Talk of wedding skincare, and a majority of the conversations surround pre-celebration rituals to attain that ultimate glow on the big day. However, it is the post-wedding ritual that is epochal for your skin to bounce back to health after a slew of indulgences and heavy makeup application. From late-night revelries to scrumptious feasts – whether you are the bride or a part of her tribe – wedding festivities can take a toll on your skin, leading to acne, bumps and hyperpigmentation. Renowned dermatologist and founder of Yavana Aesthetic Clinic, Dr Madhuri Agarwal, suggests, “It is essential to resist the urge to aggressively treat these concerns. Instead, focus on calming ingredients and a basic routine to restore the skin barrier.” She also notes, “There may be added travel during or after the wedding, leading to further skin damage. A simple way of maintaining the glow throughout is to continue following the skin and hair routine the one was adhering to previously. Frequent reapplication of sunscreen is essential if you are going to be outdoors.”
Celebrity dermatologist, Jaishree Sharad asserts that dehydration after the wedding skin needs to be treated at the earliest. “Water is your best friend. Drink at least eight to ten glasses of water daily to help flush out toxins and keep your skin hydrated. Swap your usual caffeinated beverages with green tea or kombucha that have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, apply a hydrating sheet mask or overnight mask for an extra boost of moisture,” adds the dermat.
Healing from the inside out
Contrary to popular belief, topical treatment is not enough to restore your skin’s health. An inside-outside approach helps the gut-skin axis and prevents the gut flora from being compromised, which can lead to skin issues. Research establishes that sound gut health is the key to achieving nourished and glowing skin. Dr Agarwal prescribes, “Focus on a balanced diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E. Omega-3 fatty acids from sources like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts help maintain skin hydration. Incorporate antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables such as spinach, berries, and bell peppers to combat inflammation.”
While it is easier to address immediate issues like dull and uneven skin tone with over-the-counter products, dietary changes are important to aid long-term healing. “Green juices made from ingredients like spinach, kale, cucumber, celery, and parsley are dense in nutrients, making them ideal for detoxifying the skin and reducing inflammation,” says Dr Sharad. “Berries like blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and goji berries are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and fibre that help neutralise free radicals that can accelerate ageing and skin damage. Probiotic-rich foods like yoghurt, kefir, and fermented foods like kimchi improve gut health, impacting skin clarity and texture. Also, avoid excess sugar that leads to glycation, a process where sugar molecules bind to collagen and elastin, weakening these proteins and causing premature ageing. It can also trigger inflammation and worsen acne.”
Building a Routine
The largest organ of our body acts as a barrier against external elements. Naturally, it is of immense importance to maintain its health in order to forestall signs of ageing and damage. “Sometimes, brides immediately start trying new products to address post-wedding woes”, observes Dr Agarwal. “Instead, try maintaining a simple and consistent routine of cleansing, hydration, and sun protection. Oily skin types can use gel-based moisturisers and oil-free sunscreens, while dry skin types should stick to rich emollients.”
Acne breakouts are one of the most common post-festivity skin concerns. “To treat this, incorporate calming ingredients like tea tree oil or niacinamide into your routine, along with a hydrating moisturiser containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides,” suggests Dr Sharad. “Avoid using any new or fragranced products that might cause irritation. Instead, apply aloe vera gel or a soothing cream with colloidal oatmeal to calm the skin.”
For the ones with sensitive, acne-prone skin, Dr Agarwal recommends, “You can gradually introduce active ingredients like retinoids and vitamin C. I suggest alternating between calming and active products – use soothing ingredients in the morning and complex ones at night. People with acne-prone skin should opt for gentle, non-comedogenic products.” Uneven skin tone and dullness are other popular concerns people face after indulgent celebrations. Dr. Sharad prescribes double cleansing, using an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based one to ensure thorough makeup and impurity removal.“Use chemical exfoliants like AHAs or BHAs weekly to maintain a clear and smooth complexion. Introduce active ingredients with time, like Retinol, for anti-ageing, improved texture, and acne prevention. Rely on peptides to promote collagen production and skin firmness, and Vitamin C or E to fight free radicals and brighten skin complexion.”
Dermatological treatments
There are endless numbers of treatments available in the market, which can make choosing the correct one difficult. Although clinical care can provide intensive results for flare-ups, opting for the correct one suited for your skin is integral to avoid any agitation. “Gentle oxygen medi-facials or mild fruit peels can help improve dullness and tan without irritation and are great options to revive tired skin. Carbon peel and PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) treatments help stimulate collagen turnover for long-term benefits. Always ensure these treatments are customised to your skin and supervised by certified dermatologists to avoid adverse reactions,” says Dr Agarwal.
To improve skin texture, minimise acne scars, and boost collagen production, Dr Sharad suggests microneedling or dermapen that control micro-injuries, encouraging skin regeneration
and better absorption of serums. She also recommends Polynucleotides, which are injectable treatments derived from DNA fragments that repair damaged skin, enhance elasticity and improve hydration; “They promote cell regeneration, making the skin look healthier and more youthful”, adds the dermat.