Great Makeup Starts with Healthy Skin: A Bride's Treatment Guide to Facials, Peels, and At-Home Care for Your Wedding
- Melchy Hill
- Oct 3
- 36 min read
A Columbus, Ohio wedding photographer's honest journey from problematic skin to camera-ready confidence—and what it taught me about the brides I photograph
I was sitting in the chair at Bahia Beauty in Westerville, my face covered in a cooling mask after what felt like the hundredth extraction, when my esthetician said something that would change how I approach wedding photography forever: "Your skin is going to thank you for this consistency."
She was right, but I didn't fully understand what she meant until three months later.
I was getting ready for my own wedding photos, sitting across from my makeup artist Kristy from KK Beauty MUA, when she paused mid-foundation application and said something I'll never forget: "Wow, your skin is so much healthier than when we did the trial."
That moment—that single observation—crystallized everything I'd learned over months of addressing my breakouts, hyperpigmentation, and dry patches. The difference wasn't just visible to me in the mirror. It was visible to a professional makeup artist. And if it was visible to her, it would absolutely be visible in my wedding photos.
Here's what nobody tells you when you're planning a wedding in Columbus: great makeup starts with healthy skin, and healthy skin doesn't happen overnight.
As a Columbus, Ohio wedding photographer who has captured over 100+ weddings since 2012, I've seen this truth play out again and again. The brides who start their skincare journey early—the ones who treat skin prep with the same intentionality they bring to choosing their venue at La Nova or Creekside Event Center—are the ones who look back at their photos years later and feel genuinely confident in their skin.
Not filtered. Not hidden under layers of makeup. Just genuinely radiant.
If you've picked up this guide, chances are you're somewhere between excited and overwhelmed. You might be dealing with your own skin concerns—acne that won't quit, dark spots from old breakouts, texture that foundation can't quite smooth over, or dryness that makes your skin look dull instead of dewy.
Or maybe you're one of those brides frantically Googling at 11 PM: "When should I start wedding skincare routine Columbus?" or "Best facial before wedding day" or "How to get clear skin for wedding photos."
I see you. I was you.
The question that haunted me during my own wedding prep wasn't whether skincare mattered for photos—I knew it did. The real question was: Where do I even start? And how do I know what will actually work?
This guide is my answer to that question. Not as a skincare expert (I'm a photographer, not an esthetician), but as someone who has been on both sides of the camera. Someone who has experienced the transformation that proper skin prep creates, and someone who has witnessed how that transformation translates to timeless, confident wedding photos.
In Columbus, where we photograph weddings in every season—from humid summer ceremonies at Darby House to crisp fall celebrations at Vue—I've learned that bridal skin prep isn't one-size-fits-all. But the principles? Those are universal.
Here's the truth about wedding-ready skin: It's not about perfection. It's about creating the healthiest possible canvas for your makeup artist to work with, so that when you look at your photos five, ten, twenty years from now, you see yourself—glowing, confident, and genuinely beautiful.
Great makeup can enhance beautiful skin. But it can't create it from scratch. That work? That starts with you, ideally 6-12 months before your wedding day.
Whether you're getting married at CMA, planning a downtown Columbus celebration, or having an intimate ceremony at a Central Ohio barn venue, the skin you bring to your wedding day matters. Not because you need to look flawless (you don't), but because healthy, well-cared-for skin photographs beautifully and helps you feel confident in front of the camera.
And confidence? That's what I'm really trying to capture in every wedding I photograph.
So let's talk about how to get you from where you are right now—maybe stressed, maybe dealing with skin issues, maybe just starting to think about this—to where you want to be: standing in front of the mirror on your wedding morning, looking at your skin and thinking, "Yes. This is exactly what I wanted."
Understanding Your Starting Point - Assessing Your Skin Before the Wedding
Identifying Your Current Skin Concerns
Before I started my skincare journey at Bahia Beauty, I thought I knew what my skin problems were. "I break out," I'd tell people, gesturing vaguely at my face. But when my esthetician did my first consultation, she identified issues I hadn't even noticed: hyperpigmentation from old breakouts, dehydration masquerading as oil production, and texture inconsistencies that would absolutely show up in close-up photos.
Common pre-wedding skin issues that affect makeup application:
The brides I photograph in Columbus deal with a surprisingly consistent set of skin concerns, many of which are exacerbated by our Ohio weather (hello, winter dryness and summer humidity):
Active breakouts and acne: These don't just affect how you look—they affect how makeup sits on your skin. Foundation can emphasize texture, and flash photography is particularly unforgiving with active inflammation.
Hyperpigmentation and dark spots: Old acne scars, sun damage, and melasma create uneven tone that requires heavy color correction. The more discoloration your makeup artist has to cover, the heavier your makeup base needs to be.
Texture issues: Rough patches, dry flakes, or bumpy skin create a canvas that makeup can't smooth over. No matter how skilled your makeup artist (and trust me, artists like Kristy at KK Beauty MUA are incredibly skilled), they can only work with the skin you give them.
Dehydration and dryness: This was my biggest surprise. I thought I had oily skin because of breakouts, but I was actually severely dehydrated. Dehydrated skin photographs flat, emphasizes fine lines, and causes makeup to separate or look cakey by the end of your wedding day.
Enlarged pores and blackheads: These show up in detail shots and close-ups. While some texture is natural and beautiful, severely congested skin creates shadows and irregularities that even the best lighting can't fully soften.
How to conduct an honest skin assessment at home:
Stand in front of a mirror in natural daylight (not your bathroom lighting, which lies to all of us). Take your phone and photograph your bare face from multiple angles—straight on, both sides, and slightly looking down (the angle many wedding photos capture). This might feel uncomfortable, but here's why it matters:
These photos become your "before" reference point. When you're three months into treatments and wondering if anything is working, you need objective evidence. Your brain adapts to gradual changes; photos don't lie.
Look for:
Texture inconsistencies: Run your fingers gently across your skin. Where does it feel rough, bumpy, or uneven?
Color variations: Where is your skin tone uneven? Are there dark spots, redness, or areas of hyperpigmentation?
Hydration levels: Does your skin feel tight after cleansing? Does makeup sit on the surface rather than melting into your skin?
Active concerns: Current breakouts, inflammation, or sensitivity that needs immediate attention.
When your skin concerns require professional evaluation vs. at-home solutions:
Here's my rule of thumb from both my personal experience and from watching countless brides prep their skin: If you're Googling the same skin concern more than three times, you need professional help.
I wasted two months trying to treat what I thought was "oily skin" with products that actually made my dehydration worse. One consultation at Bahia Beauty in Westerville saved me from months of additional frustration.
