Preparing Your Skin For Wedding Season During A Pandemic (and how to deal with face masks)

Wedding season is almost here, and our dermatologists at The Pearl Dermatology have put together a plan to help you look your best for your special day during this unusual time. Ideally, it is best to meet with your dermatologist at least 6 months before your wedding day, as some treatments may take longer than others to achieve your desired result. During your initial consultation, it is important to address all of your skin concerns with your doctor as well as the goals you would like to achieve from treatment. This will help us to create a plan & timeline as to when you should come in for each specific procedure.

Over the years we have helped so many brides achieve their fairytale look, and we have compiled a list of the most common conditions that women like to have corrected or treated before their big day. And this year, we have added how to deal with face masks. Below you will find examples of the treatment we can provide to help you look and feel your best depending on your specific goals and skin condition.

FACE MASKS

Masks play a vital role in reducing the spread of the coronavirus at your wedding. However, these masks can also irritate your skin, clog pores, and cause flare-ups and breakouts. Not just for you, but for the mothers of the bride and groom, bridesmaids, and other special guests. This reaction can be more than just a few pimples as patients are also reporting peeling skin, rashes, and raw skin as a result of wearing masks frequently. To help reduce your risk of developing mask-related skin problems, we recommend these steps to protect your skin.

There are three main ways that your face mask can damage your skin, including:

• Rubbing: Masks can irritate your skin through friction leading to chafing and exposing raw skin, similar to a rug burn. The areas that are most commonly affected include the bridge of the nose and where the bands rub behind the ears. Over time, tight-fitting masks can cause the skin to break and become inflamed.

• Irritation: Aside from contact irritation, your mask may also absorb natural oils or debris from outside that can irritate your skin leading to skin sensitivity or dryness. Residue from detergents or fabric softeners may also cause inflammation or irritation as the skin on your face can be more sensitive to chemicals. Those with skin conditions such as rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema may experience occasional flare-ups as a result of wearing face masks frequently.

• Clogged Pores: Face masks can also limit the breathability of your pores, increasing the risk of them becoming clogged and leading to breakouts. Masks can also create a perfect humid environment for bacteria to grow which can also contribute to breakouts and clogged pores.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD MASK FOR A WEDDING?

The CDC recommends that healthcare workers wear surgical masks and N95s, while the public wears cloth masks. The material of your mask affects how well it can protect you from the virus as well as how well you can breathe through it.

The best choice for your skin is a tightly woven natural fiber such as cotton, as it is effective while still being gentle on your skin providing an excellent balance of protection and comfort. Your mask should fit snugly over your nose and mouth, but also comfortably.

TREATING MASK-RELATED SKIN PROBLEMS

If your skin is experiencing the effects of a face mask, here is what you can do for the most common problems.

Dryness and peelings can be the first signs of mask irritation. Over time your skin can become sensitive, red, and inflamed. Use a gentle cleanser to wash your face after each use and don’t forget to apply a moisturizer and/or ointment afterward to rehydrate and soothe your skin. Applying moisturizer or petroleum jelly before wearing your mask can also help to provide an extra layer against friction, chafing, and dryness.

If you begin to notice raw skin, breaks, or fissures, apply an over-the-counter ointment and dressing bandage to the area before putting your mask back on. This will help to prevent further skin damage. Remember to also apply the ointment at night or when you are not wearing the mask to protect and heal your skin.

Mild breakouts can often be treated with classic over-the-counter acne treatments, so most patients will be able to continue using their go-to products. Keep in mind that both prescription and over-the-counter acne remedies can be irritating to the skin due to frequent mask usage, even if you didn’t experience irritation in those areas before the pandemic. In these cases, you may need to use your treatment less frequently or adjust the amount used to help your skin.

If you are unable to find relief with these methods or if the symptoms worsen, please contact our office to schedule an appointment so that we can help you find the right treatment option for you.

WAYS TO PREVENT MASK-RELATED SKIN ISSUES AT YOUR WEDDING

As masks continue to be an essential part of our daily attire, here are some helpful tips to prevent skin problems from developing underneath your mask.

• Avoid wearing makeup beneath your mask as multiple layers of product can clog your pores or soil your mask leading to breakouts.

• Continue to follow your treatment plan if you have prior skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis unless otherwise advised by your dermatologist.

• Don’t start a new skincare routine unless otherwise instructed by your doctor as wearing a mask even for a short time can make your skin sensitive and react adversely to new products leading to irritation or breakouts.

