Skincare Mistakes to Avoid Before your Wedding Day

Photo by Olga Plekhanova. Hair by Jessica M. Hair

Every bride dreams of glowing, radiant skin on their wedding day but sometimes, our skincare habits can do more harm than good (even when we mean well!). Your makeup will only look as good as the skin underneath, so avoiding common skincare mistakes is crucial for achieving a smooth, flawless, and long-lasting makeup look.

Whether you’re months away or just starting your bridal beauty prep, here are five skincare mistakes to avoid before your big day to keep your complexion calm, clear, and camera-ready.

1. Not Exfoliating Once a Week

   Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, revealing a brighter, smoother complexion. Skipping this step altogether can leave your skin looking dull, textured, and uneven

   making it harder for makeup to sit nicely on top.

   
   

   Aim to exfoliate once or twice a week depending on your skin type, and choose a gentle exfoliant to avoid irritation. Overdoing it can cause redness or sensitivity, so find a balance that keeps your skin fresh without stripping it.

   
   

2. Skipping Your Morning or Night Routine

   Your wedding skin prep isn’t just about the products you use it’s about consistency. Washing and moisturizing your face both morning and night helps remove dirt, oil, and makeup, while keeping your skin hydrated and balanced. Skipping one or the other can lead to breakouts, dryness, or uneven texture. Create a routine that works for you and stick to it your skin will thank you!

   
   

3. Forgetting SPF

   Even if you’re not spending much time outdoors, UV exposure happens daily through windows, cloudy days, and even screens. Not wearing SPF can lead to sun damage, premature aging, and stubborn pigmentation (the last thing you want showing up in your wedding photos!).

   
   

   Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning, and reapply if you’ll be outside for long periods. Trust me, it’s the ultimate glow-protection.

4. Picking at Pimples

   I know, it’s tempting. But picking at pimples can cause scarring, inflammation, and unwanted redness that’s hard to cover with makeup. Instead, apply a spot treatment or see an esthetician for professional extractions. It’s always better to let blemishes heal properly than risk long-term marks before your big day. If you can't help yourself, pimples patches are a great way to avoid picking at your pimples.

   
   

5. Trying New Products or Treatments Too Close to the Wedding

   Your skin thrives on routine so introducing new products or treatments less than 3–6 months before the wedding can be risky. Even the most luxurious facial or serum can trigger irritation or breakouts if your skin isn’t used to it.

   
   

   If you want to try something new (like a peel, retinol, or microneedling), start well in advance to see how your skin reacts and to give it time to adjust.

When it comes to bridal skincare, less is often more. Keep your routine simple, consistent, and focused on hydration and protection. If you’re unsure where to start, consider booking a consultation with a licensed esthetician to create a personalized plan leading up to your wedding day.

Your makeup artist will thank you and your skin will look its absolute best when you say “I do.”