skincare routine at least six months before the wedding date, especially if you’re dealing with things like acne or hyperpigmentation. This gives your skin enough time to respond to new products, address any concerns, and present glowing results. 

Core Wedding Skincare Staples:

• Gentle Cleanser: Start and end each day with a cleanser that suits your skin type. Look for a gentle, hydrating cleanser that won’t strip your skin barrier. We recommend the Hydrinity Prelude Cleanser or the iS Clinical Cleansing Complex.
• Daily Moisturizer: A lightweight but effective moisturizer is essential for maintaining hydration and balance. We recommend the Alastin Ultra Light Moisturizer or Hydrinity Hydri-C Moisturizer.
• Broad-Spectrum SPF: Never skip sunscreen — it’s the key to preventing sun damage and keeping your skin even-toned. Opt for a mineral or hybrid SPF that wears well under makeup. We recommend EltaMD UV Clear or Alastin HydraTint.

Consistency is key. If you're introducing new products, do so one at a time. That way, if your skin does not respond well to a specific product, you will be better able to pinpoint which one.

Target Specific Skin Concerns

Have a few areas you’d like to address before wedding season? There’s a treatment plan for that.

For Dullness

Incorporate a brightening serum with Vitamin C to help even out skin tone and add radiance. We recommend iS Clinical Pro Heal or Alastin C-Radical Defense. Boost your glow even further with our custom facials, designed to exfoliate, hydrate, and revitalize tired skin.

For Texture or Breakouts

Consider adding a gentle exfoliant (like a chemical exfoliator with AHAs or BHAs) two to three times a week. This can help refine skin texture and keep pores clear without causing unnecessary irritation. We recommend Skinbetter Alpharet Peel Pads or Face Reality Mandelic Acid Serum.

Struggling with stubborn texture or acne? Laser treatments like our gentle resurfacing therapies can also target breakouts and smooth skin, with minimal downtime.

For Fine Lines or Dehydration

Hydrating serums with hyaluronic acid can plump the skin and make it look smoother and more youthful. We recommend Hydrinity Restorative HA or Hydrinity Renewing HA.

We also offer injectable treatments like dermal fillers to subtly restore volume and enhance your natural features — perfect for achieving that youthful, refreshed look before the big day.

If you’re considering professional treatments like facials, chemical peels, microneedling, or injectables, schedule them well in advance — typically 3–6 months out — so your skin has plenty of time to heal and show off its best results.

Wedding Skin Prep Timeline 

Spring Weddings

Spring is all about renewal — and your skin can reflect that too. Focus on hydration and gentle exfoliation to slough off any winter dryness. Lightweight, breathable products are key as the weather starts to warm up.

• Use a gel-based cleanser to refresh without over-drying.
• Incorporate a brightening serum to get that natural spring glow.
• Don't forget an SPF moisturizer to protect your skin during outdoor ceremonies and receptions.

Summer Weddings

Summer weddings mean more sun, sweat, and potential for clogged pores.

• Prioritize lightweight, non-comedogenic products and double down on sun protection.
• Choose a foaming or clarifying cleanser to keep skin fresh.
• Stick to oil-free moisturizers that hydrate without heaviness.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially if you're celebrating outdoors.

Need a last-minute summer skin refresh? Our express facials, such as a signature hydrafacial or stand alone dermaplaning, are perfect for a quick glow-up before your event.

Fall Weddings

Cooler temperatures mean drier air, which can lead to dehydration. Hydrating and repairing the skin barrier should be your main focus leading up to a fall wedding.

• Switch to a creamier cleanser if your skin feels tight.
• Layer a hydrating serum under a richer moisturizer to lock in moisture.
• Start incorporating gentle exfoliation to maintain smooth, polished skin.

Winter Weddings

Cold air, wind, and indoor heating can wreak havoc on your skin's hydration levels. Winter brides and guests should prioritize moisture, protection, and a little extra TLC.

• Use a nourishing cleanser that doesn't strip the skin.
• Layer occlusive moisturizers over hydrating serums to seal in moisture.
• Add overnight masks or balms to your weekly routine for extra hydration.

For winter events, our deeply hydrating facials, such as the Epicutis Facial or Platinum HydraFacial, can be a game-changer to combat dryness and prep your skin for makeup.

Week-Of and Day-Of Skincare Tips

No matter how far out you've been prepping, the final week before a wedding is all about maintenance, not major changes. 

What to Do:

• Stick to your tried-and-true products — no new serums, treatments, or facials.
• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Drink water and keep your skincare routine simple and soothing.
• If you’re dealing with any last-minute blemishes, apply a spot treatment, but avoid picking or popping.

The Night Before:

• Use a gentle exfoliator if your skin tolerates it well.
• Apply a calming, hydrating mask, such as the Hydrinity Restorative HA Masque or Epicutis Lipid Mask, to plump and hydrate your skin as well as minimize redness and inflammation.

The Morning Of:

• Cleanse with a mild cleanser.
• Apply a lightweight moisturizer and sunscreen.
• Let your skincare fully absorb before makeup application for a smooth, flawless finish.

Wedding Skin Prep for Guests

Even if you’re not the one saying "I do," weddings are full of photo ops, reunions, and celebrations where you’ll want to look and feel your best. Guests should also plan ahead — even a few weeks of consistent skincare can make a noticeable difference! Focus on:

• Regular cleansing and moisturizing
• Adding a brightening serum if you have time
• A simple but effective exfoliating treatment 2-3x a week

Say 'I Do' to Great Skin

Whether you’re walking down the aisle or dancing the night away as a guest, great skin helps you look and feel more confident during wedding season. By planning ahead, sticking to a consistent routine, and choosing the right products and treatments, you can create a healthy, radiant complexion that’s ready for every photo, hug, and celebration.

Ready to start your wedding skin prep? Request an appointment to visit us at NM Aesthetics in Arlington, VA or call (571) 310-3223 to schedule your consultation!