Seek professional evaluation if you have:
Persistent acne that over-the-counter products haven't improved in 6-8 weeks
Significant hyperpigmentation or melasma (dark patches, especially on cheeks and forehead)
Suspected rosacea or sensitivity that causes persistent redness or reaction to products
Deep texture issues like ice-pick scars or severe sun damage
Any skin condition you can't confidently identify yourself
For Columbus brides, I always recommend starting with a consultation with a licensed esthetician. Places like Bahia Beauty in Westerville offer comprehensive skin analysis that goes far beyond what you can determine on your own. They can identify your actual skin type (which might surprise you), recommend appropriate treatments, and create a timeline that works backward from your wedding date.
Creating Your Wedding Skincare Timeline
The most common question I hear from brides? "When should I start my wedding skincare routine?"
My answer is always the same: Yesterday. But since we can't do that, let's start today.
The 12-month, 6-month, and 3-month bride: tailoring treatments to your timeline
Let me be honest about something that might be hard to hear: where you start determines what's realistically possible. A bride with 12 months before her wedding can address almost any skin concern. A bride with 6 weeks? We're in damage control mode.
The 12-Month Bride (The Gold Standard):
If you're reading this a year or more before your Columbus wedding, congratulations—you have the luxury of time. This is the timeline that allows you to:
Address deep concerns like acne scars, significant hyperpigmentation, or sun damage
Try multiple treatment approaches to find what works for YOUR skin
Recover from more aggressive treatments like medium-depth chemical peels or laser therapy
Build a sustainable at-home routine that becomes habit, not a stressful addition to wedding planning
Make mistakes and course-correct without panic
My recommended 12-month timeline:
Months 12-9: Professional consultation, identify concerns, begin basic treatments (regular facials, start at-home routine)
Months 9-6: Introduce more targeted treatments based on your specific concerns (could include chemical peels, microneedling, or laser treatments for appropriate candidates)
Months 6-3: Consistent maintenance, refine your routine, address any remaining concerns
Months 3-0: Conservative maintenance only, no new treatments, focus on hydration and protection
The 6-Month Bride (Still Excellent):
Six months is still a fantastic timeline for significant improvement. You won't have time for the most aggressive treatments with long recovery periods, but you can absolutely transform your skin with consistent care.
My recommended 6-month timeline:
Months 6-5: Rush to professional consultation, begin treatments immediately, establish at-home routine
Months 5-3: Consistent professional treatments (monthly facials, appropriate peels), diligent home care
Months 3-0: Maintenance and protection mode, no experimentation
The 3-Month Bride (Let's Be Strategic):
Three months is tight, but not hopeless. I've seen brides make remarkable improvements in this timeframe by being extremely consistent and strategic. This is exactly the timeline I had for my own wedding skin prep, and Kristy's comment about my improved skin proves that significant change is possible.
My recommended 3-month timeline:
Month 3: Immediate professional consultation, begin professional treatments and home routine simultaneously
Month 2: Weekly or bi-weekly treatments if budget allows, absolute consistency with home care
Month 1: Conservative treatments only (hydrafacials, hydration-focused facials), no risks
Why starting early matters for lasting results:
Here's what I learned during my own compressed timeline at Bahia Beauty: skincare is cumulative. Each facial, each application of treatment products, each night of proper cleansing builds on the one before.
My first extraction facial? My skin looked slightly worse for two days before improving. My third facial? Minimal reaction, faster recovery. By my fifth treatment, my skin was responding beautifully, healing quickly, and maintaining results between appointments.
You need time for:
Your skin barrier to strengthen: Healthy skin can tolerate treatments that damaged skin cannot
Cell turnover cycles: Your skin completely regenerates approximately every 28 days (longer as we age). Meaningful change requires multiple cycles.
Product adjustment: Your skin needs weeks to adapt to active ingredients like retinoids, acids, or vitamin C
Treatment spacing: Most professional treatments require 4-6 weeks between sessions for full results and recovery
Contingency planning: If something doesn't work or causes a reaction, you need time to pivot
What to do if you're a last-minute bride (under 3 months out):
First, take a breath. You're not doomed to bad skin in your photos. But you do need to be realistic and strategic.
Do not attempt anything aggressive. This is not the time for your first chemical peel, your first laser treatment, or experimentation with strong actives. The risk of adverse reactions, purging, or unexpected results is too high.
Instead, focus on:
Professional hydrating treatments: Hydrafacials, oxygen facials, LED therapy—anything that improves without risk
Extractions with professionals only: Do not attempt at-home extractions. Let an esthetician do this safely.
Barrier repair: Focus your at-home routine on strengthening your skin barrier with gentle, hydrating products
Consistency over intensity: A simple routine done perfectly every day beats an aggressive routine done sporadically
Strategic makeup artist selection: Choose someone like Kristy from KK Beauty MUA who specializes in working with various skin types and can work with where your skin is right now
When I work with last-minute brides in Columbus—those who book me just months before their Creekside Event Center or CMA wedding—I always emphasize this: Your photographer can work with real skin. We can't work with a panicked reaction to a treatment gone wrong three weeks before your wedding.
Setting Realistic Skin Goals for Your Wedding Day
Let me tell you about a bride I photographed at Darby House two years ago. During our consultation call, she sent me inspiration photos of models with impossibly smooth, poreless, absolutely flawless skin. "I want my skin to look like this," she said.
I had to have an honest conversation with her: "That's not skin. That's professional lighting, makeup, and significant photo editing. Your goal isn't to look like that. Your goal is to look like the absolute best version of you."
What "wedding-ready skin" actually looks like (hint: it's not perfection):
Here's what I see through my camera lens at Columbus weddings, and what actually photographs beautifully:
Even tone: You don't need perfect, uniform color everywhere. But you want your natural coloring without significant dark spots, redness, or discoloration that requires heavy correction.
Healthy texture: Real skin has texture. Pores exist. What we're aiming for is refined texture—skin that's smooth enough for makeup to glide on easily and look seamless in photos.
Proper hydration: This is the secret ingredient nobody talks about enough. Hydrated skin catches light beautifully. It photographs with that coveted "glow." It holds makeup without creasing or separating. When Kristy commented on my improved skin, the biggest change was actually my hydration levels.
Clear of active inflammation: You don't need zero pimples (though that's a nice bonus). You need skin that isn't actively inflamed, red, or irritated. A single small blemish can be easily spot-treated by your makeup artist. Multiple areas of angry, inflamed acne? That's harder to address and uncomfortable for you all day.
Confidence-inducing: This is the real goal. When you look in the mirror on your wedding morning, your skin should make you feel confident, not anxious. You should feel like yourself, just glowing.
Matching your skin goals to your dress style, venue, and photography plans:
Something I've learned from photographing weddings all over Central Ohio: your skin prep should actually consider your specific wedding details.
Getting married outdoors at a Columbus Metro Park in July? Your skin needs to handle humidity and look good with minimal makeup because heavy foundation in Ohio summer heat is miserable.
Having a formal winter wedding at Vue with dramatic lighting? You have more flexibility with makeup coverage, but your skin still needs to be healthy underneath.
Wearing a backless dress for your Creekside Event Center celebration? Your skincare routine needs to extend beyond your face to include your back and shoulders (yes, body skincare matters for brides too—but that's a whole separate conversation).