• Regularly clean your cloth masks to prevent bacteria, dirt, and debris from building up on your mask. Keep a rotation of masks on hand and wash them after every use.

• Wash your face with a gentle cleanser daily and always apply a moisturizer formulated for your skin type after.

For more information on how to handle mask-related skin conditions or to schedule an appointment with our office, please contact us today.

PREPARING YOUR SKIN FOR YOUR WEDDING

There are many options when it comes to rejuvenating your skin before your magical day. In addition to the treatments already mentioned, we also offer fillers that can help restore volume and reduce facial lines. Fillers need to be injected 3-4 weeks before the wedding for the best results. These may be an appropriate form of treatment depending on your specific skin type, condition, and goals, which you can discuss with your dermatologist during your consultation. Contact The Pearl Dermatology today for more information and to schedule a consultation!

WRINKLES IN THE UPPER FACE

Regardless of how old you are, wedding planning can age you. Between the stress of planning all the last minute details and the anticipation of your big day, you may be looking in the mirror and feeling less like a glowing bride and more like a tired woman. Whether you have lines between your eyebrows or unwanted crows feet that you would love to get rid of, we have you covered.

We typically recommend Botox or Dysport for these skin imperfections, and treatment should be performed 2-3 weeks before your big day. These products are especially effective in treating wrinkles in the upper face as well as relaxing and smoothing lines on the forehead and between the eyebrows. Results tend to last 3-4 months (depending on how fast your body metabolizes the product), so you will still be looking fresh throughout your honeymoon! If this is your first time trying Botox or Dysport, we recommend coming in 3-4 months before your wedding for a “test drive” of the product so that we can determine how your body responds to the treatment and how much product you need to achieve your desired result.

We also recommend a variety of Collagen Builders to help smooth your skin. In the month of March we are offering 15% off the following products:

• Neocutis Lumiere Firm
• Neocutis Microbody
• Neocutis Neofirm
• Neocutis Biocream Firm
• Neocutis Journee SPF
• SkinMedica TNS Advanced Serum
• SkinMedica Recovery Complex
• SkinMedica Retinols
• Skinceuticals Glycolic Renew Overnight
• Revision Nectifirm Advanced

EXCESSIVE UNDERARM SWEATING

Between the stress leading up to your big day and the excitement, dancing, and even the weather during your wedding and reception, sweating can quickly become an unwanted issue. Sweating under the arms can be particularly bothersome as it can cause staining on your gown as silk repels water rather than absorbing it. It also retains body odors more than other types of fabric, which could make dancing and socializing in close quarters a little uncomfortable and embarrassing. Fortunately, Dysport and Botox can be beneficial treatments for this condition as well. Botox injected into the underarms can help reduce sweating in the area for up to 6 months. Our board-certified dermatologists recommend you come in 2-3 weeks before your wedding for optimal results. There may be a slight risk of bruising and swelling that can last up to 3-7 days, but will be long gone before your big day.

DULL SKIN

Everyone wants that newlywed glow on their wedding day, and often you need more than just makeup to achieve this look. The Spectra “Hollywood Laser Peel” is our go-to treatment to help remove dead cells that accumulate on the top layer of the skin which can often create a dull appearance. Within hours, your skin can appear softer and more radiant. Not only does the Spectra treatment help to create a radiant and healthy glow, but each treatment can also help improve the appearance of melasma, acne, acne scarring, reduce pigmentation, pore size, fine lines, and wrinkles. We recommend coming in a week before your event to prepare your skin for your big day and more importantly, your makeup artist. Give your skin a fresh new glow that will make all the difference on your big day, and come in for a Spectra Hollywood Laser Peel!

We also recommend Microneedling. Microneedling with PRP uses fine, sterile needles to create microscopic channels in the skin without the use of a laser. Since there is no laser or heat energy distributed to the skin, this device is safe in all skin tones and has a low risk of adverse events. After the microneedling procedure is complete, your dermatologist applies your PRP directly to the skin. The PRP then sinks down into the channels to promote further collagen stimulation. Microneedling with PRP is used to help improve skin tone, fine lines, texture, and shallow scars. Following a facial treatment, most patients will experience 36 hours of mild redness and mild swelling when PRP is added. PRP helps to shorten healing times; therefore, the healing time lasts longer when PRP is not used. A series of at least 3 to 5 monthly treatments is needed. Makeup can be applied 6 hours post treatment.

