What are you doing for your skin in preparation for the big day?

I need to do something but I don't know what!!! I already saw my dermatologist and he was no help and told me everything is fine. But I want my skin to look REALLY good. I'm drinking lots and lots of water, taking vitamins, and I quit smoking (WOOHOO!!). I ALWAYS use sunblock and I'm NOT a sun worshipper. But is there something else I should be doing?? Some kind of creams I should be using?? All I use is healthy skin lotion from Neutrogena and I exfoliate once or twice a week with a scrub.

Does anyone have a regimine they want to share? Should I be getting weekly facials or something? Should I get microdermabrasion? Does anyone know some place that does that and how much it is? Anyone had it done or doing it?

Lots of questions I know....

Re: What are you doing for your skin in preparation for the big day?

lots of water and I tend to see that my skin clears up when I up my intake of vitamin C....I drank OJ every morning and when I was on the HM, I ate pineapple every day and my skin was great!

Re: What are you doing for your skin in preparation for the big day?

JimmysBride I know what you mean, my skin is fine but I want a glow : )

I might start getting facials this summer. First step I guess is to find a reputable facialist near my home.

I think if you drink lots of water, sleep enough but not too much, take vitamins or just eat well, and moisturize and wear sun block then you are already in great shape.

As for product recs I use Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moiturizer with SPF 15 (or maybe it's 13?) and some drug store brand stuff for my eyes - I think it's neutrogena.

Re: What are you doing for your skin in preparation for the big day?

praying..lol.
NO really, I am drinking lots of water, suing sunblock, staying away from greasy foods, basically anything any body tells me too.

Re: What are you doing for your skin in preparation for the big day?

I wash my face with cetaphil every day and then follow that with a glycolic acid lotion (mild) and then a facial moisturizer with spf 15 by dr. daniello. I also go for facials every 5-7 weeks. I also use dr. brandts microdermabrasion in a jar (a very powerful facial scrub) 2x a week. So far so good.

Re: What are you doing for your skin in preparation for the big day?

I wash with purpose gentle cleansing bar. I apply a layer of neutrogena on the spot treatment to my entire face to prevent breakouts and then follow up by rubbing a dime size of neutrogena healthy skin face lotion (w/ spf) into my hands and patting it all over my face. My skin has never looked so good EVER as it has in the past 6 mos. that I have been using this regimen. I found it on a website and it is great!!!!

Re: What are you doing for your skin in preparation for the big day?

I went to the dr a couple of weeks ago and told him to make my skin perfect. I apologized for being so superficial and told him about my upcoming wedding and to work magic. He told me to stop using cocoa butter on my face and to use only oil-free Neutrogena moisturizer. He also put me on topical and internal medicine. I was also told to stay away from coffee and drink lots of water. My dr told me to go for facials once a month. At night I started putting african shea butter on my arms and elbows. I have become obsessed with my skin I also have been washing with Neutrogena Acne Body Wash just in case with the all this stress some acne decides to spread

Re: What are you doing for your skin in preparation for the big day?

I also drink lots of water. I use Pond's all in one cleansing lotion and moisturizer daily b/c my skin tends to be a little on the dry side sometimes. Then twice a week, I use Freeman facial clay masque.

I think I am also going to invest in Estee Lauder's DayWear Plus facial lotion. At 37.50 for 1.7 oz. it is a little pricey for me, but I think it may be so worth it!! I received a few samples, and my skin seemed so glowy when I used it!

Re: What are you doing for your skin in preparation for the big day?

Ok...here we go:

I went on Accutane as soon as I got engaged. I finished about 6 months ago and have not had one breakout since. It is a miracle drug.

Every three to four weeks, I am going for glycolic peels at the dermatologist. They also made me a special glycolic wash for my skin for twice a day. Next week, I am getting some laser procedures done to remove any redness and smooth out my skin.

All of this is costing a fortune. But my skin looks amazing (if I do say so myself).

Re: What are you doing for your skin in preparation for the big day?

see if your dermatologist will put you on retin-a or something like it. the effects take longer to show but provide similar results to a chemical peel. if you don't want to wait that long, get an actual chemical peel (they're $150 at my dermatologist). Also, 3-4 facials (staring like 6 months before the wedding, the last one a few days before).

Re: What are you doing for your skin in preparation for the big day?

Facials have really worked wonders on my skin. I get a lot of complements on my complection. I started to go regularly almost 3 years ago. My skin was very dry. When I got a pimple, the spot would stay red for at least a month. Now my skin is soft and supple.

You also might need to experiment with different products. I found that this product called Zia works very well. It is available at Wild by Nature in Setauket.

Zia web site

I grew up in PJ area. (I saw that you're getting married at Danford's). If you want information on my facialist, let me know. She's really sweet and does an excellent job. (oops- I looked up at the wrong post. Sorry. If you want it though, I'd still be happy to provide it.)

(And also- since I went on Othotricycline I absolutely NEVER get a pimple)

Hope this helps and good luck

Re: What are you doing for your skin in preparation for the big day?

Accutane is only for people with very severe acne. Glycolics are really great to brighten over time. They can be part of a home based wash or done as peels in the office. Lasers can remove brown spots or red blood vessels on the face but MAKE SURE you go to a doctor (especially a dermatologist) who knows about skin and not just some facialist or spa. There have been lots of people harmed by spas and places like that.
I am also a fan of strategic Botox for the forhead for a nice smooth look, just make sure the person doing it knows what they are doing.