There’s a lot to think about in the lead-up to your wedding, and your skin is one of those things that’s best not left until the last minute. We spoke with Amy and Emilee Hembrow, co-founders of Gold Coast skin clinic SSKIN, to break down exactly when brides should start preparing their skin, from 12 months out to the final week before the wedding.
12 - 6 Months Out
Start with a skin consultation. This is the window where anything that runs as a course should begin, because these treatments are spaced weeks apart and can't be rushed.
Pigmentation programs, IPL and collagen-focused treatments like skin needling all sit within this window. This is also the time to establish a consistent home skincare routine, which can do just as much, if not more, of the work between appointments.
“The brides who are happiest on the day are the ones who came in early. Skin takes time. If you give us six to twelve months we can genuinely change the condition of your skin, rather than just making it look good for a week.”
- Emilee Hembrow, Co-Founder of SSKIN
6 - 3 Months Out
This is where the heavy lifting happens and treatment courses run through to completion.
IPL for pigmentation and redness typically runs as a course of four to six treatments, roughly four weeks apart. Skin needling is also generally spaced around four weeks apart.
Anything with a visible peeling or downtime phase belongs in this window - and nowhere near the final weeks before your wedding.
3 Months - 1 Month Out
At this point, it's about refining rather than starting anything new.
Facials can continue monthly, with the final needling or resurfacing appointment ideally landing around four weeks before the wedding so your skin has plenty of time to settle completely.
Every bride's skin is different, so your treatment plan should be too.
“Sometimes the honest answer is that the thing you've seen online isn't right for your skin, or isn't right this close to the day. We would always rather say that.”
- Emilee Hembrow, Co-Founder of SSKIN
The Final 4 Weeks
Nothing new.
The focus during the final month should be hydration, barrier support and keeping the skin calm. A regular facial two to three weeks out can be a lovely final step, but avoid first-time treatments or introducing new actives at home.
“The biggest mistake we see is a bride booking something brand new two weeks out. Whatever you do in that final month should be something your skin has already met. That is not the time to find out how you react to something.”
- Amy Hembrow, Co-Founder of SSKIN
The Final Week
Keep things gentle.
A hydrating facial or LED treatment can be a good option, along with lymphatic drainage if there's any puffiness. Avoid extractions, peels or anything your skin hasn't experienced before.
At this point, the goal is simply to keep your skin hydrated, calm and ready for the day.
The Bridal Skin Non-Negotiables
- Start earlier than you think you need to.
- Never trial a new treatment or product in the last month.
- Wear SPF every day, the whole way through. It protects the results you're paying for.
- Don't stack treatments from different clinics. Stick to one plan and one practitioner who knows your skin.
And don't underestimate what you're doing at home between appointments.
“What you do at home between appointments matters more than the appointments do. We would rather a bride had a simple routine she actually does every night than a perfect one she abandons by month two.”
- Amy Hembrow, Co-Founder of SSKIN
Ultimately, bridal skin prep doesn’t mean booking every treatment available. It’s about starting early, staying consistent and following a plan tailored to your individual skin and goals. With the right approach, you can feel confident knowing your skin is at its best heading into your wedding day.
Ready to start your bridal skin journey? Book an appointment with SSKIN via the link.
