The bridal beauty market is growing at an exponential rate and new treatments are being launched left, right and centre. With so much choice on offer, it can be hard to pinpoint the exact treatments you might need, let alone want.
Here, we demystify six of the most popular pre-wedding beauty treatments. Avoiding the jargon and simplifying the processes involved, this breakdown will allow you to make a clear and informed decision as to whether each treatment is for you.
As ever, a good skincare regime will always complement any aesthetic treatments you choose. Take a look at our advice on how to sort out spots ahead of your wedding, which aims to clean up your beauty routine while banishing those unwanted blemishes.
Dr OBT, founder of Halcyon Aesthetics in London, says: "When working out a treatment plan before the big day, it's important to consider several things: Do you have specific concerns you want to treat (acne scarring, pigmentation, sagging skin etc)? Different skin concerns will require a different timeline of treatments.
"If you're in your 20s and just want to be glowing on your big day, you won't need as long to prepare. If you're undecided on what treatments you'd like or you're overwhelmed by what's on offer, it's always best to book in with a skin specialist or beauty therapist at least six months before the big day. They will devise a plan tailored to your skin concerns and/or beauty needs.
"If you're concerned about budget, book in with an expert even earlier and that way, you can factor in monthly savings if need be. Another thing to keep in mind with aesthetic treatments is the downtime you may need or whether you'll need more than one treatment."
Take a look at these six beauty treatments which are currently proving popular among the bridal community.
Microdermabrasion
An extensive form of exfoliation, microdermabrasion can also target small imperfections such as wrinkles, lines, a scar or pigmentation. Microscopic crystals are sprayed on to the skin to remove the dead skin cells, while vacuum suction is used simultaneously to buff and smooth. The treatment also triggers an increase in collagen levels, which means that skincare products are better absorbed.
What the experts say:
Dr Aneka Khaira, aesthetic doctor at Harley Street Dental Studio, says: "Microdermabrasion is a skin resurfacing treatment that professionally exfoliates and polishes the skin using either crystals or a diamond encrusted tip. The tip gently abrades the outer layer of the skin, while a gentle vacuum removes dead skin cells, and impurities to unveil a fresher and glowing complexion.
"The abrading technique causes subtle trauma to the skin, allowing it to repair itself and increase collagen production. There is very little downtime to a microdermabrasion treatment, making it the perfect choice for brides-to-be. Skin can feel warm and some redness can appear immediately after treatment but this usually resolves within a few hours.
"For best results it’s recommended to do a course of 4-6 treatments once every two weeks in the lead up to the big day. After a microdermabrasion treatment your skin will also work more effectively in absorbing skincare products and home face treatments, such as sheet masks and active ingredients or serums. The treatment works to improve overall skin tone and texture, helps target skin concerns such as lines and wrinkles, sun damage and pigmentation, and acne scarring, and creates the perfect canvas for make-up."
LVL lashes
Pioneered by Nouveau Lashes, a brand founded in the UK by Karen Betts in 2005, LVL stands for Length, Volume, Lift. The treatment promotes low maintenance lashes with no need for mascara or extensions, and the immediate results last for up to eight weeks.
Following a patch test and consultation, the treatment comprises a four-step process that lasts approximately 45 minutes. First, a shape shield is applied to your eyelid and the lashes are pressed against the shield using a bonding gel, before a lifting bond is applied at the root. Once removed, a volumising fix is applied to seal and set the lashes in to their new shape. A lash tint is then applied to further define volume and length, while a moisturising serum completes the process.
Nouveau Lashes has recently launched the same four-step process for the lower lashes. When combined with the upper lash treatment, the process can take up to an hour to complete.
What the experts say:
Lynsey MacDonald, marketing manager for Nouveau Lashes, says: “The unique LVL treatment offered through Nouveau Lashes has helped bring confidence back to clients who are looking to enhance their natural lashes, whether they’re long, short, thick or stubborn. While you have your Upper LVL, our advanced artists can now also treat your lower lashes with a Lower LVL – the latest lash lifting trend. Choosing a qualified LVL artist gives you the confidence that your treatment has been performed professionally and safely.
"The LVL treatment with Nouveau Lashes costs on average £45, with the additional price for Lower LVL costing on average £10. You can find your nearest UK salon here."
Microblading
If your brows are looking a bit sparse from over-plucking or ageing, microblading can be the answer to restoring their former glory or creating a new, fuller shape that suits your face shape. Microblading is a form of semi-permanent make-up, where pigments are chosen to match your own skin tone.
Following a consultation where the shape and angles of your brows will be discussed, a hand-held device follows the contours of the face to apply the pigments in fine, natural and featherweight hair strokes in the upper dermis. The whole process can take one to two hours, but the results can last for up to 18 months.