Planning detailed getting-ready photos? Those close-up shots of makeup application will show your skin texture more than any other photos from your day. This is where healthy skin truly shines.
Consider:
Your makeup style preference: Natural, minimal makeup requires better skin than full glam coverage
Your photography package: More detail shots and close-ups = more visible skin texture
Your venue lighting: Harsh overhead lighting (some banquet halls) is less forgiving than soft natural light (outdoor venues)
Your personal comfort: If you hate the feeling of heavy makeup, your skin needs to be healthy enough to look good with lighter coverage
Understanding which concerns can be improved vs. managed vs. makeup-corrected:
This is crucial, and I wish someone had explained this to me before I started my skincare journey. Not every skin concern needs to be "fixed" with skincare treatments. Some concerns are better addressed with strategic makeup application.
Concerns that can be significantly improved with treatments:
Active acne and breakouts (with proper treatment and time)
Mild to moderate hyperpigmentation
Dehydration and dryness
Dull, lackluster complexion
Mild texture irregularities
Fine lines from dehydration
Concerns that can be managed but not eliminated:
Deep acne scars or ice-pick scars (can be softened, not erased)
Significant sun damage or melasma (can be lightened, takes many months)
Rosacea (can be calmed but not cured)
Large pores (can be minimized but not eliminated)
Genetic dark circles (can be slightly improved with eye treatments)
Concerns best addressed with makeup:
Deep acne scars (strategic coverage with color correction works better than months of aggressive treatments)
Genetic darkness under eyes (topical treatments help minimally; concealer is your friend)
Permanent hyperpigmentation that hasn't responded to treatment
Natural skin texture and pores (completely normal; makeup can diffuse their appearance)
When I was addressing my own hyperpigmentation at Bahia Beauty, my esthetician was honest: "We can fade these significantly, but you'll probably always have some residual marking. Your makeup artist can handle the rest." That honesty saved me from unrealistic expectations and unnecessary aggressive treatments.
The goal isn't to make your skin so perfect that you need no makeup. The goal is to make your skin healthy enough that makeup enhances rather than hides, and that your natural beauty shines through in every photo.
Professional Treatments - What to Book and When
After my consultation at Bahia Beauty in Westerville, I walked out with a treatment plan that felt overwhelming: monthly facials, extractions, hydrafacials, and a detailed at-home routine. My first thought was, "This is too much."
My second thought, looking back at the photos from my trial with Kristy? "This is absolutely necessary."
Let me break down professional treatments in a way I wish someone had explained to me: what they actually do, why they matter for photos, and exactly when to schedule them before your Columbus wedding.
Foundational Facial Treatments for Brides
Basic facials: when to start and how often to schedule them:
Here's a truth that surprised me: not all facials are created equal, and your first facial probably won't be the Instagram-worthy glow moment you're imagining.
A basic professional facial typically includes:
Deep cleansing beyond what you can achieve at home
Exfoliation (chemical or physical, depending on your skin)
Extractions (removing blackheads and congestion)
A treatment mask targeted to your skin concerns
Hydration and protection
For bridal skin prep, I recommend starting basic facials:
12+ months out: Monthly facials starting immediately
6-9 months out: Bi-weekly if your budget allows, otherwise monthly
3-6 months out: Weekly or bi-weekly (this is where real transformation happens)
Final month: One gentle, hydrating facial 2 weeks before your wedding, nothing closer
Why this frequency matters: My esthetician at Bahia Beauty explained that consistent treatments train your skin to respond better. My first facial resulted in some purging and redness. By my third facial, my skin was healing faster and looking better immediately after treatment.
What to expect from your first few facials:
Possible purging (bringing underlying congestion to the surface)
Temporary redness, especially if you have sensitive skin
Your skin might look worse before it looks better (this is normal and temporary)
Gradual improvement with each treatment
Hydrafacials and oxygen facials: benefits for pre-wedding glow:
The hydrafacial at Bahia Beauty became my absolute favorite treatment, and here's why it matters for brides specifically:
A hydrafacial uses water pressure and suction to:
Deep clean pores without aggressive extraction pain
Infuse skin with hydrating serums
Create immediate glow without downtime
Work on most skin types safely
Why I love this for brides: Zero downtime. I could get a hydrafacial on Friday and photograph a wedding Saturday with visibly glowing skin. The results are immediate—perfect for brides who need reliable, consistent improvement without risk.
Oxygen facials work similarly by:
Delivering pressurized oxygen infused with serums
Plumping and hydrating instantly
Creating that "lit from within" glow that photographs beautifully
When to schedule these treatments:
Safe up until 1 week before wedding: Unlike more aggressive treatments, hydrafacials and oxygen facials have minimal risk
Ideal timing: 3-5 days before your wedding for maximum glow on the day
Frequency during prep: Every 2-4 weeks during your skin prep journey
For Columbus brides planning summer outdoor weddings at venues like Creekside or CMA, hydrafacials are especially valuable. They create hydration that helps your skin handle humidity and heat better than dehydrated skin.
Deep cleansing and extraction facials: timing these correctly before your wedding:
Extractions were simultaneously my least favorite and most necessary part of my skincare journey. Let me be very clear about something: professional extractions are completely different from what you do at home in front of your bathroom mirror.
What professional extractions involve:
Proper skin preparation (steaming, enzyme treatments to soften debris)
Professional tools and technique that minimize damage
Post-extraction treatment to calm and heal
Strategic approach based on your skin's current condition
Critical timing rule for brides: No extraction facials within 3 weeks of your wedding. Absolutely none.
Here's why: Even professional extractions cause temporary inflammation. Your skin might look slightly red or have small marks for a few days. Rarely, but importantly, aggressive extractions can cause temporary hyperpigmentation or, in the worst case, scarring.
The risk-benefit calculation changes completely as you approach your wedding date.
Optimal extraction facial timeline:
6+ months out: Safe to have aggressive extractions for severely congested skin
3-6 months out: Regular extraction facials as needed, spaced 4-6 weeks apart
2-3 months out: Moderate extractions only, with longer healing buffer
Final month: NO extractions, only gentle maintenance
My esthetician scheduled my last extraction facial exactly 6 weeks before my wedding. By the time Kristy did my makeup, my skin had completely healed, pores were clear, and there was no inflammation to cover.
If you're dealing with significant congestion or frequent breakouts, start extraction facials early in your timeline and space them consistently. Your skin will eventually require fewer extractions as it becomes healthier—another reason to start early.
Advanced Treatments for Specific Concerns
Once you've established a baseline routine with regular facials, you might consider more advanced treatments for specific concerns. This is where having adequate time before your wedding becomes crucial.
Chemical peels: types, strengths, and recovery timelines for brides:
Chemical peels use acids to remove dead skin layers, stimulate cell turnover, and address issues like hyperpigmentation, texture, and dullness. They range from gentle (superficial) to aggressive (deep peels).
For brides, I recommend considering only superficial to light-medium peels, and only if you have significant time before your wedding.
