The “Wedding Countdown” Glow: A 6-Month Roadmap for Brides and Grooms

Getting married is a marathon, not a sprint—and your skin is usually the first to notice the stress of the “wedding sprint.” Between managing the guest list and the final dress fittings, the Australian sun and wedding-related cortisol can leave your complexion looking a little flat.

At Jericho Skincare ANZ, we know that achieving that iconic “just married” radiance isn’t about a frantic facial the day before. It’s a strategic, mineral-rich journey. Whether you’re the bride-to-be or the groom aiming for a sharp, refined look, here is your definitive six-month roadmap to the best skin prep for wedding success.

6 Months Out: The “Skin Audit” & Foundation

This is the perfect time for a skin audit. You shouldn’t be trying aggressive new treatments three weeks before the ceremony. Six months is the sweet spot to start a new routine for your face care before the wedding because it allows for multiple skin cell turnover cycles.

• The Bride: Focus on texture. If you have congestion or unevenness, start using our Dead Sea mud once a week. The sulphur and magnesium in the mud act as a deep-clean for your pores, pulling out toxins now so your skin has time to settle and glow later.

• The Groom: Start a dedicated men’s skincare routine. If you struggle with redness or ingrown hairs from shaving, you need to strengthen your moisture barrier now. Our mineral-rich after-shave balms work to heal the skin so it’s not inflamed for the photos. If you want more tips on how to start, check out our simplified men’s skincare routine. 

4 Months Out: Body, Hair, and the “Detail Shots”

We often get so caught up in the face that we forget the backless dress or the “close-up ring shots.”

• The Tan Canvas: For many Aussie brides, a spray tan is part of the plan. For the most natural look, you need an even base. Start using a salt scrub twice a week on your arms, shoulders, and back. Doing so helps ensure your tan doesn’t cling to dry patches.

• The Ring Shot Prep: Your photographer will take close-ups of your hands. Don’t wait until the week of the wedding to think about your cuticles. Use a tiny amount of salt scrub on your hands, followed by a mineral cream once a week to keep your hands looking soft and youthful.

3 Months Out: Consistency & Hydration

If you’re wondering about skincare three months before the wedding, the keyword is discipline. This is when you lock in your daily habits.

• Internal & External Hydration: Potassium found in Dead Sea minerals helps the skin maintain water balance. Ensure you are using a Dead Sea mineral-rich serum or moisturiser every single night.

• The Groom’s Beard Strategy: If you’re keeping the beard, you must exfoliate under it. Use a salt scrub gently on the skin beneath the hair to prevent “beardruff” (dry skin flakes) from falling onto your dark suit jacket during the vows.

1 Month Out: The Refining Stage

You are in the home stretch. Your bridal skin care routine for one month out should be about soothing, not experimenting.

• The Big Question: “How close to my wedding should I get a facial?” The golden rule is seven to 10 days before. You want enough time for any “purging” or redness to subside, but close enough that the plumping effects are still visible.

• Don’t Forget the Feet: If you’re wearing open-toed heels or heading to a beach wedding, use the sock trick. Apply a thick layer of body butter to your feet, put on cotton socks, and sleep in them. You’ll wake up with spa-day feet.

2 Weeks Out: The Stress Management Phase

Wedding stress increases cortisol, which can lead to dullness and breakouts. This is where you pivot to how to take care of skin before a wedding from the inside out.

• The Magnesium Reset: Take a 20-minute soak in Dead Sea bath salts twice a week. The high magnesium content helps soothe the nervous system (calming those pre-wedding jitters) while the salts detoxify the skin.

• The SPF Rule: In Australia, a strappy-dress tan line or a t-shirt tan is a wedding photo nightmare. Be militant with SPF on your neck and shoulders during those outdoor rehearsals.

The Wedding Day Roadmap at a Glance

The “I Do” Glow

When you look back at your photos, you won’t remember the seating chart drama, but you will see the health of your skin. By starting your skincare wedding journey early and leaning on the natural, healing properties of the Dead Sea, you aren’t just prepping for a day—you’re investing in a radiant future.

Ready to start your countdown? Browse our Skin & Body Care Bundles to get everything you need for your 6-month journey in one chic set.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I get my “glow” to last through the reception? 

The “glow” comes from hydration, not oil. If you have oily skin, ensure you are using a mineral-based moisturiser. When your skin is properly hydrated with minerals like potassium and magnesium, it won’t overproduce oil to compensate for dryness, meaning your makeup stays crisp from the “I do’s” to the dance floor.

Is it too late to start a routine if my wedding is only a month away? 

It’s never too late, but you must be gentle. If you’re starting a bridal skin care routine for one month out, focus entirely on hydration and soothing. Don’t try high-percentage acids or new chemical peels. Stick to mineral-rich baths and gentle exfoliation to brighten the skin without causing a purge or reaction.

My partner has never used skincare. How do I get them started? 

Keep it functional. Most grooms are happy to use a product if it solves a problem, like razor burn or dry skin. Introduce them to a simple two-step process: a mineral cleanser in the shower and an after-shave balm afterwards. Once they see the reduction in redness, they’ll be hooked.

Should I exfoliate the morning of the wedding? 

Most skin experts recommend doing your final exfoliation two days before. This ensures your skin is perfectly smooth for makeup application while giving any slight sensitivity time to calm down. On the morning of your wedding, stick to a gentle cleanse and a light, mineral-rich moisturiser.