.GIF)
Skincare Tips for Summer Brides
Wedding pictures don’t have do-overs, so whether you’re getting married later this summer or next year, you’ll want to ramp up your beauty routine during the sunburn- and spots-on-your-shoulders-producing months.
Prevention is very important, says Dr. Sandy Johnson of Johnson Dermatology in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Instead of smooth, golden skin, tanning may actually cause patchy discoloration as well as bright red sunburn and glaring tan lines (not to mention wrinkles), all of which tend to appear in key places for brides like the face, arms and chest, and are hard to cover, she warns. It’s best to minimize your time in the sun, but, regardless, slather yourself with an SPF 15-or-higher broad spectrum sunscreen on a daily basis (and reapply throughout the day), says Krystyn Johnson, a makeup artist and co-founder of Bridal Beauty Chicago.
“While there are foundations that contain SPF, they simply don’t provide enough protection from the sun, especially because women tend to wear less makeup when it’s hot and humid,” Krystyn says. “The heat and sun can also dry out your skin, so be sure to moisturize twice daily. To avoid product overload, try using a moisturizer that contains SPF.”
If you already have significant photodamage (and are not pregnant), using products that contain retinol at night can help reverse signs of aging, plus shrink pores and prevent acne, says Johnson. Products that contain alpha hydroxy acids also will help with exfoliation and fighting wrinkles.
If you still want that sun-kissed look, opt for a professional airbrush tan, says Krystyn. Just make sure you give the process a trial-run months in advance to ensure your technician is proficient, you like the color and you won’t have an allergic reaction.
But when it comes to protection, don’t forget that you’re more than skin. Johnson advises using hydrating and UV-shielding hair products, and keeping current on your haircuts to limit breakage. You should also wear sun block specially formulated for your lips, such as Kiehl’s Lip Balm SPF 15, which can be worn under lipstick, Krystyn says. In addition, Krystyn recommends exfoliating lips with a mixture of one part baking soda, one part water.
Step One: Apply the paste to your lips and gently rub it in with a circular motion using an old toothbrush.
Step Two: Rinse off the paste and apply petroleum jelly or a moisturizing lip balm.
Step Three: Smile pretty for your pictures!
© Brides 365