It’s wedding season, and there’s nothing you need more than to get your skin to cooperate. But all the advice is geared toward the women, so here’s a cheatsheet for the men.
Whether you’re the groom, a groomsman, or just trying to survive the wedding season looking fresh, here’s your ultimate guide to flawless skin.
And don’t wait till the last minute to take care of your skin, it’s a long and consistent process. The time to start is now.
What to do before ‘I do’
Skincare is a long game; it needs you to be consistent, patient and mindful of everything that goes on your face.
But there are still steps you can take when your big day is fast approaching. Just be mindful of the timelines.
- Start now
If your wedding is six months away, consider this your skincare boot camp. A solid routine includes:
- Cleansing: This morning and night ritual should not be skipped.
- Exfoliating: Do this once or twice a week to get rid of dead skin.
- Moisturising: A non-negotiable, even if you have oily skin.
- SPF: Unless you want to look like your leather couch in your 40s, don’t skip this step.
And if your skin’s acting up (redness, acne, or Sahara-level dryness), see a specialist. No shame in calling in the experts.
- Hydration is key
Water = glow juice. If your skin’s dehydrated, it’ll look tired, dull, and about as lively as a Monday morning meeting. Aim for at least eight glasses a day—more if you’re hitting the gym or sweating in a three-piece suit.
- Sunscreen is most important
UV rays don’t care if it’s cloudy, winter, or your wedding day. You should do everything you can to protect your precious skin. Wear sunscreen daily (SPF 30 or higher), unless your goal is premature wrinkles and sunspots.
- Don’t try new products too close to the date
Two weeks before the wedding is not the time to test that new serum you saw online. Stick to tried-and-true products to avoid surprise breakouts or irritation.
- Beauty sleep isn’t a myth
Under-eye bags aren’t a great accessory for your tux. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep in the weeks leading up to the wedding—your skin repairs itself while you snooze.
- Stress = breakouts
I know this is easier said than done. Dealing with a lot of people and a whole new set of family dynamics is bound to get trying, but stress damages the skin in a way no cream or serum can fix.
So my advice would be to try:
- Meditation
- Yoga or just stretching
- Deep breathing
- Eat sensibly
Junk food = inflammation = breakouts. Load up on:
- Fruits & veggies. Antioxidants are your skin’s best friend.
- Lean proteins for collagen production
- Healthy fats like avocados, nuts are crucial for glow
- Ease up on late-night fun
Late-night pizza and shots might sound like fun, but your skin will revolt. Moderation is key—balance the fun with nutrient-rich foods.
- Book a pro grooming session
Skin treatments are always a bonus, but make sure you go to a licensed professional or your trusted dermatologist.
- D-day routine
- Gentle cleanser (no harsh scrubs).
- Lightweight moisturiser (no greasy shine).
- SPF (yes, again).
To summarise, you need to exfoliate, sunscreen, hydrate and get your dermatologist’s opinions well in advance.
Your wedding skin prep shouldn’t be an afterthought. Start early, stay consistent, and treat your skin like the VIP it is.
Dr Deepali Bhardwaj is a Consultant Dermatologist, Max Hospital, Saket. She is also an anti-allergy specialist, laser surgeon and internationally trained aesthetician. She tweets @dermatdoc. Views are personal.
(Edited by Theres Sudeep)