5 self-care tips for brides to get an unmatched natural glow on their wedding day

Natural skincare tip: Expose your skin to small amounts of morning sunlight (5–7 minutes) for Vitamin D and collagen support. Pair this with cold exposure — ice massage or chilled roller — to reduce inflammation (Image: Pexels)

With the wedding season in full swing, it is only natural for brides to desire a wedding glow that draws all the attention. While facial treatments and makeup can enhance your skin, nothing replaces self-care and incorporating healthy habits and routines that make all the difference.

The weeks leading up to your wedding day can be taxing with fittings, late nights, travel, planning, and more — but a few basic steps of self-care can ensure they do not affect your skin. Deepak Gupta, Co-Founder of Style Lounge, told Moneycontrol, “A real wedding glow isn’t created by makeup or filters; it’s created by habits. And surprisingly, some of the most effective habits are the ones people rarely talk about.”

5 self-care tips for glowing skin

He shared five self-care insights that genuinely move the needle before the big day. If you are getting married in the coming months, you shouldn’t miss them.

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1. Stop guessing your skin type

One of the most basic steps is: get to know your skin type. “Nearly 70 percent of users misjudge their own skin type. Oily skin is often dehydrated. Dry skin is sometimes a damaged barrier. Sensitive skinmay actually be over-exfoliated,” Gupta said, adding, “Your skin type can change every 15–20 days depending on hormones, weather, sleep, and stress.”

• What can help? It’s best to do a skin analysis (AI or dermatologist-backed) and follow a personalised routine for at least 3–4 weeks.

2. Vitamin C works, but not if you’re low on iron

The secret of a glow is to have a healthy immune system, which necessitates the need of iron and not just Vitamin C serums. “People invest in serums but ignore something crucial: Low iron levels can dull the skin, no matter how good your skincare routine is. This is especially common among brides due to hectic planning, stress, and erratic eating,” he said.

• What can help? Glow hack: Add spinach, beetroot, dates, jaggery, or an iron supplement if needed (after medical advice). You’ll notice brighter skin, better oxygenation, and healthier lips within 10–14 days.

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3. Train your skin with micro-exposure, not just products

According to him, a natural skincare tip used by dermatologists includes exposing your skin to small amounts of morning sunlight (5–7 minutes) for Vitamin D and collagen support. Pair this with cold exposure — ice massage or chilled roller — to reduce inflammation. These “micro-exposures” can improve skin health faster than switching multiple products.

4. Avoid new facials, but do a 7-day barrier reset

The most common advice is to avoid facials few days before your wedding, but what can be done instead is a 7-day barrier reset:

• Ceramides
• Niacinamide
• Hyaluronic acid
• Minimal exfoliation
• No actives 48 hours before the wedding
• A soothing sheet mask the night before

"This helps the skin barrier control hydration, texture, and how makeup sits on your face. Brides who perform this reset see more glow than from last-minute facials,” he said.

5. Your stress chemistry matters more than your routine

“This is a science-backed but rarely discussed point: When cortisol goes up: skin retains less water, inflammation rises, collagen breaks down faster, and pigmentation patches deepen,” he said.

• What can help?

1. 10 minutes of slow breathing
2. Magnesium-rich foods (pumpkin seeds, banana, ragi)
3. 20-minute evening walk
4. Digital sunset (no screens 60 minutes before bed)
5. You’ll see reduced puffiness and softer skin within a week.

Finally, a wedding glow shouldn’t be only about looking good on the outside, but about feeling beautiful from within. It’s about incorporating healthy habits and making intentional choices every single day. A little discipline and self-kindness also go a long way in helping you look naturally radiant on your wedding day.

FAQs on Best Bridal Look

1. How important is knowing my skin type for achieving a bridal glow?

Understanding your skin type is crucial. Nearly 70% of people misjudge their skin type. A proper skin analysis, either AI or dermatologist-backed, helps you follow a personalized routine, ensuring better skin health before the wedding day.

2. Can Vitamin C serums alone ensure glowing skin for my wedding?

No, Vitamin C serums need to be complemented with adequate iron levels. Low iron can dull your skin, even with a good skincare routine. Incorporate iron-rich foods like spinach and beetroot for brighter and healthier skin.

3. Are there natural ways to enhance my skin health before the wedding?

Yes, exposing your skin to morning sunlight for Vitamin D and collagen support, and cold exposure to reduce inflammation, can improve skin health. These "micro-exposures" are more effective than switching multiple products.

4. Should I get a facial right before my wedding?

It's better to avoid new facials before the wedding. Instead, opt for a 7-day barrier reset with ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, minimal exfoliation, and a soothing sheet mask the night before. This helps control hydration and makeup application.

5. How can I manage stress to improve my skin for the wedding?

Managing stress is vital for skin health. Practice slow breathing for 10 minutes, consume magnesium-rich foods, take a 20-minute evening walk, and avoid screens an hour before bed. These habits reduce puffiness and soften your skin.

Disclaimer: This article only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific diagnosis.