When should I start a skincare routine before my wedding day?

The sooner, the better. A year before is ideal, according to the experts we spoke with, but at the very minimum at least three months before the big day.

How can I get glowing skin for my wedding day?

Along with using exfoliating over-the-counter products, in-office procedures such as chemical peels, the Clear & Brilliant laser, and HydraFacials are a great way to help brighten the skin, says Farhang. Start these about three months before the big day, she adds.

The 18 Best Wedding Prep Skincare Products In 2023

Brides / Lecia Landis

Along with thinking about how you’ll wear your hair and what you want your makeup to look like, there’s another (equally) important component of your bridal beauty plan. We’re talking about skincare. No matter whether you’re starting from scratch or already have a dedicated regimen and just want to up the ante, the earlier you can get your big-day skincare routine in place, the better. “A year ahead is A+, but six months ahead of time is ideal,” says Melissa Levin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Entiére Dermatology in New York City.

Like many other parts of the wedding planning process, there are also certain things you’ll want to do right before the big day. However, it also bears mentioning that you definitely don’t want to start any new products three to six weeks before the big day, as you run the risk of a potential reaction and things such as redness, a rash, or peeling, cautions Sheila Farhang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Tucson, Arizona.

To help simplify your pre-wedding skincare protocol, keep reading for more info on both the best bridal skincare products, and when to start using them.

Our Top Picks

Best Cleanser:

CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser at Amazon

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Best Moisturizer:

Byoma Moisturizing Gel Cream at Amazon

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Best Antioxidant Serum:

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

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Best Antioxidant Serum, Runner-Up:

Versed Sunday Morning Antioxidant Oil-Serum at Amazon

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Best Night Cream:

Skin Better AlphaRet Overnight Cream 30ml at Skinbetter.com

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Best Night Cream, Runner-Up:

Isdin Isdinceutics Melatonik Serum at Amazon

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Best Sunscreen:

Nécessaire The Sunscreen at Amazon

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Best Neck Cream:

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Moisturizer at Amazon

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Best Eye Cream:

Elemis Superfood Matcha Eye Dew at Saksoff5th.com

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Best Body Lotion:

AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Brides

Amazon

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Cleansers are a great place to save your money, and all you need is a gentle formula that will cleanse your skin without stripping it. Our top choice? CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam cleanser, a soap- and fragrance-free option that nourishes the skin with hyaluronic acid and ceramides.

Price at time of publish: $19

Target

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This moisturizer contains niacinamide and ceramides to help bolster the skin barrier and lock in hydration, but in an oil-free, gel-like formula that never feels greasy or heavy. It also touts antioxidant-rich, skin-soothing green tea and is both alcohol- and fragrance-free. It's even dermatologist-tested, a plus for those with sensitive skin, and comes at an affordable price point.

Price at time of publish: $14

Bluemercury

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Both dermatologists we spoke with underscore the importance of using an antioxidant serum underneath sunscreen every morning. (FYI, this is a good skincare habit in general, upcoming wedding or not.) By neutralizing skin-damaging free radicals caused by exposure to things such as sun and pollution, topical antioxidants can help improve both the appearance and health of your skin. This particular antioxidant serum is a cult classic for good reason. The proprietary formula contains a unique mix of vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid, all powerful antioxidants in their own right, and even more so when they’re combined. While it is pricey, a little goes a long way; you only need a few drops for your entire face.

Price at time of publish: $169

Revolve

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A more affordable option, this relies on plant-based, antioxidant-rich ingredients—camellia oil, sea buckthorn—along with vitamin E. As the name suggests, it’s a dual-phase oil-serum hybrid (so make sure to give it a good shake before using) that leaves skin glowy and hydrated. Also nice: It works for all skin types, even oily and acne-prone.

Price at time of publish: $20

Skin Better

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Levin says this is her favorite over-the-counter night cream. It contains do-it-all retinol, an ingredient that can do everything from fade discoloration to smooth out wrinkles to help keep pores clear, making it choice for pretty much any and every complexion concern. She lauds the formula for pairing retinol with some other heavy-hitting anti-agers, namely glycolic acid and peptides.

Price at time of publish: $130

Isdin

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For those who have very sensitive skin or may be planning for pregnancy, Levin says bakuchiol is a good alternative to retinol. It’s been shown to have similar anti-aging effects but without the irritation that often comes with retinol; it’s also safe to use when you’re pregnant. It’s the star of the show in this nighttime serum, which she recommends. Vitamin C and melatonin are in the mix as well, both powerful antioxidants.

Price at time of publish: $165

Sephora

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Hopefully, a sunscreen (broad-spectrum, with at least SPF 30) has long been part of your skincare routine. If not, consider this a friendly reminder to start using one ASAP. Not only is it imperative for the appearance of your skin—since sun exposure can lead to everything from wrinkles to redness to dark spots—it’s also essential for preventing skin cancer. This newbie is one of our current favorites, a gentle, mineral-based formula that is hydrating and non-sticky and won’t clog pores or cause irritation—ideal for everyday use.

Price at time of publish: $25

L'Oréal Paris

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According to Levin, more and more brides are focusing on the skin below their chin, making a neck cream a good addition to your routine. This drugstore buy is a great choice, helping to both smooth out wrinkles and improve elasticity. Also nice: It can be used on your face as well.

