If there’s ever a day you want (and need) your skin to be on its best behaviour, it’s your wedding day. That can often be easier said than done, and for most, requires a little extra help from the experts.
Kiki Chakra, the founder of Chakra Intelligent Skin, knows all too well the trying task of getting glowing skin from the inside out, not only having helped hundreds of brides (and grooms) ahead of their big days, but preparing her own skin ahead of her upcoming wedding.
We asked Chakra for her expertise on uncovering a radiant complexion, as well as the products she’s got in her own beauty arsenal.
Unsurprisingly, “consistency is key”, says Chakra. “Start by introducing products that work on your barrier function and hydration and start with products that are easy to incorporate into your routine. Slowly you will want to introduce actives into your routine to
help improve skin tone and texture, work on fine lines and wrinkles. It’s a must-have in your
routine!”
On top of these key products, Chakra recommends starting your wedding ready skin journey six to eight months prior for “optimal results.” But, don’t worry if you don’t have that kind of time to prepare, with Chakra adding that you can still make it work “by incorporating some great habits into your routine to make you glow from within.”
Booking in a consultation with a skin therapist prior is also a step Chakra highly recommends, noting it’s “vital to really understand your skin and your skin goals.” Be that texture, acne, or just overall brightness and hydration. “A thorough consultation means a solid treatment plan for you whether you have acne, rosacea, pigmentation or if your skin just needs to be brightened up.”
In these initial consultations, your skin therapist will take time to learn as much as they can about your skin history, as Chakra explains, learning about gut and hormonal health, as well as lifestyle habits.
While it may differ depending on different clinics you go to, the Chakra Intelligent Skin clinics use a diagnostic tool called Observ, which shows what can’t be seen with the naked eye.
“For us it’s really important to have a give and take relationship with our client and to build a relationship on trust. That's why it is important to put in a clinic and home treatment plan that the client is comfortable with. If there are gut or hormonal issues that may need addressing we normally recommend our clients see our naturopath or Chinese herbalist who we have worked closely with for years.”
At Chakra’s clinic, the belief is that glowing skin comes from within, so starting on internal supplements like EFAs (essential fatty acids) are highly recommended. “This works in increasing hydration, strengthening your skin and will also improve the results from your in clinic treatments. Your skin therapist will also start you on some key skin care products to complement your skin goals.”
Navigating the world of treatments and skincare can be incredibly daunting, as we already know, especially with all the options out there, as Chakra notes. If you’re looking for a place to start, one of her favourite treatments for brides (and grooms) is DMK Enzyme Therapy and LED.
“I recommend having these once a month. Other treatments can also be incorporated into your treatment plan such as skin needling. This is a great treatment to increase growth factors and work on collagen and elastin formation. Two to three weeks prior to the big day we LOVE doing Forma RF. This is a skin tightening treatment that uses radio frequency to tighten, light and smooth the skin. It is perfect before a big day.”
Chakra, who is also preparing for her own upcoming wedding, is putting into place the regime she’s helped so many other brides with. Her own wedding prep, includes:
- Direct Delivery Vitamin C Serum — powerful rebuilding serum, that stimulates collagen production, treats pigmentation and brightens the skin.
- Beta Gel Serum — great for stressed skin. Creates optimum hydration and reduces inflammation.
- Fine Line Cream — great for the eyes, lips, neck and décolletage. Rejuvenates the skin, revises fine lines and wrinkles.
- Hydrating Masque — calms the skin, increases hydration and makes the skin bright and bouncy.
- Lira Anti Ageing Pads — advanced at home exfoliation that combines seven different acids, peptides, probiotics to smooth, tighten and brighten the skin.
As for the night before, Chakra recommends: “Sleeping with a nice film of DMK Hydrating Masque. It is great for restoring and maintaining your skin hydration. It will also create the perfect base for your makeup the next day and you’ll be glowing down the aisle.”
Also, make sure to avoid “looking for quick fixes”, which is a common mistake Chakra is used to seeing.
“Good things take time. If you don’t normally have treatments I don’t recommend doing drastic before your big day. If you have left it too late the safest thing to do is to have a course of LED treatments. They are safe, effective and there is no downtime.”