Wedding planning can be equal parts magic and mayhem. Between finding venues, guest lists, fittings and final details, it’s easy for your own needs to slip down the priority list. Unfortunately, great skin doesn't happen overnight and prepping your skin for your wedding can't be squeezed into the week before. If you really want the best results, we recommend starting your skin prep journey at least six months out.
To bring this journey to life, we caught up with Wilhelmina O’Keeffe, journalist, long-time Caci friend, and recent bride, who let us in on the pre wedding skin routine she followed to get glowing on her big day.
When you first started planning your wedding, did skin prep come to mind straight away or was it something you thought about later on?
Skin prep definitely came to mind straight away. I’ve had bouts of really frustrating and aggressive acne before - especially during times of high stress, so I knew it was something I wanted to make a plan for with a lot of lead in time to make sure all of the external elements of my skin prep were accounted for. As I’m sure most brides will agree, I wanted everything to be perfect on the day (or as close to it as possible) and skin was a huge part of that.
What did you want your skin to look and feel like on your wedding day?
Having struggled with breakouts, the biggest thing for me was making sure I was clear of lumps, bumps, texture, and inflammation. A close second to that, was being hydrated and really dewy - I dreamed of the wedding day glow! Having a clear and moisturized base also made my make up artist’s job a lot easier and meant that her products could sit comfortably on my face and last the distance - as it’s a very long day!
Why did you decide to visit Caci for your pre-wedding skin journey?
I’ve been a long-standing Caci customer. I started visiting around 10 years ago, and after a bit of a hiatus decided it was time to get back to regular programming and regular maintenance. My experience last time was fantastic - and I knew I could expect the same this time especially when it came to tailoring a facial plan for me.
What was your first appointment at Caci like, and how did they help map out a plan for the lead-up to the big day?
It was great! Very relaxed and informative. I met with the wonderful Bernadette from Caci Wynyard Quarter, and we chatted through what my skin goals and concerns were ahead of the big day. We decided on a facial a month for the 6 months leading up to the wedding, mainly with a mix of Hydradermabrasion and Microdermabrasion.
Which treatments or appointments have been your favourites so far and why?
I absolutely love a Hydradermabrasion and Microdermabrasion. It’s like a little vacuum for your face, sucking up all of the nasties and leaving a smooth clear base behind. The Hydradermabrasion also leaves you feeling super hydrated as well and make up always glides on so smoothly in the days afterwards. I also had a bit of texture between my eyebrows that no amount of Botox could smooth out. I managed to fit in two sessions of Fractional CO2 Laser on the area before the wedding and that made a big difference. I’m looking forward to a few more sessions to really soften up that area.
Was there a moment where you really noticed a difference in your skin?
Definitely the month before the wedding. There was no sudden change, but I started to appreciate the cumulative effect of the treatments and noticed barely any breakouts. Great skin also isn’t just about what you do externally but also internally too, and in the two months before the wedding I decided to cut out all sugary treats/drinks from my diet. It all made a huge difference!
How did your at-home skincare routine fit in with your in-clinic treatments?
When it comes to skin, consistency is key and that includes doing good things for your skin in-between those in-clinic treatments. I had a pretty well-established routine before I came to Caci, something which I’m always reluctant to deviate from at risk of aggravating my skin, but I was open minded and introduced some new products into my routine which I now couldn’t live without! To me, at-home skincare is just as important as professional treatments.
Are there any products or steps in your routine that became total non-negotiables?
Absolutely - for me it’s the Murad Hydrating Toner, and Murad Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Cream. The great thing about them too - is that they are products that also last. I use my toner day and night and it’s lasted me over 3 months!
Wedding planning can be a lot, how did taking time for your skin help you feel during the process?
Wedding or not, self-care is so important for both your physical and mental health. It was a great way for me to unwind, relax, and know that I was doing something great for myself that would help me glow on the day.
What’s been your favourite part of the whole skin prep experience?
Seeing the results is a big one but also having that time for myself and a whole 30 minutes of relaxation. The neck and shoulder massage is definitely a huge bonus to each of my facials!
What advice would you give to other brides who are just starting to think about their wedding skin prep?
Start early and be really considered in your approach. If there’s a particular concern you want to target, you need a lot of time to tackle it to get the results you want. Don’t neglect the internal as well - make sure you drink loads of water, have a healthy diet without processed foods and take supplements. It all makes a difference.
And lastly - can you describe for us how you felt on your big day?
It was truly the best day and best weekend of my life. I felt so happy and confident in my own skin and loved every minute of it - especially with my wedding day glow!
Want more? Read our guide to your pre-wedding skincare timeline. A must read for any bride-to-be!
Botulinum toxin injections are prescription medicine for the treatment of frown lines, horizontal forehead lines and crow’s feet round the eyes. Botulinum toxin injections have risks and benefits. Ask your doctor if botulinum toxin injection is right for you. If you have side effects, see your doctor. You will need to pay for your botulinum toxin injection and clinic fees will apply. For details on precautions & side effects consult your doctor or go to www.medsafe.govt.nz . Botulinum toxin injections lasts about 4 months and further courses of treatment may be necessary. Should only be administered by trained medical professionals.