Price at time of publish: $19

Elemis

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Farhang says that an eye cream with green tea is a good way to help depuff eye bags. This formula contains it in the form of matcha, which also has plenty of protective antioxidant properties. The gel texture feels innately cooling (even more so if you stash it in the fridge, which will also up the depuffing ante), and it hydrates without feeling greasy, so it's great to use in the morning under makeup.

Price at time of publish: $39

AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Lotion for Dry Skin

Amazon

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Along with your face, it’s worth giving a little extra TLC to the skin on your body—especially if your wedding dress is going to show off your arms, back, or decolletage. This lotion not only hydrates to combat dryness, it also contains gently exfoliating lactic acid, helping to smooth out unwanted bumps or areas of rough texture.

Price at time of publish: $16

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum

Amazon

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Hyaluronic acid is a hydrating ingredient that works by attracting moisture to and trapping it in the skin. The molecule can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water; in the skin, this translates not only to plenty of hydration but also a (temporary) plumping effect that smooths out the look of lines and wrinkles. A hyaluronic acid complex makes up 75 percent of this serum, ensuring plenty of bang for your buck.

Price at time of publish: $68

Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment

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“Using gentle, brightening products made with lactic acid can help improve both the texture and tone of your skin,” says Farhang, who suggests using them weekly. We like that this serum can be used in two different ways—leave it on overnight, or use it as a mask, rinsing it off after 15 minutes if your skin is more on the sensitive side. Either way, you’ll reap the benefits of the exfoliating lactic acid, as well as skin-brightening licorice root extract and soothing prickly pear extract to help reduce any potential redness.

Price at time of publish: $85

Nordstrom

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Knock out any pesky pimples with this complexion clearing mask. It relies on a 3 percent concentration of sulfur, an ingredient known for combatting bacteria and inflammation (two major contributing factors when it comes to acne), as well as reducing oil and uncloging pores. Green clay also helps to absorb excess oil, while green tea tamps down redness and azelaic acid brightens the skin. In short, it can quickly improve the appearance of blemish-prone skin.

Price at time of publish: $80

Sephora

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Keep this aptly named face mist on hand to use anytime, anywhere. The key ingredient is hypochlorous acid, a wunderkind that is antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory, ideal for soothing all kinds of skin issues, from breakouts to eczema to weird rashes. It’s perfect for using throughout the day to keep your complexion calm and clear, and/or to reach for if and when any kind of irritation does pop up.

Price at time of publish: $28

Sephora

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If you are, in fact, going to be showing some skin in your wedding dress, now’s a good time to step up your exfoliating game to make sure everything looks smooth and even-toned. These peel pads are a super-convenient way to do so. Simply swipe them across any problem spots and let the combo of alpha- and beta-hydroxy do their thing, dissolving dead skin cells that can cause bumps and discoloration. Use them two to three times per week.

Price at time of publish: $58

Neutrogena Stubborn Acne Blemish Patches

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If a zit pops up in the days before your wedding, whatever you do, don’t pick it, cautions Farhang. “You can cover a pimple with makeup, but it’s much harder to cover up a scabbed pimple that’s been messed with,” she says. Enter these patches. Simply stick one on over any blemish; the hydrocolloid material both helps to absorb excess fluid so that it looks smaller, and it is a great way to ensure that you stay hands-off and aren’t tempted to pick.

Price at time of publish: $8

Amazon

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Face looking a little puffy from a lack of sleep or one too many cocktails at the rehearsal dinner? Gently massage this jade roller across your skin to help flush out excess fluid, all while helping you feel more relaxed (always a win). Keep it in the fridge if you want it to feel extra cold and soothing. We also like the fact that it’s dual-ended with two different size rollers that make it easy to target even smaller areas, like under your eyes.

Price at time of publish: $12

Mary Kay

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Pop on these patches when you start getting ready the morning of the big day. In just 20 minutes, they help to hydrate, cool, soothe, and de-puff the area under your eyes, making you look totally fresh and well-rested (even if you’re not). They’re the perfect pre-makeup prep step, not to mention that the shimmery pink color makes them super cute and Instagrammable.

Price at time of publish: $40

What to Look for in Wedding Prep Skincare Products

Solid basics

A good cleanser, moisturizer, and, of course, sunscreen are paramount for any skincare routine, pre-wedding or not.

Tried-and-true active ingredients

Some of the ones recommended by our derms include vitamin C (for brightening and antioxidant protection) and retinol for anti-aging and skin-clearing benefits.

Gentle formulas

As you get closer to the big day, it’s a good idea to tone things down and stick with simple, gentle basics, says Farhang; you don’t want to risk any type of irritation or reaction in the weeks and days before the wedding.

FAQ

When should I start a skincare routine before my wedding day?

The sooner, the better. A year before is ideal, according to the experts we spoke with, but at the very minimum at least three months before the big day.
How can I get glowing skin for my wedding day?

Along with using exfoliating over-the-counter products, in-office procedures such as chemical peels, the Clear & Brilliant laser, and HydraFacials are a great way to help brighten the skin, says Farhang. Start these about three months before the big day, she adds.

Why Trust Brides

Brides contributor Melanie Rud has nearly 15 years of journalism experience covering the beauty and lifestyle space for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. She’s also a recent newlywed—who spent quite a bit of time establishing her pre-wedding skincare routine.