Types of chemical peels:
Superficial peels (glycolic, lactic, salicylic acid in lower percentages):
Minimal downtime (sometimes just redness for a day)
Address surface texture, dullness, mild breakouts
Can be done monthly
Safe up to 4-6 weeks before wedding
Medium peels (TCA, higher percentage acids):
Several days of visible peeling and redness
Address hyperpigmentation, deeper texture issues, acne scarring
Require 6-8 weeks between treatments
STOP these 3 months before your wedding
Deep peels (phenol and strong TCA):
Not recommended for brides within 12 months of wedding
Weeks of recovery, significant peeling, potential complications
Better suited for post-wedding skin transformation
My personal recommendation after watching many brides navigate peels: If you're going to do chemical peels, start them 9-12 months before your wedding, do a series of 3-4 treatments spaced appropriately, and stop at least 12-16 weeks before your wedding.
Why this conservative timeline? Because peels can occasionally cause:
Unexpected hyperpigmentation (especially on darker skin tones)
Prolonged redness or sensitivity
Uneven results requiring additional treatments
Increased sun sensitivity (problematic for summer weddings)
If you're getting married in Columbus during our sunny summer months (June-August), chemical peels require even more caution. Ohio sun exposure combined with post-peel sensitivity is a recipe for potential hyperpigmentation.
Microneedling and microdermabrasion: what they treat and when to stop before the wedding:
These are two completely different treatments often confused by brides:
Microdermabrasion:
Physical exfoliation using fine crystals or diamond tips
Treats surface texture, dullness, very superficial concerns
Minimal downtime (temporary redness)
Safe up until 2-3 weeks before wedding
Good for: Gentle, gradual improvement without risk
Microneedling:
Uses tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries
Stimulates collagen production, treats scars, texture, fine lines
Several days of redness and sensitivity
Requires 4-6 weeks between treatments
STOP 8-12 weeks before wedding
When these treatments make sense for brides:
Microdermabrasion is a safe, low-risk option for gradual improvement throughout your engagement. I'd classify this as a "maintenance" treatment that keeps skin refined without aggressive intervention.
Microneedling is worth considering if you have:
Acne scarring you want to soften
Significant texture irregularities
At least 6-9 months before your wedding
Budget for a series of 3-4 treatments
However, microneedling carries more risk than basic facials. Your skin might purge, react unpredictably, or require longer healing than expected. Some brides experience temporary worsening of hyperpigmentation before improvement.
My rule for advanced treatments: If you wouldn't be comfortable with your skin looking worse than it does now for 2-3 weeks, don't risk it within 3 months of your wedding.
Laser treatments and IPL: the ultimate timeline guide (and why you need months, not weeks):
Laser treatments and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) are powerful tools for addressing:
Sun damage and age spots
Hyperpigmentation and melasma
Vascular concerns (broken capillaries, redness)
Deep texture and acne scars
They're also the treatments that require the MOST conservative timeline for brides.
Absolute rules for laser/IPL treatments before weddings:
Start NO LATER than 6 months before your wedding
Complete ALL treatments at least 12-16 weeks before your wedding
Never try laser/IPL for the first time within 6 months of your wedding
Account for multiple sessions (most laser treatments require 3-5 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart)
Why such conservative timing?
Lasers can cause temporary hyperpigmentation, especially on medium to dark skin tones
Healing is unpredictable; some people recover in days, others in weeks
Results take time to fully develop (sometimes months after your last treatment)
If something goes wrong, you need time to address it
I've photographed two brides who had laser treatments too close to their weddings. One had residual redness that required heavy color correction. Another had unexpected hyperpigmentation that distressed her throughout her wedding planning.
Both situations were avoidable with better timing.
My honest take: Unless you have significant sun damage or hyperpigmentation that profoundly affects your confidence, skip laser treatments in the year before your wedding. Focus on safer, more predictable treatments like facials, gentle peels, and an excellent at-home routine.
If you do pursue laser/IPL:
Work with a board-certified dermatologist or highly experienced medical esthetician
Do a test spot first to assess your skin's reaction
Complete your series by mid-engagement
Have a backup plan if results aren't what you expected
For Columbus brides, be especially cautious with laser treatments before summer weddings. The sun exposure during our beautiful Ohio summers combined with post-laser sensitivity creates serious risk for hyperpigmentation.
Creating Your Professional Treatment Schedule
The difference between randomly booking treatments and having a strategic schedule is the difference between hoping for good skin and ensuring good skin for your wedding.
The ideal treatment calendar: working backward from your wedding date:
Let me show you how I would plan professional treatments for different bride timelines. I'm using my own experience at Bahia Beauty as the foundation, but this applies to any quality med-spa or esthetician in the Columbus area.
12-Month Bridal Treatment Calendar:
Months 12-10 (The Assessment Phase):
Initial consultation and skin analysis
First basic facial (expect possible purging)
Second facial 4 weeks later (skin should respond better)
Begin at-home routine simultaneously
If considering advanced treatments (peels, microneedling, laser), schedule consultations now
Months 9-7 (The Intensive Phase):
Monthly advanced treatments if pursuing them (peels, microneedling)
Continue monthly basic facials on off-months
This is your window for more aggressive approaches
Monitor skin's response and adjust accordingly
Months 6-4 (The Refinement Phase):
FINAL advanced treatments must be completed by month 6
Increase facial frequency to bi-weekly if budget allows
Focus shifts to maintenance and continued improvement
Include extractions as needed (but spacing out toward the end)
Months 3-2 (The Conservative Phase):
STOP all aggressive treatments
Monthly facials focused on hydration and glow
Last extraction facial at 6-8 weeks out
No new products or treatments—this is not the time to experiment
Final Month (The Glow Phase):
One gentle, hydrating facial (hydrafacial or oxygen facial) 2-3 weeks before wedding
Optional: Final hydrafacial 3-5 days before wedding for maximum glow
Absolutely nothing new or risky
6-Month Abbreviated Calendar:
Months 6-5:
Rush consultation, start immediately
Bi-weekly facials if possible
Skip advanced treatments unless you have very specific concerns and understand the risks
Months 4-3:
Continue bi-weekly facials
Extractions as needed, but stop by 6 weeks out
Months 2-1:
Monthly maintenance
Final facial 2-3 weeks out
Optional glow facial 3-5 days before wedding
3-Month Emergency Calendar:
Month 3:
Immediate consultation
Weekly facials if budget permits
No aggressive treatments at all
Month 2:
Continue weekly or bi-weekly facials
Focus exclusively on hydration and gentle improvement
Final Month:
One hydrating facial 2 weeks out
Optional hydrafacial 3-5 days before wedding
How to space treatments for optimal results without damaging your skin:
Your skin has a healing cycle. Push treatments too close together, and you'll damage your skin barrier, increase sensitivity, and potentially make things worse.
