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    You will most likely be stressing about numerous things before your wedding – your skin doesn’t have to be one of them. Here is what not to do to your skin before the big day.

    1. Spend too much time in the sun

    Don’t try to get the tan of your life right before your big day. You could get burnt and you and your skin will be dehydrated, and it will show. On that note, stay away from tanning beds as well; they can just as much – if not more – damage your skin.

    Take a look in the mirror and think about whether you actually need a tan. If you do, rather try a subtle self-tanning product for a few weeks leading up to the big day. Start toning it down a week before.

    And remember to wear sunscreen every single day, even on your wedding day, to ensure you stay sun safe.

    2. Pick at blemishes

    This doesn’t only apply to your pre-wedding preparations but it’s great advice for every time you are tempted to pick. Picking, squeezing or scratching a spot on your face will cause scarring. We know it’s incredibly hard not to pop that pimple as soon as it arises, but it’s important to leave it alone. The bacteria underneath your nails can penetrate this vulnerable area, causing swelling and redness.

    Instead, apply a spot treatment that contains benzoyl peroxide (not toothpaste!) to the area twice a day after cleansing, and try to leave it alone.

    If you are struggling with a painful, cystic spot right before the big day, visit your dermatologist and have a cortisone shot in the affected area. This will help considerably more than any topical treatment.

    3. Change your routine

    Every bride wants her skin to be perfect. Stick to what you know works for you and don’t try to switch up your routine a month before. Your skin WILL freak out.

    A few months before your wedding, introduce your skin to a brightening treatment (containing malic acid or vitamin C) paired with a moisturiser that contains hyaluronic acid. Cell turnover takes approximately 30 days, so any new treatment you use will only begin to show its effects after a month.

    Pro tip: Don’t use an acne treatment if you do not have problem skin as a preventative measure. It will only dry out your skin and you won’t glow as much when you say ‘I do.’

    4. Get a peel too soon before your wedding day 

    Getting a harsh chemical peel a few days before your wedding won’t be beneficial in the least. A peel of any kind requires some downtime, and your skin needs to chill out for a week or more.

    A peel literally removes a layer of skin, cleansing deep down into your pores, and revealing smooth and glowing skin. It helps in the disappearance of ance, scars, wrinkles and a rough texture, but it will not give you perfect skin overnight.

    Try a peel way in advance to see how it works for you, and then go for another (more gentle, if necessary) session at least two months before your wedding. They are one of the greatest things you can do for perfect wedding skin, but always be sure to chat to your therapist to make sure your timing and choice of treatment is spot on.

    5. Get too stressed out 

    Don’t forget to make time for yourself, meditate and breathe. All the stress of planning and making sure every detail is perfect will take a massive toll on your skin. Try listening to soothing music before bed, take a long bath, and breathe long and deep breaths to calm down your nervous system. And remember to hydrate!

    ALSO SEE: Keep your hair healthy on your summer honeymoon

    Keep your hair healthy on your summer honeymoon

    Feature image: Pexels

    Every bride dreams of that effortless wedding-day glow — the kind that looks fresh, radiant, and untouched by stress. But between last-minute seating plans, makeup trials, and a whirlwind of emotions, your skin might not be on the same timeline. The good news? You can still wake up looking luminous, even if the big day is just hours away.

    Dermatologists say achieving completely clear skin overnight isn’t always realistic, but a visible overnight boost? Absolutely possible. Here’s how to prep your skin the night before your wedding for that naturally radiant, camera-ready finish.

    Cleanse Like You Mean It

    Before bed, give your skin a fresh start. Use a gentle cream-to-oil cleanser that melts away makeup and dirt without stripping your skin. Harsh scrubs are a no-go right before your wedding — they can leave your skin sensitive or red.

    Try local favourites like Africology’s Gentle Cleansing Cream or Skin Creamery’s Oil-Milk Cleanser for a smooth, hydrated base that glows by morning.

    Try A Natural Skin Booster

    Your kitchen cupboard might just hold a secret weapon: apple cider vinegar. Used as a gentle toner, it helps balance your skin and calm any surprise breakouts. Apply a small amount with a cotton pad before bed — it’s mild enough for most skin types and works overnight to refresh and clarify. The smell isn’t glamorous, but the glow is.

    Hydrate With A Sheet Mask

    Few things feel more luxurious than a pre-wedding sheet mask moment. Choose one packed with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, avocado oil, or aloe vera. Leave it on for 15–20 minutes to plump and refresh your skin. By morning, you’ll look like you’ve had eight hours of spa sleep.

    Skip The Salt, Drink The Water

    Salty snacks and wedding stress might go hand in hand, but they’re the enemies of glowing skin. Sodium causes puffiness, especially under the eyes, which can make you look tired. Instead, drink plenty of water or a cup of caffeine-free rooibos tea to stay hydrated and de-puffed.

    Bonus tip: add cucumber slices or lemon to your water for a natural detox effect.

    Add A Few Drops Of Oil

    If you’ve been avoiding facial oils, it’s time to rethink it. Non-comedogenic oils like marula, argan, or sunflower seed nourish your skin and seal in moisture overnight. Just a few drops under your night cream can make a visible difference by morning — softer, smoother, and more radiant skin awaits.

