When the bride’s visage shines like a mirror, it’s the reflection of her happiness. And while all eyes would be on her, she must glow like no one else. After all, she is the queen of the day!
Nonetheless, while it’s easier to look fresh and active on a normal day, having the same glow on the wedding day becomes a challenge.
Psychological pressures, lack of consumption of water, sleep, and tiredness because of the extensive celebrations before the wedding might be a few of those reasons.
Eat Well
‘You are what you eat’ – You must have heard about it a thousand times in different ways. Now is the time to act on it. You can look at food as raw material for a factory. The better the quality of raw material we start with, the greater the chance that we will end up with a good durable product.
Dr. Chhabra makes it easier for you to understand by listing foods on the basis of their nutrient quality –
- Vitamin C rich foods – Indian gooseberries, guavas, oranges, lemons, limes, papayas, strawberries, parsley and cabbage. This vitamin helps maintain collagen – the underlying supporting structure of skin.
- Vitamin B rich foods – Poultry, red meat, fish, bananas temper whole grains, peanut butter and eggs. B vitamins help convert calories into energy and are components of enzymes that maintain normal skin function.
- Vitamin A rich foods – Egg yolk, oysters and milk. You can also get vitamin A from foods rich in beta carotene which the body can convert into vitamin A. Best sources of beta carotene are dark colored produce such as carrots, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, watermelon, papaya, broccoli and spinach. You can also apply the pulp of these fruits and vegetables to nourish your skin.
Blossom Kochhar adds, “Before starting the day, drink one litre of water. Add to this a few slices of lemon and continue drinking that water. This will help you reduce the alkaline content in your system. Avoid eating junk food for breakfast. Eat a bowl of sprouts with egg whites. Also try and include dried fruits like almonds, walnuts and raisins in your diet. Have a light meal at night.”
Here’s a list of Do’s and Don’ts to follow from the experts of the industry:
Shahnaz Hussain, CEO, Shahnaz Herbals Inc.
DON'TS
- Keep away from bunging on chocolates and aerated drinks.
- Avoid spicy and fried foods.
- Do not experiment waxing just a day before the wedding.
DO'S
- Give cold compress with chilled rose water and cotton wool pads.
- A “pick-me-up” face mask can leave your skin clean and glowing. Mix half a teaspoon honey, one teaspoon rose water and one teaspoon dried milk powder. Apply on the face and wash it off after 20 minutes.
- Dried and powdered curry leaves can also be added to face packs, as it is said to add a glow to the skin. It can be mixed with Fullers Earth (multani mitti) and rose water into a paste.
Dr. Chiranjiv Chhabra, Founder and Dermatologist, Skin Alive Clinics
DON'TS
- Do not go out without applying a sun block and repeat application every 2-3 hours.
- Do not experiment on any new skin care products.
- Don’t go on crash diets as lack of nutrition can ruin the skin’s natural glow.
- Avoid body wax followed by body bleach. It can lead to folliculitis or rashes.
DO'S
- Consult a dermatologist well in time and take some therapies to add glow and improve clarity and complexion.
- Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water.
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet.
- Take out time for exercise at least 4 days in a week.
Dr. Mohan Thomas, leading cosmetic surgeon and Owner- Inceptor of Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Institute
DON'TS
- Don’t self medicate yourself under any condition.
- Don’t opt for any corrective surgeries close to the wedding day.
- Reduce your alcohol and nicotine intake.
DO'S
- Include a lot of fruits and vegetables in your diet.
- Include intake of supplements which has Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Vitamin C.
- Start using makeup at least 45 days before the wedding day to protect your skin from the possibility of any allergic reaction.
Hair care
Dr. Kochhar adds a few quick remedies to ensure glowing and lustrous hair:
● For oily hair – Rinse hair with water mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar and 2-3 drops of lavender essential oil.
● For dry to normal hair – Rinse with milk mixed with a few drops of essential oil.
● All types – Take two tablespoons each of olive oil, malt vinegar, yoghurt. Add to it 5 drops each of rosemary and lavender essential oils. Mix all ingredients together and firmly massage into the hair and comb it. Wrap a towel or cover for 30 minutes and shampoo it out. Avoid hair dryers.
Fixed regime benefits
Dr. Thomas tells us about the importance of a skin care ritual, “You need to start with the Cleansing-Toning-Moisturizing and follow it up with regular usage of sunscreen with a high SPF. A fixed beauty regime needs to be worked out with the dermatologist 3 months prior to the D day which would include hair, skin and complete body treatments.”
Shahnaz Hussain adds – “For your daily facial care routine, cleanse your skin twice a day. For normal to dry skin, use a cleansing gel containing aloe vera and lemon. Normal to oily skins need deep pore
cleansing with scrubs.”
A disciplined skin care routine is sure to last longer than any other cosmetic treatment. Note that if you are reading this blog post only a month before your wedding day, the prescribed routine will give you decent results even in 30 days time!