Spacing guidelines:
Basic facials: 2-4 weeks apart (weekly is safe if they're gentle)
Extraction facials: 4-6 weeks apart minimum
Chemical peels: 4-8 weeks apart depending on strength
Microneedling: 4-6 weeks apart
Laser/IPL: 4-6 weeks apart
Between treatments, your at-home routine maintains and builds on professional results. Professional treatments are the intensive intervention; home care is the daily maintenance that actually creates lasting change.
Red flags: treatments to absolutely avoid in the final weeks before your wedding:
Let me be very clear about what you should NOT do in the month before your Columbus wedding:
Absolutely Do Not Do:
Any treatment you've never tried before
Extraction facials (last one should be 6-8 weeks before wedding)
Chemical peels of any strength
Microneedling or dermaplaning
Waxing your face for the first time (stick with whatever hair removal method you've been using)
Trying new active ingredients in your skincare routine
Aggressive exfoliation at home
At-home peels or strong acids
Safe Options in Final Month:
Hydrafacials (these are gentle and predictable)
Oxygen facials
LED light therapy
Gentle hydrating masks
Lymphatic drainage facials
Facial massage
The final weeks before your wedding are NOT the time for transformation. They're the time for gentle maintenance of the healthy skin you've been building for months.
I've heard horror stories from Columbus makeup artists about brides who got aggressive peels two weeks before their wedding and showed up with peeling, red, or reactive skin. Don't be that bride. Trust the process you've been following and resist the temptation to do "just one more thing."
Building Your At-Home Bridal Skincare Routine
Here's something that surprised me during my journey at Bahia Beauty: the monthly facials weren't what transformed my skin. The consistent, daily, sometimes tedious at-home routine was what actually created the change Kristy noticed.
Professional treatments are like going to the dentist for a cleaning. Essential, beneficial, but not a substitute for brushing your teeth every single day.
Your at-home routine is where the real work happens. It's what you do during the 730 hours between each monthly facial. And for brides balancing wedding planning stress, work, and life? It needs to be simple enough to maintain consistently.
The Essential Daily Routine Framework
Morning routine: cleanse, treat, protect (the non-negotiables for bridal skin):
Let me share my actual morning routine—the one that took my skin from problematic to wedding-ready in three months. This isn't aspirational Instagram skincare. This is what I actually did, every single morning, even when I was exhausted or running late.
Step 1: Gentle Cleanser (1 minute)
Your morning cleanse removes overnight oil production, sweat, and any products from the night before. It prepares your skin to actually absorb the treatments that follow.
What to use:
Gentle, pH-balanced cleanser (nothing harsh or stripping)
Cream or gel formulas work well for most skin types
Skip strong actives in your morning cleanser—save those for nighttime
My experience: I used a simple, fragrance-free gentle cleanser recommended by Bahia Beauty. Nothing fancy, but it cleaned without leaving my skin tight or stripped.
Step 2: Treatment/Serum (2 minutes)
This is where you address your specific skin concerns. For me, this meant treating my hyperpigmentation and hydrating my dehydrated skin.
Common bridal treatment options:
Vitamin C serum: Brightening, evening tone, protecting against environmental damage (perfect for morning)
Hyaluronic acid: Deep hydration that plumps and preps skin for makeup
Niacinamide: Reduces inflammation, minimizes pores, balances oil production
Application matters: Apply serums to damp (not wet, not dry) skin. Pat gently until absorbed. Give it 60 seconds to sink in before the next step.
My experience: I used a vitamin C serum every morning for brightening and a hyaluronic acid serum for hydration. This combination addressed my hyperpigmentation while fixing my dehydration issues.
Step 3: Moisturizer (1 minute)
Even if you think you have oily skin, you need moisturizer. In fact, if you have oily skin, you especially need moisturizer because your skin might be overproducing oil to compensate for dehydration (exactly what I was doing).
Choose based on your skin type:
Lightweight gel or lotion for oily/combination skin
Richer cream for dry skin
Adjust seasonally (lighter in humid Columbus summers, richer in dry winters)
Step 4: Sunscreen - THE NON-NEGOTIABLE (2 minutes)
If you do nothing else in this entire guide, wear sunscreen every single day.
Why this matters for brides specifically:
Prevents new hyperpigmentation while you're treating existing dark spots
Protects your skin from sun damage that shows up in photos
Prevents premature aging and texture issues
Essential if you're doing any professional treatments (which increase sun sensitivity)
Sunscreen rules:
Minimum SPF 30, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB protection)
Apply enough (most people use half the amount needed)
Reapply every 2 hours if outdoors
Physical (mineral) sunscreens often work better under makeup than chemical ones
For Columbus brides: Ohio sun is deceptively strong, especially in summer. Even if you work indoors, you're getting UV exposure through windows and during your commute. Sunscreen isn't optional.
My experience: I resisted sunscreen for years because I hated how it felt and looked under makeup. Finding a sunscreen that worked under makeup was game-changing. Ask your makeup artist (like Kristy at KK Beauty MUA) for recommendations—they know which sunscreens play well with foundation.
Total time investment: 6-7 minutes every morning
That's it. That's the routine that, combined with my professional treatments, transformed my skin in three months.
Evening routine: double cleanse, repair, hydrate (preparing skin while you sleep):
Your nighttime routine is where the heavy lifting happens. While you sleep, your skin repairs itself. Your job is to remove everything that accumulated during the day and feed your skin what it needs for optimal overnight renewal.
Step 1: Double Cleanse (3 minutes total)
This changed everything for me. Double cleansing ensures you actually remove the day—all of it.
First cleanse (oil-based cleanser or micellar water):
Removes makeup, sunscreen, excess oil
Breaks down products that water-based cleansers can't touch
Even if you don't wear makeup, you need this to remove sunscreen properly
Second cleanse (your regular gentle cleanser):
Removes remaining residue
Cleans your actual skin
Prepares skin for treatments
My experience: I thought I was cleansing well with just one step. I was wrong. When I started double cleansing, my skin texture improved dramatically because my pores were actually clean.
Step 2: Treatment/Active Ingredients (2 minutes)
Nighttime is when you use stronger actives because you're not going out into sun exposure and your skin repairs itself overnight.
Common nighttime treatments for brides:
Retinoids/retinol: The gold standard for texture, fine lines, and cell turnover (start slowly, build tolerance)
AHAs/BHAs: Chemical exfoliants that address texture, breakouts, and dullness
Treatment serums: Targeted products for your specific concerns
Critical warning about actives: If you're new to retinoids or strong acids, do NOT start them within 3 months of your wedding. These can cause purging, irritation, and require an adjustment period. Start early (6-12 months out) or skip them entirely.
My experience: I used a gentle AHA toner a few nights per week and a niacinamide serum on other nights. I avoided retinol because I didn't have time for the adjustment period with only three months to work with.
Step 3: Eye Cream (1 minute)
The skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate. It needs separate attention, especially for brides concerned about dark circles or fine lines in close-up photos.