    Brighten The Eyes

    Late-night wedding prep can leave your eyes showing it first. A brightening eye cream with vitamin C or caffeine will help reduce puffiness and dark circles. Gently massage from your temples toward the inner corners to boost circulation and bring back that lively, well-rested look.

    Don’t Pop Pimples

    If a pimple dares to show up before your big day, hands off. Popping it will only make it worse. Instead, dab a calming spot treatment or a little plain yogurt — yes, yogurt — which naturally soothes inflammation and helps the skin heal overnight.

    Keep Your Hands Away From Your Face

    This one’s simple but crucial: don’t touch your face. Even clean hands can transfer bacteria that trigger breakouts. If you need to fix your hair or makeup, keep a clean tissue nearby to avoid unnecessary contact.

    What This Means for You:

    No miracle product can erase months of stress in one night — but with the right routine, you can absolutely revive your glow before your wedding. Keep it gentle, stay hydrated, and focus on nourishing rather than overdoing.

    By the time the sun rises, your skin will be rested, radiant, and ready for your moment down the aisle.

    Looking to have glowing skin on your wedding day? Le Naturel is a local South African handcrafted luxury 100% natural beauty brand. This ec0-friendly skincare brand is known for its unique product ranges featuring indigenous oils. The products are created to help rejuvenate and nurture the body, skin, and mind. 

    Le Natural aspires to complement a natural approach to health and beauty, Founder Lea Botha is motivated to produce a range of luxury natural products with no chemicals, fragrances, colourants, or parabens. For our eco-conscious brides-to-be, Le Naturel strives to do business in a sustainable, environmentally-friendly, natural way.

    skincare products for your wedding day

    So, what are the benefits of using natural beauty products? Well, there are plenty, but here are a few: 

    Environmentally Friendly 

    These natural beauty products are not only good for you but good for the environment too! Their organic and natural products contain zero chemicals that are harmful or to the earth, animals, or humans. 

    Rich In Nutrients 

    Le Naturel is a fynbos-inspired brand, thus all the ingredients found in natural products are beneficial for the skin and body, it contains naturally-derived ingredients from plant extracts for their incredible healing benefits and enchanting aromas.

    Long-Term  Investment

    Looking for a long-term investment that provides quality and good coverage? Natural skincare products can cost a little more than synthetic skincare products, however, investing in good organic products comes with a guarantee of a  simplified skincare routine that includes quality natural ingredients that is beneficial for your skincare in the long run. 

    For more information, visit Le Naturel to shop and explore more natural, sustainable, environmentally friendly products. 

    Pictures: Le Naturel | Pexels

    Also Read: How to pull off the ‘Natural glam’ makeup look

    You wake up on the day of your wedding and your skin is on fire. Although it’s not ideal, there are easy ways to soothe and calm skin down in a flash by following a few simple steps and being prepared.

    In advance

    It’s an absolute fact that stress and anxiety causes inflammation, which could potentially worsen conditions like eczema, psoriasis and general sensitivity. It also disrupts your sleep pattern, leading to less efficient time for your skin to recover and, thus, a duller appearance. However, saying you should reduce stress and actually doing it are two very different things. But it is crucial to your skin’s sanity. Helping your body and mind relax a little could be as simple as going for a walk, taking a well-deserved nap or starting your day with a few minutes of meditation. This will help reduce cortisol levels which will bring down inflammation. Along with that, make sure you drink enough water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside and up your energy levels.

    The day before

    Try to keep your skin as clean as possible the day before – that means no make-up, no harsh products, and no crazy masks or treatments. Also, stay out of the sun completely. Avoid salty food and alcohol as this can cause further puffiness. Before you go to bed, make sure your skin is properly cleansed and do a very light exfoliation with a formula that you trust. Lastly, seal in moisture with a good, hydrating moisturiser while your skin is still damp, then call it an early night.

    The day of

    If you’ve been taking proper care of your skin in the months and days leading up to the big day, you should be fine – but Murphy’s Law always has something else planned. Don’t fear, just reach for the ice. Should you wake up with red, itchy and inflamed skin on the morning of your wedding, wash your face with a gentle cream cleanser. It should contain ingredients such as chamomile, aloe vera, and lavender for an ultra calming effect. Then, take a few ice blocks and wrap them in a soft, damp face cloth or muslin cloth. Gently press the ice to irritated areas on your face for a good few minutes to help calm down inflammation and constrict blood vessels. Take this time to relax and lie down, or take a cool bath. Apply a soothing mask with a high aloe vera content afterward and keep it on until you need to start getting your make-up done.

    Our favourite redness-reducing heroes:

    Bioderma Cicabio Creme R236.95 Available at Clicks. Picture: Supplied
    The Body Shop Aloe Soothing Rescue Cream Mask R210 Available at The Body Shop Picture: Supplied
    Aloe Unique Aloe & Honey Gel Mask R119 Available online at aloeunique.co.za Picture: Supplied
    Dermalogica Calm Water Gel R949 Available online at dermalogica.co.za Picture: Supplied

    Image: Unsplash