Wedding and Event Skin Prep Guide: Do’s, Don’ts + Skin Food Tips

Planning your big day — or showing up for someone else’s? Whether you're walking down the aisle, stepping in front of the camera, or simply celebrating a once-in-a-lifetime event, your skin deserves just as much love as your dress, makeup, and guest list.

After all, when your skin feels good, you feel good. Your makeup sits better, your confidence shines, and you won’t look back wishing you had “done more” for your skin.

This guide is all about what to do (and what not to do) as you prep for a big event — from monthly facials to night-before rituals to the slow, steady habits that actually pay off. Because glowing skin isn’t an accident — it’s a reflection of care, consistency, and timing.

Let’s talk about the power of a slow, buildable glow — and the routines (inside and out) that will help you get there, stress-free.

Image via — Pinterest

The Do’s

Do start getting monthly facials — 6 months out

Consistency is key. Facials aren’t a one-and-done fix — skin loves routine. Starting about 6 months before your wedding or event gives your esthetician time to:

• Address congestion, texture, or sensitivity

• Support deep hydration and lymphatic flow

• Build your glow safely and progressively

Holistic tip: Look for facial massage or sculpting sessions to de-puff, soften tension, and lift the skin naturally.

Do wear SPF daily

Put your best face forward by protecting it. SPF truly is your skin’s BFF, especially when it comes to preventing unwanted spots, texture, and worsening of acne scarring. My favorite mineral SPF primes the skin and sits well under makeup is:
Guardian Angel Sunscreen Milk — lightweight, acne-safe, and dewy. Packed with antioxidants, peptides, and nourishment.

Do double cleanse — especially at night

This is non-negotiable. A good cleanse sets the stage for the rest of your skincare routine and will help address dullness, texture, and congestion over time.
Your power pair:
Vetiver Illuminating Oil Cleanser + Purify Enzyme Cleanser
→ The oil to milk formula of the Vetiver Illuminating Oil Cleanser helps melt away spf, makeup, dirt, and imbalanced oils and Purify Enzyme Cleanser helps cleanse pores deeply but gently with brightening papaya, kiwi, and pineapple enzymes.

Do a mini facial ritual the night before

Forget last-minute sheet masks that leave you sticky and underwhelmed. The perfect night-before glow combo that brings together the right amount of exfoliation + hydration:
Prep + Reset Peel Pads for gentle exfoliation
Vitamin C Regenerative Balm used as an overnight moisture mask
→ A resurfacing blend of Phytic, Lactic, Gluconic, Kojic Acids acids and fruit enzymes in the Prep & Reset Peek Pads gently exfoliate and moisturize the skin for a smoother-looking complexion.
Learn more about how to mask with the Vitamin C Regenerative Balm.

Do commit to a consistent skincare routine

Facials are incredible — and they absolutely have their place — but if you need to choose between facials or investing in your daily skincare, go with the skincare. You’re with your skin every single day, not just once a month. What you do at home is what creates real change.

A consistent routine allows your skin to build tolerance, stay balanced, and respond well to the occasional in-studio treatment. This is especially key if you're prepping for something as high-pressure as a wedding or big event.

If you’re looking to level up your routine, bring in a vitamin A serum like Correct Retinal Serum It’s gentle enough to use leading up to your event (with time to build tolerance), and powerful enough to smooth texture, brighten tone, and boost skin cell turnover for overall clarity. It’s also packed with peptides and antioxidants to support your barrier and keep things calm and clear.

The Don’ts

Don’t try anything new within a month of your event

That “new product” or last-minute peel? Could end up being your biggest regret. Stick to what your skin knows and trusts (that you have been working on in the weeks and months prior).

Don’t get invasive facials the week of

Instead of microneedling or aggressive peels, opt for a gentle facial massage, LED, or deeply hydrating treatment. We want glow — not recovery.

Want to glow from home?
These are some of my favorite at-home skincare devices. Red light therapy will help boost collagen, support skin healing, and improve overall regeneration. Microcurrent helps to tone and firm the muscles for a sculpted and lifted appearance.
- Current Body Light Therapy Mask Discount Code: KATEYCB
- ZIIP Halo Microcurrent Discount Code: BYKATEY

Don’t pick your skin

It’s tempting, but don’t do it. Instead, spot treat with Accelerate Spot Treatment — a targeted overnight acne treatment that calms inflammation and purifies to help reduce breakouts and prevent scarring.

Don’t forget that healthy starts from within

Even the best products can’t outwork:

• Chronic stress

• Dehydration

• Lack of sleep

• Too much caffeine, alcohol, or processed food

Treat your skin like it’s part of the team — because it is.

Skin Food is Skin Prep Too

Topical skincare is only half the story — what you nourish your body with leading up to your event plays a big role in how your skin looks and feels. These simple additions can help support that inner radiance:

• Berries – loaded with antioxidants to help protect your skin from stress and inflammation.

• Mango – rich in beta-carotene and vitamin C to support collagen and a radiant complexion.

• Melons – hydrating and mineral-rich, especially helpful if you’re feeling dry or depleted.

• Cucumber juice – full of silica and a great tonic for your liver (a major player in clear, balanced skin).

• Cinnamon – antimicrobial, antioxidant-rich, and blood-sugar balancing — just a little goes a long way.

• Nettle tea — Adrenal (stress) support and is packed with silica — a beauty mineral known for its hair, skin, and nail benefits and is a building block of collagen.

Key Takeaways

• Give yourself time + consistency to build results.

• Hydration > harsh treatments

• Book facials early, not urgently

• Your everyday skincare matters most

Want help putting together your skincare checklist for your big day? Book a virtual skin consult or follow Katey on Instagram @facesbykatey for more tips and guidance towards your glow goals.

The information provided on this site is for general informational purposes only, to include blog postings and any linked material. The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional health or medical advice or treatment, nor should it be relied upon for the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of any health consideration. Consult with a licensed health care practitioner before altering or discontinuing any medications, treatment or care, or starting any diet, skincare, exercise or supplementation program. The content of this blog and any linked material does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Mindful Beauty facesbykatey and is not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or up to date.