What Brides Need to Know About Skin Specialists: estheticians, derms, medical spas, and more

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When it comes to wedding beauty, glowing skin doesn't happen overnight. It's the result of thoughtful care and the right team of professionals supporting you throughout your beauty journey. Brides often ask me where they should start when it comes to skincare. The truth is, that different specialists play different roles.

-Hi there! I'm Olivia and I help brides feel like their best self in the most comfortable way. My hair and makeup style is natural, authentic, and inspired by soft glam. I'm located in Baltimore and Connecticut, and serve the East Coast from Virginia to Massachusetts.

From estheticians and dermatologists to medical spas and your bridal makeup artist, each professional brings their own expertise to the table. Understanding what each one does-- and when to see them-- can help you build a skincare routine that leaves your skin healthy, balanced, and well-prepped for your wedding day.

If You Have Time, See An Esthetician

An esthetician can help you select products that are best suited for your skin. There are different types of estheticians just like there are makeup artists.

From my experience, there are the "results-oriented" estheticians and the "relaxing" estheticians. Depending on your concerns and goals, you can select one or both to visit leading up to your big day!

Results-oriented estheticians specialize in helping with pigmentation, texture, fine lines, and adding moisture back into the skin. Just like how you would with your makeup artist, use discernment when selecting a results-oriented professional to work with.

My brides and I personally love "relaxing" estheticians because of the name itself. You won't get any harsh products applied and there are little to no extractions. I am wary of extractions because pigmentation can occur depending on your skin type and how the extraction is done. A relaxing facial can look like a lymphatic drainage massage, buccal release, or a hydrating session.

Always Say Yes to (the Right) Medical Spas:

Medical spas are my favorite for efficient and effective results. These are my go-to if I want fast results. There are so many different technologies for improving the skin so you can get a glowy, fresh look.

Fine lines and facial symmetry? Botox and filler.

Want to get rid of fine lines, texture, pigmentation, large pores, and you want to skip the tox? Try microneedling and/or laser.

Please, please go to a trusted professional for these services :) I am happy to recommend some amazing people in the Washington DC area!

Dermatologists

Many brides are naturally drawn to dermatologists, and I have mixed feelings. Reason being the rise in prescription retinoids. Remember how we said our main goal is to build up and create a strong, stable, predicable skin barrier? Retinoids can weaken the skin and create dry patches. These side effects make it hard to apply makeup evenly and even harder for it to stay on all day.

My advice to brides is: unless you've been on a retinoid for the last few years and your skin responds well to it, just skip it.

Another thing to remember is that everyone is a specialist. Dermatologists are doctors so they specialize in medicine. Estheticians specialize in skin treatments and facials. In that case, I would trust an esthetician over a dermatologist to provide dermaplaning and hydrafacial services.

Bridal Makeup Artists

Jenny Wagner Photography

Last but not least- the makeup artists! We are here to ensure that your makeup applies smoothly and lasts all day. We'll listen to you, prep your skin on the preview, and ask for feedback so that we can get the wedding day look exactly as you envision it.

Us prepping the skin looks like asking the right questions, recommending specialists to visit, and applying the right moisturizers and primers before makeup.

At the end of the day, the goal isn't perfect skin. It is really just healthy, stable, balanced skin that feels comfortable and predictable. When the right professionals work together, your skin becomes the best possible canvas for your wedding makeup. With thoughtful prep and the right guidance from the right specialists, your beauty routine can feel calm, supportive, and aligned with the natural, radiant look you are looking for on your wedding day!

For more information about essential skin prep tips, read this post!

If you're a bride-to-be and wanting to start your skincare journey, you can inquire here and book a discovery call! We'll chat about your skin type, concerns, and preferences and start planning for your big day together.