Image Credit: Kevin McGinn Photographer

Grooming The Groom

Every bride wants her skin to be radiant on her wedding day – and a groom should be no different. In this introductory guide, Tegan Lyon will equip every groom-to-be with the tools to attain glowing, healthier skin for their wedding day and beyond.

Image Credit: We Are Twine

Achieving a clear, healthy complexion is integral to looking your best on your wedding day. Although the stigma surrounding male skincare still lingers, the demographic of male clientele is significant and continues to grow as men become more conscious about skin health.

Prep Time

Clear, luminous skin doesn’t simply happen overnight, so be prepared to put in the work in the lead up to your wedding day. While it is never too early to start taking better care of your skin, you should allow at least two to three months to see the best results. Many skincare products will cause the skin to breakout during initial use. This is known as ‘purging’ and is typically a good sign that the product is shedding dead skin cells and unclogging pores. This is even more reason to start your wedding prep early, especially as you are getting a feel for the products that work best for your skin.

A Regime For You

Just as your skin is unique to you, your skincare routine should be unique to your skin. When it comes to skincare, a common mistake men often make is using a combination product, such as a three-in-one shampoo, body and facewash. Men should also steer clear of using soap on their face as it causes an imbalance in natural PH levels and can severely dehydrate the skin.

Moisturisers and cleansers are an absolute must when it comes to improving and maintaining skin health. Cleansers help remove traces of oil, dirt and dead skin, while moisturisers are essential in keeping your skin hydrated and healthy. It is paramount that men use products that are tailored to the condition, texture, tone and oil secretion of their skin, rather than approaching skincare with a ‘one-size-fits-all’ mentality. Most products that are mass-produced are often made from a generalised formula, and are unlikely to produce the desired results and resolve individual skin concerns.

Men will have greater success with cleansers and nourishing creams that tackle individual, specific skin conditions such as dryness, oiliness, acne and dehydration. There is an overwhelming choice of skincare products on the market – with large variants in price – so it’s highly recommended that you conduct some research first. Booking a consultation or skin analysis with a skincare specialist should be your first step.

Health And Hydration

The overall appearance of skin is directly affected by gut health, so the skin is quick to respond to nutrient and mineral deficiencies, or any unnoticed food intolerances and sensitivities. Since external health begins internally, eating a well-balanced diet that is rich in fruit and vegetables will go a long way in improving the appearance of your skin in the lead up to the wedding.

While drinking six to eight glasses of water a day will vastly improve your skin’s hydration and the appearance of dark, under-eye circles, this should not be your only method of hydration. Since we secrete most water we ingest through daily sweating, hydration can be managed by incorporating essential fatty acids such as avocados, salmon and nuts into your diet. These fatty acids help to produce the skin’s natural oil barrier, which keeps your skin looking hydrated, plump and youthful. Managing skin conditions both internally and externally has been proven to achieve the most successful, long-term results.

Only The Best For Your Face

Your skin is constantly affected by external factors that are out of your control, including temperature, humidity, pollution and sun damage, so why not use the best skincare products at your disposal?

Cleansers

Bearing in mind that all products should be tailored to your unique skin, there are several reputable products to kickstart your skincare collection. DMK’s highly popular Deep Pore Pure facial cleanser for normal to oily skin is a great place to start.

This foaming cleanser is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, brightening and oil-regulating, and works to remove dirt and oil residue from the skin. DMK Deep Pore Pure also acts as a shaving foam, keeping hair follicles clean and preventing in-grown hairs and infection. For men with dry, delicate or sensitive skin, Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel is a gentler option that won’t cause irritation or dry out your skin.

Moisturisers

Bro-To’s Very Useful Face Cream has a lightweight formula with nourishing ingredients designed to make your skin soft and supple. For a hydrating pick-me-up, Mario Badescu’s Facial Spray with Aloe, Cucumber and Green Tea will leave your skin feeling refreshed before the big day. Clinique also has a vast range of hydrating moisturisers and gels, including fifteen custom-blend hydrators designed to suit a range of skin types and conditions. Men who experience oilier skin often make the mistake of cutting out moisturiser entirely, hoping to resolve the problem. This will in fact cause the skin to overcompensate and produce more oil, so don’t skip this step!

For Acne-Prone Skin

Men can battle acne for years, so it’s only natural to want to have your skin under control for your wedding day. In the months prior to your wedding, keep your skin clean with a recommended cleanser from your skin specialist. Remember to maintain your moisturising and hydrating routine when undergoing acne treatments as some products can be quite harsh and drying. DMK Beta Gel is a boosting serum designed for men who suffer from acne, burns, sun damage, premature ageing and inflamed skin. Adding this serum into your skincare regime will help minimise redness and inflammation.

For The Older Groom

For men wanting to tighten their skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, Clinique For Men Anti-Age Moisturiser is an ideal product for your wedding skincare prep. This product is formulated to hydrate the skin, while combating fine lines and skin dullness.

Exceptional skincare and health is just as attainable for men as it is for women, so take control of your skin now to look your absolute best on your wedding day!