This post was reviewed and updated by Sarah Otto, Dermatology Nurse Practitioner and Founder of Otto Skin Goods on May 4, 2026.
Planning a wedding is hard work. With all the hustle and bustle leading up to the big day, skincare is easy to overlook—but it shouldn’t be. Here are a few skincare tips to consider:
1. Avoid Changing Your Skincare Routine
While it may be tempting to add extra skincare products to your routine, avoid making any big changes at least eight weeks before your big day. We know you want your skin to be at its best, but you may be doing more harm than good.
Here’s Why: Most skincare products with active ingredients (serums, masks, eye creams) need at least eight weeks to show any significant results. For example, some ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids actually cause breakouts. That’s because your pores are being purged of excess dirt and oil before you start seeing any skin-clearing benefits.
More importantly, the main reason you should avoid changing up your routine is to prevent any allergic reactions. And we’re not just talking about topical products like face masks; this goes for professional facials, too. Severe reactions can sometimes take months to resolve. Our advice? Don’t take that gamble.
The Solution: If you suffer from acne, rosacea or any other skin issue, your best bet is to start working with a dermatologist to help treat them three to six months prior to the day of your wedding.
2. Keep Your Skincare Routine Simple
Contrary to popular belief, your skin doesn’t take much to be healthy and glowing. Trying out different skincare products is a lot of fun, but just make sure you’re not overdoing it, especially right before the big day. In other words, let your skin breathe!
Here’s Why: Overapplying products and active ingredients can lead to irritation and decreased effectiveness. Trust us, planning a wedding is stressful enough—don’t stress your skin out even more with multiple steps, products and ingredient-overload. This also goes for makeup on your big day.
The Solution: Try incorporating just a few active ingredients like Vitamin C, Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid into your daily routine. Your skin will benefit from these active superstars without being oversaturated with too many ingredients. As far as makeup is concerned, if you don’t wear a lot of it every day, go for a more natural look on your wedding day, as well. While it may be tempting to load up on makeup for such a big day, you definitely don’t want to wind up hating your wedding photos years later because you didn’t look like yourself. Be authentic. You’ll never regret it!
3. Beware of Self-Tanning Products & Sunburn
As the weather starts to improve, don’t skimp on sunscreen prior to your big day—especially on your face.
Here’s Why: If you plan to follow our advice we mentioned above, then you know to start using new products with active ingredients more than eight weeks before your wedding day. However, active ingredients such as retinol, alpha hydroxy acids and even Vitamin C can increase sun exposure. So, if you plan to use products with these ingredients, make sure you wear sunscreen every day.
The Solution: If you’re looking for a little bronze and worried about sunburn, try a self-tanner. Just make sure you’re using it correctly. Start experimenting with self-tanners or go to a professional months before your wedding day to make sure you achieve your desired tan. Remember, just like your makeup, less is more. The goal is to look like yourself for your big day.
Not into the self-tan look? Try adding a touch of face oil as you would a highlighter. Apply to the tops of your cheekbones, brow bones, over your cupid's bow, down the center and on the tip of your nose. Then, top it off with a little around your temples. This will give you an amazing, dewy glow with very little effort. The Fresh Start Face Oil is the perfect option for this.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start thinking about my skincare routine before my wedding?
Ideally, three to six months before your wedding day. This gives you enough time to work with a dermatologist on any skin concerns, and to safely introduce new products well outside the eight-week window before the big day.
Can I try new skincare products in the weeks leading up to my wedding?
It's best to avoid any significant changes to your routine at least eight weeks before your wedding. New products, especially those with active ingredients, can cause purging or allergic reactions that may take months to resolve.
How simple should my skincare routine be?
Keep it straightforward. A few well-chosen active ingredients like Vitamin C, Niacinamide, and Hyaluronic Acid are all your skin really needs to look healthy and glowing. Overloading your skin with too many products can cause irritation and actually reduce effectiveness.
Do I need to wear sunscreen even if I'm already using skincare products?
Yes, especially if you're using active ingredients like retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, or Vitamin C, which can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun. Daily sunscreen is a must, particularly on your face.
Is self-tanner safe to use before my wedding?
Yes, but start experimenting months in advance, not right before the wedding. Practice getting the application right, or visit a professional, so you know exactly what result to expect on the big day.
What if I want a little glow without self-tanner?
Try applying a face oil as a highlighter. A small amount on the cheekbones, brow bones, the cupid's bow, down the nose, and around the temples gives a natural, dewy glow with minimal effort.
Should I change up my makeup for the wedding day?
If you don't typically wear heavy makeup day-to-day, stick to a look that feels like you. The goal is to look like your best self in your photos for years to come, not a dramatically different version of yourself.
