Real Brides, Dirty Skin Secrets: Your 10 Most Pressing Skincare Questions Answered!

A while back, we opened our Instagram account to our users and asked you guys to tell us about your most pressing skincare queries . Some of you asked about a proper skincare routine and some wondered about common skin issues like acne and facial hair. Whatever your problem, we found the best person to give you skincare advice and that's Disha Meher, National Expert – Skin and Nails, Lakmé Salon. Go ahead, lap it up and stay glowing all day long on your wedding day.

1. I have acne and uneven skin tone, what should I do to tackle them? 

Acne is caused due to unhealthy eating habits or elevated stress levels or both and these are pretty common for brides-to-be. No need to be alarmed, because a regular CTMS (Cleanser, Toner, Moisturizer and Sunscreen) will resolve the concern a bit  but professional deep cleansing facials are a must for this condition. Try the Acne Scar Reducing Facial or Dermalogica - Acne Clarifying Treatment available at the Lakme Salon, they help reduce the stress and calm you down, plus, great shiny skin in one go. As for uneven skin tone, it can be caused due to dehydration and exposing the skin to the harsh UV lights. Regular Moisturizing and sunscreen can stop further damage to the skin. Our InstaSheen Facial will reduce the tan from the skin while Organic Skin Radiant Glow will not only reduce the tan but will also give an even skin tone.

2. What kind of beauty routine to follow 6 months before your big day? 

The big day is fast approaching and it's time to start taking extra care of your skin. Anxiety and hectic schedules cause a lot of changes in the sleeping pattern and eating habits and this has a direct effect on our skin. Follow the simple routine for a healthy skin on your wedding day. Daily Morning: Cleaning, Toning, Moisturizing and Sunscreen (According to your skin type) Daily Evening: Cleaning, Toning, Nourishing and Eye Cream (According to your skin type) Weekly (Morning / Evening - As per your convenience): Exfoliation after cleansing followed by toning the skin with a good toner. A good facial masque after toner followed by moisturizing / nourishing the skin. Dietary Suggestions:  - Drink ample water - Eat fibrous green vegetables and fruits - Avoid oily and sweet food - Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking. It dehydrates the body and deprives pure Lifestyle Suggestions:  - Sleep for minimum of 8 hours - Avoid late parties and junk food - Avoid exposing yourself to sun from 12 noon to 4 pm - Visit Professional Salons for complete relaxation View the Lakme Salon Pre Bridal Menu for Skincare Below  

3. What's the ideal time to get a manicure, pedicure, facial before the wedding? A timeline, if you please! 

Here is a quick time frame for the services according to us: - A Facial 1 or 2 days before the wedding. You should definitely apply a glowing and a hydrating masque, this will ensure soft and supple skin on the d-day. Try a masque like Marine Secret Soothing Masque or a Gold Collagen Masque - they're all about nourishing the skin and making it glow. - Manicure and Pedicure can be done 2 – 3 days before. Ensure you apply fresh nail paint alone on the wedding morning if you can. If it's Gel polish you're looking at, it can be applied a maximum 5 days prior to the day. Style Gel at Lakme will help you maintain your nail enamel for a longer period, so try that.

4. How do I get rid of tan before the wedding?

Tan is our skin's natural defense mechanism against the sun. During your pre-wedding days though, due to extensive shopping sprees and outdoor activities, tanning is often the most common concern because you're out most of the time! Professional salon services helps reducing tanning considerably in one sitting. Try out Lakme Perfect Radiance Illuminate Facial or Good Bye Tan Facial. Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before stepping out in the sun, Use umbrellas or hats as much as possible to protect yourself from the sun.

5. How to get a good glow on your face before your big day?

Tired and dull skin will never emit shine or suppleness. Skin is the mirror of your health, so indulge in eating healthy - fresh fruits, lots of veggies and loads of water. Make sure you exercise and sweat at the gym, a sure-fire way to make your skin glow. But apart from that, do for a good hydrating facial every week and apply homemade creams and simple DIY masks. Lakme has amazing services like Organic Skin Lightening Facial and Luminance 3+Ritual, which provide glowing skin along with many added benefits. Get beautiful from the inside to the outside!

6. How does one deal with facial hair during these days?

Facial Hair is a huge issue with all brides. Too much hair can also give an illusion of dullness on the skin. Peel-off waxing or bleaching are your best options to either remove unwanted hair or camouflage it.

7. I have Oily skin, how do I take care of it before the D-day?

Oily skin causes concerns like Blackheads, papules, pustules, acne etc and all of them are caused due to oil gland disorders. On the days before the wedding, cleanse the skin thoroughly using cleanser meant for oily skin. Thoroughly tone the skin using witch-hazel and remove traces of cleanser, if any. This will help maintain the pH balance of the skin. And a skin toner with witch hazel will ensure the skin pores are tightly closed and oil secretion is controlled. Apply a clay-based masque to absorb all excess oil from the skin. Inform your makeup artist about your concern and ensure the makeup base is as according to your skin type.

8. Wedding week means a lot of makeup on your face for a few days everyday. How does one deal with clogged pores etc?

Looking your best is every bride's dream. Makeup is crucial and so ensure that you look flawless. We do know that a lot of concealers and foundations are applied on your skin every single day from morning to night, so it's best to clean up carefully and allow your skin to breathe for a few minutes. Skin takes a beating if it's not prepped properly, that could lead to breakouts post wedding. That's why we say - choose your makeup artist wisely, products smartly and know a bit about your own skin. Knowledge is power! Good MUAs know how to safeguard the skin from issues and breakouts. Choose your makeup brand and skin care wisely. Proper cleansing, toning, moisturizing and base application is critical to avoid any breakouts during the wedding week. Also ensure that skin is thoroughly cleansed before you go to sleep, that's so important. Removing bridal makeup is a must since a heavy base is used on all days. Use wipes or coconut oil or even a good makeup cleanser to get the job done.

9. What ingredients should one look for in beauty products while shopping for beauty products for your wedding?

Always find the right ingredient according to your skin tone because it ensure health and happiness - your skin needs to glow and look happy, right? So here are a few basic rules to follow. For Oily / Combination Skin: Try the Papain extract and Tea tree. For Dry Skin: Emolients like wheatgerm, Peptides and Hyaluronic Acid are essential. For Ageing Skin: AHA / BHAs help in exfoliating the skin gently and they also help in cell renewal For Sensitive Skin: Allantoin and Chamomile extracts help soothe sensitive skin

10. Any other rules about waxing and facials we should be aware of?

Here are some guidelines to follow:

• Start your waxing procedures two weeks before your wedding.
• Opt for a chocolate pedicure instead of a normal one, it's less painful and way more soothing.
• Opt for a Brazilian wax a week or two before so you have plenty of down-time.
• A Luminence 3 facial 15 days before can give your face that added boost.
• A relaxing body massage every week can soothe your stressed nerves!

  For treatments that will treat your skin just right and the right facials, go to your nearest Lakmé Salon.