What the experts say:
Stephanie Hadris, semi-permanent make-up artist and trainer at Pinky's Beauty in Kent, says: "Microblading before your big day takes some extra planning as this multi-stage treatment has a two-week downtime period and is carried out six weeks apart.
"It is the ideal long term solution though for brides with over-plucked, patchy brows as the treatment begins with an in-depth drawing process and ends with perfect brows for up to 18 months. Summer brides especially can benefit from microblading as it prevents the worry of sweating your brows off before the photos have finished."
Brow lamination
Serving to shape and define the eyebrows by working with the existing hair, brow lamination leaves brows fuller and feathery, and looking shiny for up to eight weekes. A series of solutions are applied to fluff, 'perm' and define the brows, which are then wrapped in plastic film to set them in shape. After about 30 minutes, a tint can be applied for optimum results.
What the experts say:
Georgia Simpson, founder of Fleek Cosmetics, says: "Brow lamination is the perfect treatment for a client who desires a full, fluffy, brushed up brow. It is a lovely treatment to have as a bride-to-be as brow lamination enhances what you already have, keeping it natural but also giving your brows more volume and fullness. Just a simple brush up of your brows in the morning, and they are there to stay for the rest of the day.
"For a bride-to-be, I would recommend the lamination treatment a week before the big day so it gives the brows time to soften as for the first few days they will be at their most dramatic. Like any treatment there is always aftercare, which must be followed to maintain the results and condition of the brows. Castor oil is my go to for keeping the brows nourished and in a healthy condition."
Chemical peel
For smoother, more even toned skin, chemical peels are an alternative form of exfoliation which can help to improve skin irregularities. Results can vary depending on your pre-treatment skin regime and the strength and depth of chemical peel you choose, which can also determine healing time.
During the treatment and after a consultation, the skin is prepared before the peel is applied and left to work its magic. The whole treatment takes approximately 30 minutes. Anti-ageing, scarring, acne and pigmentation can all be targeted with a chemical peel.
What the experts say:
Nurse Lucy Phillips, skin specialist and founder of Kaizen Medical Clinic, says: "It’s a good idea to book an initial skin consultation at around nine months before your wedding. Your practitioner can then devise a treatment plan for you to ensure your skin is glowing before the big day.
"When starting a course of chemical peel treatments, you’ll need an initial consultation with the treating provider; this is essential for formulating the correct treatment, depending on the client's presenting complaints and skin concerns. Your last chemical peel should usually be at around four weeks before the big day – this is because considerations need to be accounted for, such as heavy peeling, unwanted frosting, breakouts, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. These are all listed as uncommon side effects, but nonetheless, the risks need to be mitigated where necessary.
"Different peels can be used depending on skin concerns. Glycolic peels are very popular with brides-to-be as they offer deep exfoliation properties for that ‘wow' factor and give the skin that overall luminous glow. Salicylic acid is ideal for those with acne or blemish-prone skin, as salicylic acid targets leg oil glands to clear congestion. TCA peels penetrate the deepest and are the ideal choice for those wanting to treat pigmentation, lines and wrinkles, and scars."
Light therapy treatment
Light therapy treatments, as the name suggests, uses LED light to trigger the body's natural cell processes, bringing the skin back to life and smoothing out small lines and wrinkles. This course of treatment, over several weeks, helps skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis as the light penetrates the skin at different depths to cause a variety of reactions.
A blue light has antibacterial properties, which is good for reducing oily skin and break-outs, whereas a red light increases hydration levels.
What the experts say:
Claire Williams, founder of WOW Facial, says: "LED light therapy is the perfect treatment for brides-to-be in the run-up to the big day. First developed by NASA, LED light therapy uses colour light (UV-free) in a spectrum of wavelengths via tiny LED bulbs to treat and cure skin concerns; it’s a non-invasive and non-thermal treatment that offers different coloured lights depending on your concerns.
"You can have the treatment done professionally at a skin clinic or salon but there are also options to have the treatment in the comfort of your own home. While there are many LED masks available to buy and use at home, some of these may need to be worn for longer than professional clinic LED lights, simply because the lights won't be as strong or as high quality as the professional systems.
"If you can, I’d recommend renting a professional LED system from a clinic or salon, which you could use in the weeks leading up to the wedding. Look out for the highest quality devices, such as Dermalux and Celluma. As well as treating targeted skin concerns, LED light therapy can also help if you’ve had an adverse reaction to a treatment before your wedding, calming the skin and soothing the reaction. It’s also great for healing wounds and scars."
