The Six Week Bridal Beauty Prep PART ONE

photo by Liv

Real beauty comes from within. Your skin says everything about the kind of lifestyle you lead and most skin problems originate internally – the body is one whole integrated system so what’s going on inside our bodies will show up on our skin as well. That feeling of inner health shows up externally on our face and skin more than the best facial ever could. All parts of your bridal beauty prep program from nutrition & exercising to meditation are therefore having a huge impact on your skin. Further here are some beauty, tips and tricks that will ensure your skin and hair will be in best condition and excelling natural radiance. Now read on and get that glow!

The earlier you start to create a holistic fitness, nutrition and beauty regime the better. Besides the 6 week week beauty plan I will go through more general beauty prep, tools, products and techniques and expert Interviews. I always try to stay on top of the latest products and ingredients and hope to share some insider tips with you, while I prepare myself for my own wedding day.

6 Weeks to go: Exfoliate & Detoxify

BODY BEAUTY PREP

Now it's time to start your regular exfoliating regime. It's super easy to get your body glowing. Try daily Dry Brushing: All you need is a natural bristle brush and a body oil. Why? I have listed some amazing facts below:

Benefits: Removes dead layers of skin and other outer impurities. Stimulates and increases blood circulation. Helps release fatty deposits under your skin’s surface. Assists the eliminative capacity of your body’s organs. Rejuvenates your cells. Strengthens your immune system. Increases muscle tone. Improves skin texture. Helps prevent premature ageing.

How? Read my Step-by-step guide to dry skin brushing: 1. It’s best to dry brush first thing in the morning before you shower. I do it after my morning run or yoga session. Start with light pressure until you’re used to the sensation, then move on to firmer strokes. 2. Use a natural bristled brush. Avoid synthetic or nylon brushes or gloves as they’re too sharp and can damage the skin. 3. Start with the soles of your feet, use swift upward strokes and brush from the feet, up the legs, working towards your heart. 4. Once you’ve covered your lower body, move to your hands and work up your arms toward your heart in the same manner. 5. Next , brush your back (that's why it's good to get a long handle brush). 6. Last, work on your abdomen (moving in a clockwise direction to follow the movement of the colon), chest and neck. It’s best to avoid your face as most people’s facial skin is too sensitive. 7. Brush for about three-to-five minutes until your skin is rosy and slightly tingly. 8. Always shower after you dry brush to wash off the dead skin. 9. Immediately apply natural body oil onto the wet skin afterwards. You can use a luxurious blend of Oils or simply use organic unrefined Coconut Oil. Read here how to choose the right one.

And last but not least just a few little precautions: Avoid on sensitive skin, varicose veins, open wounds, inflamed skin or painful rashes, sunburnt areas, breasts and other sensitive areas. Seek doctor’s advice before brushing if pregnant or if severely/chronically ill. Stop brushing if an allergic reaction appears.

If you want to really enhance that new glowing body, and your wedding dress is showing some skin, try a light shimmer lotion on your wedding day to highlight your collarbones and shoulders or legs. I recently fell in love with the Youngblood Mineral Illuminating Body Tint, which I have used on beauty editorials. It's an all mineral and natural product, really fabulous!

Enjoy and keep it up! Keep posted for part 2, which will tell you all about exfoliating the face. :)