How To Not Break Out On Your Wedding Day (Or Ever)

There’s nothing worse than planning for a major life event (like a wedding or graduation) and waking up on the big day to a blemish. Don’t let this happen to you. To prevent just this type of beauty disaster we asked founder of GOLDFADEN MD™ and dermatologist Dr. Gary Goldfaden for tips on keeping your skin clear on those days you simply have to look your best.

Glow On. It's Your Big Day.

Photo: Vanessa Jackman

Don't Forget To Relax

“Stress is a trigger for acne flare-ups. When you're stressed you produce a hormone called cortisol which causes an overproduction of sebum, the oil-producing glands that form pimples and inflammation. Exercise is a great way to help alleviate stress. Most importantly, get as much sleep as possible the week before your event."

Form A 30-Day Plan

“One month before your special day, exfoliate your face. Since the skin’s cycle is 28 days, this is the perfect opportunity to remove dull skin cells and reveal fresh and glowing skin. Look for gentle scrubs or a peel that contains lactic acid, which targets hyperpigmentation and sun damage. This is also the time to start drinking lots of water.”

Proceed With Caution

“It's imperative to stay on track with your normal routine and not to try any new makeup, face masks, scrubs, etc. Introducing new products into your regime can cause irritation, rashes or breakouts. Also make sure to stay out of the sun—you don’t want to have to worry about covering an unsightly sunburn on your big day.”

Watch What You Eat

“If you’re not already on a strict food regimen, start focusing on an appropriate diet one week before your event. Limit your salt and sugar intake and increase your daily amount of fruit and vegetables. Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids reduces inflammation and increases circulation, resulting in clear and glowing skin. It's also wise to stay clear of any allergy-inducing foods, such as shellfish and nuts. Remember an allergic reaction can happen at any time for the first time.”

Prepare For The Worst

“The most important thing is to refrain from squeezing or pinching a blemish–this causes redness, swelling and possible infection. You can try a few things to calm a breakout: Icing the area can help with swelling; applying egg whites is a fast way to dry it out; cool tea bags are great for calming irritation; and, of course, a good concealer can cover it up.”