Podcast
There’s a lot to plan when you’re getting married—guest lists, outfits, seating charts. But one thing brides often leave too late is skincare. Glowing skin doesn’t come from a last-minute sheet mask. It takes time, consistency, and the right products.
This month-by-month guide breaks it down step by step. No fluff. Just a clear plan to help your skin look its best when the cameras come out.
12 Months Before: Build the Foundation
If your skin goals include clearing up breakouts, evening out tone, or softening lines, a year gives you enough time to see real change.
Start with a consultation.
Book an appointment with a dermatologist or skin therapist. Talk about any ongoing issues—acne, pigmentation, texture—and ask for product or treatment recommendations that suit your skin type.
Get into a consistent routine.
Cleansing, moisturizing, and daily SPF should become non-negotiables. If you’re not doing this already, now’s the time to start. Look for gentle, non-stripping cleansers and moisturizers that suit your skin. If your current SPF leaves a white cast or breaks you out, keep searching until you find one you’ll actually wear.
Add treatment products slowly.
This is a good time to introduce active ingredients like vitamin C for brightness or retinoids for texture and fine lines. Just start slow—every few days at first—so you don’t irritate your skin.
9 Months Before: Level Up With Treatments
Once your basic routine is solid, you can consider professional treatments to target specific concerns.
Schedule regular facials.
Monthly facials can help manage congestion, support cell turnover, and give your skin a clean slate. Stick to therapists who understand your skin and keep detailed records of what works.
Start more intensive procedures now if needed.
If you’re thinking about chemical peels, microneedling, or laser treatments, don’t wait too long. These need recovery time and usually work best in a series. Starting nine months out gives your skin time to heal, adjust, and show results.
If you’re looking for professional support, select Willa Krause salons offer microneedling and Rejuvenator Microcurrent Facials—both designed to boost collagen, improve texture, and support long-term skin health. These in-salon treatments work especially well when paired with a consistent home routine and are ideal for brides wanting visibly smoother, firmer skin before their big day.
Don’t skip the patch tests.
Even if a treatment is trendy or your friend swears by it, test it on a small area first—especially if your wedding photos are at stake.
6 Months Before: Watch What You Eat (and Drink)
What’s happening inside your body shows up on your skin. This doesn’t mean you need a strict diet, but a few small shifts now can make a big difference by the time your wedding rolls around.
Hydration matters.
Your skin needs water to stay plump and elastic. Try to drink consistently throughout the day rather than downing a litre before bed.
Add in skin-supporting foods.
Omega-3s (from foods like chia seeds or salmon), vitamin-rich veggies, and antioxidant-rich fruits all support healthy skin. If your meals are full of sugar and processed snacks, start cutting back. That stuff can trigger inflammation and breakouts.
Minimize alcohol and increase sleep.
Lack of rest and too much alcohol both show up on your face—in puffiness, dullness, or sudden breakouts. Get into a rhythm now so you’re not scrambling closer to the day.
3 Months Before: Focus on Texture and Glow
By now, your skin should be more stable. This is the perfect time to fine-tune your routine and lock in habits that support radiance.
Use gentle exfoliants weekly.
Dead skin can build up and block your glow. A mild chemical exfoliant (like lactic acid or PHA) once or twice a week helps keep your skin smooth without overdoing it. Skip gritty scrubs—they can be harsh and unpredictable.
Start hydrating masks.
Use a nourishing mask once a week to keep your skin soft and dewy. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, panthenol, or aloe vera.
Avoid trying anything new.
Stick to what’s been working. A new serum or treatment might seem exciting, but three months out is not the time to experiment.
Double-check product labels.
Make sure your products are non-comedogenic and not loaded with fragrance or alcohol if you’re prone to irritation.
Product Spotlight: Willa Krause Protein Moisturising Mask
When your skin feels dry, tight, or in need of a quick boost, the Willa Krause Protein Moisturising Mask delivers fast, visible results. This soft gel mask is loaded with deeply hydrating ingredients that help restore moisture, smooth out fine lines, and leave your skin feeling plump and refreshed.
Why it works:
The formula includes urea, propylene glycol, and butylene glycol—humectants that draw water into the skin and help it retain moisture. Hydrolysed vegetable protein supports skin structure and elasticity, while adenosine triphosphate and sodium chondroitin sulphate work to improve skin repair and hydration at a deeper level. It also contains skin-identical lipids, which mimic your natural oils and strengthen the skin barrier without clogging pores.
What it does:
- Instantly hydrates and soothes
- Softens the appearance of fine lines
- Restores suppleness without feeling heavy
- Helps lock in moisture for longer-lasting comfort
Who it’s for:
This mask is suitable for all skin types, including dry, oily, combination, and sensitive skin. It’s especially helpful when skin feels dull, tight, or needs a moisture reset—whether it’s after travel, a change in weather, or prep for a big event.
For best results, use the Protein Moisturising Mask once or twice a week as part of your routine, or whenever your skin needs a hydration boost. Available at select Willa Krause salons and through your nearest consultant.
1 Month Before: Maintenance Mode
This is the home stretch. Now’s the time to keep things steady and resist the urge to add anything new.
Book your final facial.
Schedule your last professional facial no later than two weeks before the big day. This gives your skin time to settle and avoids any surprise reactions.
Don’t slack on your routine.
It’s tempting to skip steps when life gets busy. But now is when your routine matters most. Keep cleansing, moisturizing, and wearing sunscreen every single day.
Be strict with sun protection.
This close to the wedding, a sunburn or pigmentation flare-up could be a real problem. Apply SPF even on cloudy days, and wear a hat if you’re going to be out for long stretches.
1 Week Before: Calm and Hydrate
At this point, your goal is to keep your skin calm, hydrated, and happy.
No more exfoliation.
Put away the acids and scrubs. Your skin doesn’t need a deep cleanse now—it needs rest. You don’t want to risk irritation or redness.
Lean into hydration.
Use calming products that lock in moisture. A light, nourishing oil or thicker night cream can help your skin look plumper and fresher in the final days.
Get enough sleep.
Lack of sleep affects circulation and inflammation, both of which can show up on your face. Stick to a consistent bedtime and let your skin repair itself overnight.
Avoid salty, greasy foods.
They can cause bloating and puffiness—especially around the eyes. Eat clean, balanced meals in the days leading up to the wedding.
Wedding Day: Keep It Simple
The goal now is to give your skin a fresh base and let your makeup sit well.
Cleanse and moisturize.
Use products you know and trust. Don’t introduce anything new today, no matter how fancy it looks.
Apply a light SPF if you’ll be outdoors.
Look for a non-greasy formula that won’t mess with your makeup. If your wedding is inside and your makeup includes SPF, you can skip a separate one.
Use a primer that suits your skin type.
A smoothing primer helps makeup stay in place and gives a nice finish. Oily skin types might need a mattifying version, while dry skin will benefit from something hydrating.
One More Thing: Start Early, But Start Smart
No matter how far out you are, start where you can. Even if your wedding is three months away, building a simple, solid routine now will still help. Focus on consistency. Drink water, sleep well, use gentle products—and don’t overwhelm your skin.
Want Help Figuring It Out?
If you’re unsure which products suit your skin or where to even begin, get some support. The Willa Krause team can walk you through a routine based on your skin type, concerns, and timeline.
Visit your nearest Willa Krause salon or consultant for expert, personalised skincare advice—and give your skin the prep it deserves for the big day.