Look for:
Hydrating ingredients (hyaluronic acid, peptides)
Caffeine for dark circles
Gentle formulas that won't irritate
Application: Use your ring finger (gentlest pressure) to pat (not rub) around the orbital bone.
Step 4: Moisturizer (1 minute)
Your nighttime moisturizer can be richer than your morning one because you're not putting makeup over it.
This is where you lock in all the treatments you just applied and provide deep hydration while you sleep.
Optional Step 5: Facial Oil or Sleeping Mask (1 minute)
If your skin is very dry or dehydrated, adding a facial oil or overnight sleeping mask as the final step seals everything in and provides intense hydration.
I started doing this during dry Columbus winters, and it made a noticeable difference in how plump and hydrated my skin looked in the morning.
Total time investment: 8-10 minutes every evening
The products every bride needs regardless of skin type:
You don't need a 15-step routine or hundreds of dollars of products. Here's the essential lineup:
Gentle cleanser (AM & PM)
Oil cleanser or micellar water (PM only)
Hydrating serum (hyaluronic acid works for everyone)
Treatment serum (vitamin C for AM, your chosen active for PM)
Moisturizer (possibly two: lighter for AM, richer for PM)
Sunscreen (SPF 30+ broad spectrum)
Eye cream (especially if you have concerns about this area)
That's seven products. You can build an effective bridal skincare routine with these essentials.
Everything else—face oils, sleeping masks, toners, essences—is supplemental based on your specific needs and budget.
Targeted Treatments for Common Bridal Skin Concerns
Beyond the basic routine, you'll want to address your specific skin concerns. Here's what actually works, based on both my experience and what I've learned from talking with Columbus brides and makeup artists.
Fighting breakouts and preventing wedding week acne:
Adult acne before your wedding is incredibly common. Stress, hormones, trying new products, and the general chaos of wedding planning all contribute to breakouts at the worst possible time.
What helps:
Consistent cleansing: I cannot overstate this. Double cleansing at night, every night, was the single biggest factor in reducing my breakouts.
Salicylic acid: A BHA that penetrates pores and prevents congestion. Use 2-3x per week in your evening routine.
Benzoyl peroxide: Spot treatment for active breakouts. Apply directly to pimples, not your whole face.
Professional extractions: Regular facials with proper extractions prevent the buildup that turns into wedding week breakouts.
Stress management: Cortisol (stress hormone) directly impacts skin. Taking care of your mental health during wedding planning isn't just good for you—it's good for your skin.
What doesn't help:
Constantly touching or picking at your face (I know, I know—but stop)
Over-washing or over-exfoliating (strips your skin and causes more oil production)
Changing products constantly hoping to find a magic bullet
Toothpaste, lemon juice, or other DIY "remedies" from the internet
Wedding week emergency protocol:
If you wake up with a breakout days before your wedding:
Do not pick or pop it (this creates inflammation and possible scarring)
Apply a spot treatment with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid
Ice it for 60 seconds to reduce inflammation
Let your makeup artist know—they handle this all the time
Take a deep breath—one pimple won't ruin your photos (I promise)
Fading dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and acne scars:
This was my primary concern, and it's one of the most common issues for brides. Hyperpigmentation photographs as uneven tone, requiring more coverage from your makeup artist.
What actually works for fading hyperpigmentation:
Vitamin C serum: Daily use gradually brightens dark spots. This was part of my morning routine throughout my entire prep.
Chemical exfoliants (AHAs like glycolic or lactic acid): Increase cell turnover, bringing fresh skin to the surface faster. Use 2-3x per week at night.
Niacinamide: Reduces hyperpigmentation and inflammation. Can be used morning and night.
Professional chemical peels: If started early enough (6+ months out), a series of peels can dramatically fade hyperpigmentation.
Sunscreen (mentioned again because it's that important): You cannot fade existing hyperpigmentation if you're constantly creating new sun damage. Daily SPF is non-negotiable.
Realistic timeline expectations:
Mild hyperpigmentation: 6-12 weeks to see noticeable improvement
Moderate hyperpigmentation: 3-6 months for significant fading
Severe hyperpigmentation or deep scars: 6-12 months, may not fully resolve
This is why starting early matters so much. Hyperpigmentation is treatable, but it takes time.
My experience: After three months of consistent vitamin C, chemical exfoliation, professional facials, and religious sunscreen use, my hyperpigmentation had faded about 60-70%. Not perfect, but enough that Kristy commented on the improvement and my makeup looked natural, not corrective.
Addressing fine lines, texture, and dullness for a smooth makeup base:
Even if you're a young bride, skin texture matters for how makeup sits. Dry patches, rough texture, or dullness create a canvas that's harder to work with.
What creates smooth, glowing skin:
Hydration (internal and external): Drink water, yes, but also use hydrating products. Hyaluronic acid serums, hydrating masks, and rich moisturizers all contribute to plump, smooth skin.
Regular exfoliation: Remove dead skin buildup so new, fresh skin is at the surface. This can be chemical (AHAs/BHAs 2-3x per week) or physical (gentle scrub 1-2x per week). Don't overdo it.
Consistency: Texture improves gradually with consistent care, not overnight with one miracle product.
Professional treatments: Regular facials, especially hydrafacials, create the cumulative improvement that shows up in your skin texture.
My experience: The "glow" everyone talks about? It's not one thing. It's hydrated, exfoliated, consistently cared-for skin that reflects light well. When photographers talk about someone having "good skin," we usually mean their skin is well-hydrated and has even texture—both completely achievable with consistent care.
Weekly Boost Treatments at Home
Beyond your daily routine, weekly treatments give your skin an extra boost without the cost of constant professional facials.
Exfoliation: how often and what type for your skin:
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, prevents congestion, improves texture, and helps your products absorb better. It's essential for bridal skin prep—but it's also easy to overdo.
How often to exfoliate:
Oily/resilient skin: 3-4x per week
Combination skin: 2-3x per week
Dry/sensitive skin: 1-2x per week
Very sensitive skin: 1x per week maximum
Types of exfoliation:
Chemical exfoliants (my preference for most brides):
AHAs (glycolic, lactic acid): Address dullness, texture, hyperpigmentation, fine lines
BHAs (salicylic acid): Penetrate pores, prevent breakouts, reduce oil
Benefits: More even, controlled exfoliation without physical abrasion
Physical exfoliants:
Scrubs with gentle, rounded particles (avoid harsh, jagged scrubs like apricot kernels)
Cleansing brushes or cloths
Professional microdermabrasion
Benefits: Immediate smooth feeling, good for very rough texture
My recommendation: Start with chemical exfoliation 2-3x per week at night. Add physical exfoliation only if your skin tolerates it well. Never do both on the same day.
Critical warning: Stop all exfoliation 3-5 days before your wedding. You want your skin calm and barrier-strong, not freshly exfoliated and potentially reactive.
Face masks that actually make a difference (hydrating, brightening, clarifying):
Face masks are the perfect weekly boost treatment—they feel luxurious, they're relaxing, and the good ones actually deliver results.