Another great treatment is Morpheus. Morpheus from Inmode Aesthetics is a new dimension in radiofrequency (RF) technology used to address sagging skin, wrinkles, and changes in skin texture. It combines fractional RF technology with microneedling. Delivering RF heat energy to the dermis encourages new collagen growth and tissue tightening at precise predetermined depths in the skin. The result is a little downtime procedure which can greatly improve wrinkling and skin laxity. Patients most commonly undergo 3 treatments at 1 month interval. Our doctors often combine Morpheus with the AccuTite procedure on the same day to enhance the collagen stimulating effects.

A few helpful products we recommend are the SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum and Colorescience Glow, which can be mixed with your foundation.

SUBMENTAL FULLNESS OR DOUBLE CHIN

Having a double chin in wedding photos can be a fear for many brides, especially if you have a stubborn pocket of fat under your chin. With the help of Kybella, Coolsculpting, and a skin tightening treatment such as Ultherapy or Morpheus, we can get you in picture-perfect shape in no time. During your consultation, you can discuss the various products and treatment options with your dermatologist so that together you can create a customized treatment plan. Usually, this needs to happen 6 months prior to the wedding, but specific treatment options will vary and are listed below.

• Kybella: Kybella is injected in a series of treatments ranging from 2-5 treatments. These results of fat reduction with Kybella are permanent; however, the final results can take 2-3 months after the final treatment to be seen. ⠀

• Coolsculpting: CoolSculpting is a noninvasive, innovative way to contour your body by freezing unwanted fat away with no surgery, scalpels or downtime. It can take anywhere from 6-12 weeks to see results, so it is recommended that treatment be done 3-4 months prior to the wedding.

For patients with skin laxity, we recommend adding Ulthera, and/or Morpheus, to your treatment regimen to produce a skin tightening effect. For products, we recommend Revision Nectifirm, which is discounted in March! Talk to your dermatologist about which options are right for you.

BROWN SPOTS

Similar to redness, pigmentation and sunspots on the face and body can be treated using IPL, also known as Photofacials. For more intense pigmentation and/or photodamage, your doctor may recommend a fractionated 1927 nm thulium laser (LaseMD, Fraxel DUAL, or the Clear and Brilliant Permea) alone or in combination with IPL. It is often necessary to have multiple treatments depending on the desired result. As discoloration or brown spots can occur commonly present on the face, neck, and chest we recommend treating all three areas to create a smooth, even appearance. This is something very important to consider if you’ve chosen a strapless gown! Treatment should occur 3-4 months before your big day, so be sure to keep that timing in mind when scheduling your consultation.

There are a variety of products that can help as well! We recommend Neocutis Pearl, Glytone Enhance Brightening Complex, Skinceuticals Phloretin, and Colorescience Even Up Multi Correction Serum. You can view our products here!

REDNESS AND WRINKLES

Redness on the face can be difficult to cover up with make-up alone for women. Men can find it even more challenging as coverage and concealing options are more limited. Whether it is caused by stress, heat, or a skin condition called rosacea, redness can be reduced significantly by using laser & light treatments such as a Photofacial. We typically recommend a series of 3-5 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart depending on the amount of visible redness. It is important to consider visiting your dermatologist at least 3-5 months in advance to allow plenty of time to squeeze in a few treatments and achieve your best results before your big day.

Do you have more than one issue that needs to be addressed? No problem! Many of our patients seek to simultaneously reduce redness, fine lines, and/or shallow acne scars. To address all of the issues, we offer combination therapy with Photofractional therapy. During this treatment, an IPL is performed using the Lumenis M22. Immediately afterward, a light resurfacing laser called the Resurfx is performed to stimulate collagen. Downtime is minimal with a few days of mild redness and swelling.

A few products may help as well. We recommend Neocutis Peche Redness Control, Colorescience AllCalm, and SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel and Mask. You can view our products here!

ACHIEVE YOUR DREAM WEDDING LOOK

With wedding season upon us, our dermatologists at The Pearl Dermatology are ready to put together a plan to help you look your best! Every bride is unique, and it is best to meet with your dermatologist at least 6 months before your wedding day to customize your treatment and skincare regimen. We will create a plan & timeline as to when you should come in for each specific procedure, or when you should apply each product.

We have helped so many brides achieve their fairytale look and this year provides more challenges than ever before. Contact us today to schedule your wedding consultation!