A bridal face mask might be the fastest path to that wedding-day glow – but only if you pick the right ones (and time them perfectly). The wrong mask, too close to the big day? Hello, redness and regrets! Here’s how to play it smart so your skin looks lit-from-within when it matters most.
A proper skincare routine is key for flawless wedding makeup and photo-ready skin on the big day, but there are a few dos and don’ts to follow when it comes to using a bridal face mask.
By Lucy Mazzucco
Bridal face masks: dos, don’ts & expert tips
While face masks can be a beneficial part of a skincare routine, they are not “one size fits all.” Tina Griffin, skincare expert and founder of mobile facial spa, Faceology Spa, says that while a bridal face mask can be incorporated into routines at least three months before a wedding, the exact ones will always depend on the person’s skin type and skincare goals.
“Clay masks are excellent for oily or acne-prone skin as they draw out impurities, help regulate sebum production and minimize the appearance of enlarged pores. Sheet masks, on the other hand, are ideal for hydration and delivering targeted treatments quickly,” says Griffin. “Gel masks are generally formulated with soothing and cooling ingredients, such as cica or bisabol to combat redness and sensitivity, while enzyme masks gently exfoliate without irritation, making them a gentle, brightening option for those combating hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone and textural irregularities.”
While hydrating and brightening masks can be used one to two times per week, Griffin says it’s best to avoid trying new masks, especially detoxifying or exfoliating ones, within the two weeks leading up to a wedding to prevent any unexpected skin reactions.
Wedding face mask dos
In terms of what to look for in a bridal face mask, Griffin recommends ones with antioxidants, as they offer immediate brightening and plumping effects for that added glow. “Vitamin C is suitable for all skin types and helps brighten and even skin tone,” says Griffin.
“Enhanced with a stabilized form of vitamin C, the Diego Dalla Palma Vitamin C Mask delivers a powerful boost of energy to the skin, targets grey and dull skin caused by stress, and gives the skin an intense radiance in just 10 minutes.”
Griffin also suggests looking for a bridal face mask with peptides, which are responsible for collagen and elastin production, and vitamin A, which she says can help boost cell turnover, improve texture, reduce hyperpigmentation, fight acne and improve fine lines and wrinkles. “The Verso Peel Mask contains enzymes and exfoliating acids such as AHAs and PHAs to increase the appearance of firm and smooth skin, while combating discolouration and pigmentation due to acne lesions,” says Griffin.
For hydration, she recommends the Verso Hydration Mask, which she says is perfect for brides seeking a glowing, hydrated complexion. “This mask can be left on overnight, making it incredibly easy to use, especially since our skin repairs itself during the night. It is formulated with yeast extract and a ceramide complex, both of which work together to deeply nourish, replenish and strengthen the skin’s barrier, leaving it feeling soft, plump and rejuvenated,” she says. “Niacinamide, which is also known as vitamin B3, is a powerhouse ingredient that helps to minimize pores, control redness and is great for strengthening the skin barrier.”
Bridal face mask don’ts
Griffin cautions against using products with alcohol, whether it be denatured or SD alcohol, as they can dry out the skin and strip the natural skin barrier, which can trigger oil production and breakouts. She also recommends avoiding strong essential oils such as peppermint or citrus, which can pose an allergy risk and cause photosensitivity, making the skin more reactive to the sun’s harmful rays.
“Though they initially offer a cooling sensation, these types of oils can be irritating to the skin, especially if you are on the dry, sensitive side,” says Griffin. “Synthetic fragrances are also one of the top causes of skin irritation, rashes and allergic reactions, and often contain hundreds of undisclosed chemicals.”
Griffin also suggests avoiding physical exfoliants with large particles such as traditional apricot kernels, crushed walnut shells and sugar scrubs, which she says can cause micro-tears in the skin, leading to irritation, inflammation and long-term damage to the skin’s protective barrier.
Griffin adds that it’s also important to be mindful of a bridal face mask that claims to provide an instant transformation, which may include peel-off charcoal masks, glitter masks or colour-changing formulas. “While they often appeal and look great on social media, they lack benefits, often leave the skin irritated, and are potential sensitizers,” she says.
Lesley TurnerEditorial Content Writer
Lesley is a freelance writer and content strategist with a serious love for all things wedding. With a background in bridal fashion and over a decade of industry experience, she creates stylish, scroll-stopping content for Today's Bride and beyond.
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