Hydrating masks (use 2-3x per week):
Sheet masks soaked in hyaluronic acid or essence
Gel or cream masks that you leave on 10-20 minutes
Overnight sleeping masks
Best for: Everyone, but especially brides with dry or dehydrated skin (like I had)
Brightening masks (use 1-2x per week):
Usually contain vitamin C, niacinamide, or light AHAs
Help fade hyperpigmentation gradually
Create temporary glow for next-day events
Best for: Brides addressing uneven tone or dullness
Clarifying/clay masks (use 1x per week maximum):
Draw out impurities and excess oil
Reduce appearance of pores
Prevent congestion
Best for: Oily or acne-prone skin
Important timing tip: Do a hydrating mask the night before any important event (engagement photos, bridal shower, bachelorette party). Your skin will look plumper and more radiant the next day—perfect for photos.
I did a sheet mask the night before meeting with Kristy for my wedding makeup, and the difference in how my skin absorbed products was noticeable.
At-home tools worth investing in: LED masks, gua sha, and facial massage techniques:
Some at-home tools actually deliver results worth the investment. Others are expensive skincare theater. Here's what's worth considering:
LED light therapy masks:
What they do: Different light wavelengths address different concerns (red for collagen, blue for acne, etc.)
Worth it if: You have persistent acne or want anti-aging benefits, and you'll actually use it consistently (3-4x per week)
Cost: $100-$400 for quality devices
My take: Effective but requires consistency. Better for brides with 6+ months to work with.
Gua sha tools:
What they do: Increase circulation, reduce puffiness, promote lymphatic drainage, create temporary sculpting effect
Worth it if: You enjoy the ritual and will do it regularly
Cost: $10-$50
My take: The benefits are real but temporary. Great for de-puffing before important photos or your wedding day.
Jade rollers:
What they do: Similar to gua sha but gentler; reduces puffiness, increases circulation
Worth it if: You want something simple and soothing for morning de-puffing
Cost: $10-$30
My take: Keep it in your fridge and use it in the morning. The cooling effect reduces puffiness beautifully.
Cleansing brushes (Clarisonic-style):
What they do: Deep cleanse beyond what hands can achieve
Worth it if: You wear heavy makeup or sunscreen daily
Cost: $50-$200
My take: Can be helpful but also easy to overuse and irritate skin. If you try one, use it gently and not every day.
Microcurrent devices:
What they do: Stimulate facial muscles, claim to "tone" and "lift"
Worth it if: You have significant budget and time to dedicate to consistent use
Cost: $200-$500+
My take: Results are subtle and require consistent use. Skip unless you have money to spare and love skincare gadgets.
DIY facial massage techniques (free and effective):
You don't need tools. Your hands work beautifully for lymphatic drainage and facial massage.
Morning de-puffing massage (3 minutes):
Apply your serum or facial oil for slip
Use gentle pressure, starting at the center of your face, sweeping outward and down toward your neck
Use upward strokes on your neck
Gently tap around your eye area to increase circulation
Benefits: Reduces morning puffiness, increases circulation, helps products absorb, feels amazing
Evening relaxation massage (5 minutes):
After applying your nighttime products, use gentle circular motions on your temples, forehead, and jaw
Massage your jaw muscles (many of us hold tension here)
Gentle pressure on your cheekbones
Finish with gentle tapping all over your face
Benefits: Reduces stress, promotes relaxation, increases product absorption, releases facial tension
I started doing this during my skincare journey, and beyond the skin benefits, it became a moment of calm in the chaos of wedding planning.
The Final Countdown - Perfecting Your Canvas for Makeup
The last month before your Columbus wedding is not the time for transformation. It's the time for maintenance, protection, and strategic preparation for your big day.
This is where all your months of consistent care pay off. Your skin is healthier, your routine is established, and now you're just polishing and protecting what you've built.
The Last 4 Weeks Before Your Wedding
Final professional treatments: what's safe and what to skip:
I'm going to be very direct here because I've seen too many brides panic and make risky decisions in the final month.
Safe treatments in the final 4 weeks:
Hydrating facials (hydrafacial, oxygen facial)
Gentle LED light therapy
Lymphatic drainage facials
Facial massage treatments
Enzyme treatments (gentle exfoliation)
Absolutely skip in the final 4 weeks:
Extraction facials
Chemical peels of any strength
Microneedling
Laser or IPL treatments
Dermaplaning (if you've never done it before)
Facial waxing (if you've never done it before)
Any "aggressive" treatment your esthetician recommends
The risk-benefit ratio completely shifts in your final month. A professional treatment that would have been perfect at 3 months out is now too risky at 3 weeks out.
My recommended final treatment timeline:
4 weeks before wedding: Last opportunity for any extraction facial or slightly more intensive treatment (only if you're confident in your skin's response)
2-3 weeks before wedding: Gentle hydrating facial—this is your "maintenance and glow" appointment
3-5 days before wedding (optional): Final hydrafacial or oxygen facial for maximum radiance on your big day
Final 48 hours: No professional treatments, just your established at-home routine
Ramping up hydration and barrier protection:
In the final month, your skincare focus shifts entirely to hydration and protection. You're not trying to fix anything anymore—you're optimizing what you have.
Why hydration matters more than ever:
Plump, hydrated skin catches light beautifully in photos
Makeup applies smoother and lasts longer on hydrated skin
Well-hydrated skin looks healthier and more youthful
Stress (hello, final month of wedding planning) dehydrates skin
How to maximize hydration in your final month:
Layer hydrating products: Hyaluronic acid serum + hydrating toner + rich moisturizer + facial oil (if needed)
Add hydrating masks: 3-4x per week instead of your usual 1-2x
Drink actual water: I know everyone says this, but it matters. Aim for 8+ glasses daily.
Use a humidifier: Especially in dry Columbus winters or if you're getting married in air-conditioned summer venues
Avoid dehydrating activities: Excessive alcohol, not enough sleep, extreme stress (easier said than done, I know)
Protecting your skin barrier:
Your skin barrier is your skin's protective outer layer. A healthy barrier = calm, resilient skin. A damaged barrier = sensitivity, redness, breakouts, and unpredictable reactions.
In your final month, protect your barrier by:
Avoiding all new products (nothing new touches your face)
Reducing exfoliation frequency (1-2x per week maximum)
Using gentle, fragrance-free products
Not over-cleansing or over-treating
Managing stress (which weakens your barrier)
Resist the temptation to do "just one more thing."
Emergency protocols: what to do if you break out or have a skin crisis:
Despite your best efforts, skin emergencies happen. Here's your crisis management plan:
If you wake up with a breakout 1-2 weeks before your wedding:
Don't panic: Makeup artists handle this literally every wedding. Kristy has seen it all.
Don't pick it: I know the temptation is overwhelming. Don't. Picking creates inflammation, possible scarring, and makes makeup coverage harder.
Ice it: 60 seconds of ice reduces inflammation immediately.
Spot treat: Benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid spot treatment overnight.
