#BridalSchedule with Dr Kiran Sethi—How to prevent skincare emergencies before your wedding day

Skin flare-ups always come at the worst possible (and important) times. Whether it’s an unnoticeable breakout or an angry rash, it can present itself at the most inopportune moments, including your wedding day. Waking up with a skin emergency on your special day is a nightmare no bride wants to deal with. To help you with that, we got Dr Kiran Sethi, medical director and founder of Isya Aesthetics, Delhi to break down the various precautionary measures one can take to avoid any skin mishaps. 

“When dealing with emergency skin concerns such as acne, rashes, and rosacea flares in brides, it's crucial to adopt a comprehensive approach that includes lifestyle adjustments, skincare routines, and professional treatments,” says Dr Sethi. Here’s a detailed guide on how to manage and prevent these common skin issues that pop up when we least desire them.

Acne Breakouts 
LIFESTYLE

Avoid high glycemic foods—Foods that significantly raise blood sugar levels can worsen acne. Make sure to opt for a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, and lean proteins.

Limit dairy intake—Dairy, particularly milk, may contribute to acne flare-ups in some individuals.

Skip certain protein powders—Powders like whey and casein protein powders are known to potentially trigger acne.

Be cautious with supplements—Supplements such as ashwagandha can impact acne, so make sure to use them with care.

Maintain a clean diet—Focus on eating fresh and wholesome foods before your wedding. Avoid processed options.

Follow healthy lifestyle habits—Ensure adequate sleep, regulate exercise, and proper hydration.

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SKINCARE & TREATMENTS

Opt for salicylic acid-based face washes—Salicylic acid helps exfoliate the skin and clear blocked pores.

Incorporate oil reduction products—Look for ingredients such as niacinamide, clay, or bakuchiol in your products, as this helps manage and control your skin’s production of oil.

Consider topical retinoids—Dealing with persistent acne? Topical retinoids like adapalene can be prescribed by your healthcare provider to help treat it. 

In-clinic professional treatments—Opt for treatments such as Laser Clear Skin (treats acne and controls oil production), Gold Plasma Therapy (minimises pore size and reduces acne), or Micro-Botox (reduces pore formation and prevents acne breakouts), before your wedding.

TIPS FOR LAST-MINUTE EMERGENCY CARE

Apply ice—Ice can help reduce the swelling and redness of a big pimple.

Use SOS creams—Products like Acnesis Roll-On can provide targeted relief.

Try spot treatments—These can help reduce the size and redness of pimples.

Professional techniques: In clinics, treatments such as the Zit Zapper, which zaps pimples with a machine, or injections with triamcinolone or steroids, can quickly alleviate severe breakouts.

Rashes
SKINCARE

Avoid multiple new products—Introducing numerous new creams or home remedies simultaneously can disrupt the skin’s barrier and aggravate rashes.

Minimise sun exposure—Avoid staying out in the sun for too long as excessive sun exposure can also trigger a rash.

Be cautious with your fragrances—Certain perfumes may trigger rashes, therefore it’s best to steer clear or be wary of the fragrances you’re applying on the days leading to your wedding day and of course, on the day.

Manage humidity and heat—Prolonged exposure to heat and humidity without proper cleansing can cause rashes.

TIPS FOR LAST-MINUTE EMERGENCY CARE

Consult a doctor—For active rashes, seek medical advice to get appropriate creams and medications.

Professional care—Clinics can provide soothing treatments like Red Rx and medicated products to resolve rashes swiftly.

Rosacea
DIET AND LIFESTYLE

Steer clear of alcohol and spicy foods—These foods can trigger your rosacea to flare up.

Avoid cinnamon—It is often found in various drinks and foods and is known to trigger rosacea and therefore is best avoided in the run-up to your wedding.

SKINCARE AND TREATMENTS

Avoid the use of harsh products—Incorporate gentler skincare products to avoid rosacea flares. 

Limit sun exposure—When stepping out, always protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays to avoid triggering rosacea. 

Prescription creams—Adding a prescription cream recommended by your doctor to your routine will make a huge difference to your rosacea flare-ups.

Opt for professional treatments—Treatments such as PhotoHD or advanced AFT light therapy can help treat the skin condition. Specialised micro-needling months before your wedding, can help pack in collagen so vessels can’t expand and cause flushing. Lastly, a treatment called CL4D can also help prevent and treat rosacea, along with reducing pores, fine lines, and pigmentation. 

TIPS FOR LAST MINUTE EMERGENCY CARE

Use an ice pack—Applying ice balls to the affected areas can help reduce redness and inflammation.

Consult a doctor—A healthcare provider can prescribe medications to manage rosacea flare-ups. 

Opt for Photo HD therapy—It combines light treatments to calm rosacea symptoms.

Opt for ZO skin health and obagi facials—These soothing facials can provide rapid relief from rosacea.

Image credit: Pexels 

Also read: Skincare-infused make-up products to have in your bridal trousseau

Also read: 6 skincare mistakes you might be making ahead of your wedding day