Spring has arrived and with it a full social calendar. This is the season of weddings, graduations and other major celebrations and you will want your skin looking its best. Below I share some tips on how to prep your skin for a big event.
Schedule a chemical peel
If you have a major event like a wedding approaching, consider scheduling a chemical peel. Chemical peels are designed to treat acne, discoloration and/or fine lines and wrinkles and most people notice improvement even after one treatment. If you have never had a chemical peel or don’t get them done regularly, avoid having one done immediately before your big event. Allowing a two-week buffer between your peel and the event will ensure that any signs of reaction will have calmed down by the big day. Most people require at least three treatments, with treatments gradually increasing in strength over time.
Change your facial moisturizer
In the wintertime, your skin may need thick, heavy facial moisturizers to combat the dry weather. However, in the spring and summer this same moisturizer may make your skin seem oily. If you’re prone to oily skin, try thin, oil-free moisturizers in warmer weather. You may also consider adding an oil absorbing make-up primer to ensure your skin is picture ready.
Break out the sunscreen
Dark marks are particularly stubborn in brown skin and sun exposure can make them more noticeable and make it harder for them to fade. Wear a sunscreen daily to minimize discoloration on your skin. You can even find makeup with sunscreen in it, but remember, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours if you expect to be in direct sunlight.
Tighten up your acne regimen
Hopefully you have already read my tips to stay acne free in the new year. Keep in mind, however, that most acne medications take several weeks and sometimes months to start working. If you have a wedding this summer, now’s the time to visit your dermatologist to discuss your skin. Oral medications are designed to work quickly, so may be preferable for those who are on a tight schedule.
Be wary of laser treatments in the summertime and do your research
Laser hair removal can be a very effective way to remove unwanted hair. While you may be tempted to schedule a laser hair removal session right before your big day, you should be aware that laser hair removal can leave temporary or permanent dark marks on brown skin, which is especially sensitive to laser treatments. The risk of developing these side effects is increased if laser is performed on tanned skin, regardless of your original skin tone, so sunscreen use is a must. If you do decide to try laser, make sure to find a doctor that has experience treating brown skin. Finally, laser hair removal typically requires at least five treatment sessions so plan to complete your series at least 1-2 months before your big day.