Hydrocolloid patches: These magical little stickers draw out pimples overnight without picking. Use them.
Call your esthetician: If it's severe, they might be able to fit you in for safe, professional extraction.
Warn your makeup artist: Give them a heads up so they can plan their approach.
If you have an allergic reaction or sudden sensitivity:
Stop everything immediately: Strip back to the absolute basics (gentle cleanser, simple moisturizer, sunscreen)
Anti-inflammatory approach: Cool compresses, gentle products, potentially hydrocortisone cream for severe reactions
Call a dermatologist: If it's severe or not improving in 24 hours, get professional help
Document what you used: Try to identify what caused the reaction so you can avoid it
If you're dealing with stress-related skin issues (redness, breakouts, dullness):
Actually address the stress: I know, easier said than done. But your skin is telling you something.
Simplify your routine: Fewer steps, gentler products, more sleep
Hydrate aggressively: Stress dehydrates skin; counteract it
Consider a gentle facial: Sometimes professional hands and a relaxing treatment help both your skin and your stress levels
My final month was stressful (whose isn't?), and my skin showed it. What helped: reducing my routine to essentials, sleeping more, and getting one final hydrating facial two weeks out.
Wedding Week Skincare Strategy
You're in the final countdown. Your dress is ready, your venue is set, and your skin? Your skin is about to have its close-up moment.
Daily routine adjustments for maximum glow:
Wedding week isn't the time for your usual routine. It's time for your "special occasion" version—think of it as your skin's final rehearsal before the big performance.
Monday-Thursday (4-7 days before wedding):
Morning routine:
Gentle cleanse
Hydrating toner or essence (extra moisture layer)
Vitamin C serum (for that last bit of brightening)
Hyaluronic acid serum
Rich moisturizer
Sunscreen (SPF 50 this week—no risks)
Evening routine:
Double cleanse (thoroughly but gently)
Hydrating toner
Your usual treatment serum (but nothing aggressive)
Eye cream
Rich night moisturizer
Facial oil if your skin is dry
Add this week:
Hydrating sheet mask every other night
Gentle facial massage nightly (5 minutes to de-stress and boost circulation)
Extra sleep (your skin repairs itself while you sleep)
What to avoid this week:
Any active breakout treatments unless absolutely necessary (they're drying)
Strong exfoliation (1x gentle exfoliation maximum, early in the week)
Any new products whatsoever
Excessive touching of your face
Alcohol in excess (dehydrating)
The night-before facial ritual for plump, radiant skin:
Friday night (or the night before your Saturday Columbus wedding) is sacred skincare time. This is your final at-home "treatment" before the big day.
My night-before protocol (the one I used and now recommend to every bride):
6:00 PM - Last real meal: Eat a balanced dinner with plenty of water. Avoid excessive salt (causes puffiness) and alcohol (dehydrating).
8:00 PM - The ritual begins:
Step 1 - Extended cleansing (5 minutes):
Oil cleanse thoroughly, massaging for 2 full minutes
Rinse with lukewarm water
Gentle cleanser, massage for another 2 minutes
Pat dry with clean towel
Step 2 - Gentle exfoliation (2 minutes) (only if your skin tolerates it):
Very gentle chemical exfoliant OR a soft washcloth
Remove dead skin so tomorrow's makeup sits perfectly
Skip if your skin is at all sensitive right now
Step 3 - Treatment layers (5 minutes):
Hydrating toner, pressed gently into skin
Hydrating serum (hyaluronic acid)
Brightening serum (vitamin C or niacinamide)
Eye cream, gently patted
Wait 2 minutes between each layer
Step 4 - The hydrating mask (15-20 minutes):
Apply a rich hydrating sheet mask OR cream mask
Lie down, relax, maybe put on a favorite show
Let your skin drink in all that moisture
Step 5 - Seal everything in (3 minutes):
Rich night moisturizer
Facial oil (if you use one)
Extra eye cream if you tend toward puffiness
Gently massage everything in with upward motions
Step 6 - Lip care:
Apply lip mask or thick balm (your lips need to look good for all those kisses tomorrow)
9:00-9:30 PM - Extra credit:
Gua sha or jade roller with gentle, upward strokes (5 minutes)
Reduces any puffiness, boosts circulation, feels amazing
10:00 PM - Early bed*:
Sleep on a silk pillowcase (less friction, fewer creases)
Keep room cool and use humidifier if you have one
Aim for 8+ hours
What your skin will look like tomorrow morning: Plump, hydrated, glowing, and the perfect canvas for Kristy (or your makeup artist) to work with.
Morning-of skincare: timing your routine for optimal makeup application:
Your wedding morning is precious. You don't have time for a lengthy routine, but you do need to prep your skin properly for makeup.
The timeline (assuming makeup starts at 9:00 AM):
6:00-6:30 AM - Wake up and immediate depuff:
Splash face with cool water (don't fully cleanse yet)
Apply eye patches or cold spoons to under-eyes
Drink large glass of water
Gently move around (light stretching, walk around) to reduce overall puffiness
7:00-7:15 AM - The actual skincare routine:
This needs to happen 1.5-2 hours before makeup application to give products time to fully absorb.
Step 1 - Gentle cleanse (2 minutes):
Lukewarm water, gentle cleanser
Pat dry, don't rub
Step 2 - Hydrate and prep (5 minutes):
Hydrating toner or essence
Lightweight hydrating serum (hyaluronic acid)
Eye cream (pat gently, don't rub)
Lightweight moisturizer (not heavy cream—makeup goes on soon)
Wait 3-5 minutes for absorption
Step 3 - Prime (2 minutes):
Sunscreen (yes, even though you're wearing makeup—get SPF under there)
Wait 10-15 minutes for sunscreen to set
Makeup primer if your artist requests it (ask them ahead of time)
8:45 AM - Final check before makeup:
Blot any excess oil with tissue (don't add more product)
Ensure everything has absorbed
Your skin should feel hydrated but not greasy
Critical timing rules:
Finish your full routine at least 1.5 hours before makeup
All products must be fully absorbed (nothing slippery or greasy)
Blot excess oil, never powder (powder will create texture issues under foundation)
Less is more on wedding morning—don't over-apply products
What not to do on wedding morning:
Try any new products (seriously, don't even think about it)
Apply heavy, greasy products that won't absorb
Do any exfoliation or treatments
Touch your face excessively
Panic if your skin isn't "perfect"—that's what your makeup artist is for
When Kristy did my wedding makeup, my skin was prepped exactly like this. She commented that the products absorbed beautifully and my makeup went on like a dream. That's the goal.
About Melchy Hill Photography
I'm Melchy Hill, a Columbus, Ohio wedding photographer specializing in genuine moments and stress-free wedding experiences. Since 2012, I've photographed 100+ weddings throughout Columbus and Central Ohio, helping couples create timelines that work and capturing the real moments that become treasured memories.
Serving Columbus, Westerville, Dublin, and Central Ohio • Available for destination weddings
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