Congratulations — it’s your wedding day! Well, almost. The big day may be right around the corner, and so far, everything is perfect. You found your dream dress, secured a fantastic venue, and even your bridesmaids are happy with their shoes. Nothing can ruin your fairytale.
That is, until you look in the mirror. There they are — the beginnings of a breakout. It might just be one or two pimples, but that doesn’t matter. They must go!
Above all else, don’t stress out. That can make the zit eruption worse. You do need to jump into action, though. If you want to be pimple free by your wedding day, keep reading and follow these seven tips.
1. Seek Treatment Right Away
It’s imperative that you seek acne treatment as soon as possible. The right prescription will effectively treat your breakout, but it can’t clear your skin overnight. You’ll need at least a few days to start seeing a difference in your face. So the sooner you seek treatment, the better off you’ll be for your wedding day.
There are many options available for zapping your zits. Topical creams, hormonal medication, and even antibiotics can help you recapture the face you want in your wedding pictures. The key is to start using something now.
2. Keep Your Hands Off
The pimple on your forehead is likely your No. 1 worry now. That probably means you have the overwhelming urge to touch it. You must resist that temptation. If nothing else, it’s probably sore and repeatedly grazing it isn’t going to make it feel better.
Whatever you do, don’t pop the zit. Digging into your skin to force the gunk out will only make the problem worse. It opens your skin and invites more bacteria in. So instead of clearing your face faster, you could end up with bigger (or more!) pimples.
3. Drink More Water
With all the running around you’re doing leading up to your wedding, staying hydrated might be hard. It’s critical, though, because drinking enough water can be a huge help in keeping pimples at bay. Keep a refillable water bottle on hand. That way, you’re less likely to get dried out.
Here’s the thing, if your skin is dry, you’ll produce more oil. That will clog your pores and before you know it, the pimple parade appears. So even if you’re not accustomed to it, try to drink at least eight glasses a day. Your complexion will thank you.
4. Run Your Laundry
You may have 20 other things on your to-do list in the final weeks before your wedding. Be sure your laundry is on that list! Yes, take care of all your clothes, but don’t forget to drop in your towels and sheets. Those items can be the most critical.
You dry your face and body with your towels repeatedly. Damp towels are a breeding ground for bacteria that you could end up rubbing all over yourself! Your sheets are equally as dangerous. During the night, your sheets absorb oil and sweat that can seep back into your pores and clog them. So grab your detergent and get to the laundry room.
5. Go Hot or Cold
It may surprise you, but temperature can make a big difference in controlling your breakouts. If you prefer to heat things up, apply warm (never hot!) compresses to your pimples throughout the day. It will help to break up the clog and bring it to the surface. Remember, don’t pop it! Spot treat it with a topical medication instead.
Want to go the cooler route? Grab some ice cubes and wrap them up in a paper towel to protect your skin. Press it against your zit for a few minutes several times a day. Cooling your skin makes it easier for your topical meds to get into your pores and banish blemishes.
6. Skip the Milk
Between bridesmaids’ luncheons and bachelorette parties, there’s a lot of celebrating around weddings. That usually means there’s a fair amount of eating, too. This is not a problem at all. But do yourself a favor and pass on anything that’s dairy. Yes, even the ice cream — sorry!
The verdict is out on whether milk-based products are directly linked to acne breakouts. Some studies show that, in women, drinking a couple of glasses of milk daily makes acne 50% more likely. If you don’t feel like taking the chance, cut milk out of your diet for several weeks before your wedding.
7. Banish Your Stress
At this point, eliminating stress may seem like a futile effort. On top of dodging angry pimples, you probably have lots of last-minute details to manage. Still, carve out some “you time.” Decompressing for a little bit will make everything seem more manageable, and it will help calm your skin, too.
Some research shows stress can make your acne worse. To take away the breakout trigger, try some self-care. Find a quiet corner to read a book, go for a walk, or take time for yoga or tai chi. Letting go of some aggravations could help clear your skin. At the very least, you’ll be more relaxed for your big day.
In your mind’s eye, you’ve probably always pictured your wedding day a certain way. From the flowers to the music to your face in photos. Keep these seven tips in mind to have that pimple-free face when you walk down the aisle. You’ll be as flawless as you can be, and you’ll have the pictures to remember it.
