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Walk down the aisle flaunting a flawlessly
fresh face. By Isabelle Gullö
ant to give your skin a completely fresh start before the
wedding? Get a photofacial, says Beverly Hills–based
dermatologist Dr. Vicki Rapaport. “Photofacials soften the age
spots and sun damage seen in even in young brides-to-be and
make the skin evenly toned and glowing for the big day. They
should really be called ‘photomiracles.’” What else should brides
know about this innovative procedure? Here, Rapaport, creator
of SKN BAR, shares the ins and outs.
What exactly is a photofacial?
In basic terms, it’s a type of safe, light-based laser treatment that
How is a photofacial different from a regular facial?
You can’t compare the effects. Basic facials extract blackheads
and whiteheads and clean the skin, while peels and microdermabrasion help exfoliate. But they can’t eliminate sun damage,
like broken vessels and brown spots. What about wrinkles?
Photofacials do nothing for fine lines and wrinkles but they even
out the skin tone and can soften the look of large pores.
removes spots and tiny red vessels on the face, chest, arms and
How soon before my wedding should I have a photofacial?
hands to help rejuvenate and expose a newer, fresher complexion.
Schedule it six to nine months before the big day to ensure you’re
The technologies available are LED (light emitting diode) and IPL
fully healed and have a chance to do a touch-up, if needed.
(intense-pulsed light), which is usually the most effective.
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photofacials also treat skin problems like acne and rosacea.
What’s the downtime?
What skin problems can it treat?
You’ll look slightly freckled for 7-10 days afterward, with tiny
It can lift off brown sun spots, called lentigoes, zap tiny broken
specks of brown flaking off for about five to seven days. You
capillaries and help exfoliate the skin’s extreme top layer. Some
can wash your face and put makeup on pretty much right away.
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planning guide
beautiful bride
WEDDING DAY MUST-DOS
1 Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate,
especially if you are drinking
champagne all weekend, which
can seriously dehydrate your skin.
2 Emergen-C powder kits are
amazing for the skin and brain. They
keep you alert and prepared for all
the entertaining you’ll be doing, while
infusing your skin with vitamins.
3 Eat antioxidant- and proteinrich blueberries, blackberries and
fish to help you stay energized during
the festivities.
4 Stash your powder and lipstick in
a cute purse and keep it within reach.
They’ll help you look fresh for those
random photo-ops.
5 Have lots of sex! The benefits for
the skin are countless. After all, the
term “blushing bride” was based on
blood flow to the face from making
love to your new spouse.
DOCTOR’S ORDERS
Beverly Hills’ dermatologist Vicki Rapaport unveils
the bride’s must-have list of beauty products.
›› Reduce the signs of aging with Clarisonic Opal Sonic
Infusion System, which vibrates a wrinkle-reducing
serum deep into the crows feet area around the eyes
($185, clarisonic.com).
›› Shed dead skin cells, even out skin tone and combat
breakouts with Retin-A—“the best beauty cream on the
planet,” says Rapaport. “It’s the only anti-aging cream
without a huge price tag and a device to help it penetrate.” Talk to your doctor about a prescription and
know that over-the-counter Retinol is a different product.
How long do the results last?
›› SKN’s Pure Oxygen Crystal Cleanser boosts the
If you’re diligent with sunscreen and wear a hat in the sun, five to
skin’s natural colors without stripping it of its natural
10 years. If not, you’ll be back at the dermatologist’s within a year.
oils ($18, 4oz, $25, 8oz, loveyourskn.com).
Are there any negative side effects?
›› Rapaport’s makeup tricks for the destination bride are
With fair-skinned patients, there’s really no risk. Darker skinned
simple: SKN’s Mineral Sheer Tint SPF 20 in Natural Glow
individuals, however, have to be careful with any type of laser as
($40, loveyourskn.com) and a great waterproof mascara,
there’s a higher risk of being burned or having darker or lighter
like Blinc’s Mascara Amplified ($26, blincinc.com).
spots remain. Ask your doctor to do a test spot first.
How much does a photofacial cost?
Paying $300-$400 (and $200-$300 for a touchup) is reasonable.
BODY BASICS Inspired by
Any insider’s tips?
centuries-old European spa
Find a board certified dermatologist who’s a member of the
traditions, Natura Culina’s body
American Academy of Dermatology (aad.org). Check the person’s
products use organic ingredients
credentials and ask questions. And know that while it may sound
to ensure your skin looks—and
scary to laser your face, a photofacial is a gentle and worthwhile
smells—heavenly on your big day and
procedure that can give you that new beginning—particularly for
beyond. The body scrubs and shea butters come in
your once-in-a-lifetime wedding day.
different scents and sizes (from $22, naturaculina.com).
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planning guide
eco essentials
green
wedding
gifts
We are always inspired by products that look
good, feel good and do good. Here is our
spring-summer selection of bridal gifts that
go the extra mile—while treading lightly on
Mother Earth. By Isabelle Gullö
Stamp of Love
This hand-rendered
rubber “Love you”
stamp set, packed
in an eco-friendly
heirloom case, is ideal
for the crafty romantic.
$13, branchhome.com
Bright Light
Enjoy the sweet, natural scent
of honey from Big Dipper
Plates with Purpose
Waxworks’ tea lights, each
These “serving platters with purpose”
hand-poured using pure
are handcrafted in Pennsylvania from
beeswax from beekeepers
recycled glass, with $2 of each sale
in the Pacific Northwest.
donated to support local community
Set of six, $8; set of 16, $20;
organizations. $50, uncommongoods.com
bigdipperwaxworks.com
What a Vase
Grehom adds an earthconscious twist to a classic
wedding gift with this
beautifully tapered vase,
made from recycled glass.
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$45, amazon.com
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EliteWeddingCollection.com
planning guide
eco essentials
fabulous favors
Cute & Cuddly
Brides and grooms will
love Branch’s adorable
Terrific Tote
couples pillows, which
The perfect bridesmaid
can be customized
gift, these fun and colorful
choosing from four sizes
“canvas buckets” are
and shapes and up to 38
printed on 100 percent
characters. $134-$160,
recycled canvas cloth with
branchhome.com
soy-based inks. $12,
chewingthecud.com
Gorgeous Glass
The stylish and stemless wine
glasses from UncommonGoods are
handmade using recycled pieces
from salvaged bottles. $32,
uncommongoods.com
Select Soaps
Made with nourishing, organic
goat’s milk and other all-natural
ingredients, Natura Culina’s
Bottle it Up
Did you know that water is affected by good energy?
The Love Bottle is not only enviro-safe, but allows you
to write or draw any positive messages directly on the
soaps not only do your skin a
favor, but they make great gifts.
Opt for a pretty flower or bridal
motif. $10, naturaculina.com
glass so that you can feel great while looking at it and
drinking from it. $12-$18, lovebottle.net
Wrap It Up
Gift giving gets fun with
Chewing the Cud’s organic
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cotton wraps, available in
many beautiful designs,
each with a special
message like Give Thanks
or Give Peace. From $16,
chewingthecud.com
EliteWeddingCollection.com
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