Skin Schooled by Ariel – 3 Wedding Skin Prep Essentials
Posted by Dustin Horton // September 13, 2025 // Articles, Skin Schooled by Ariel
Ariel Herrera
Owner/Licensed Esthetician/Reiki Practitioner
Guava Spa
315-636-0330
ariel@guavaspa.skin
You dreamed about the dress. You obsessed over the makeup. But did you think about your skin, the canvas for it all?
The good news is, wedding skin prep doesn’t have to be difficult. It can actually be fun and provide you with a piece of self-care that can help you get through all of the wedding planning stages because let’s be honest, they’re simultaneously special and stressful.
As a Licensed Esthetician for nearly 10 years and a relatively recent bride myself, I’m going to give you 3 wedding skin prep essentials that you can seamlessly weave into your busy schedule and will be beneficial for your skin for the long haul.
- Hydration, hydration, hydration! And this is so much more than just applying moisturizer. Drink your water, get in your omega-3’s, and incorporate hydrating serums and oils as needed.
- SPF is imperative! UV rays (whether it’s a “sunny” day or not) are the #1 cause of premature aging. Wear SPF daily and reapply as needed. I personally opt for a zinc oxide-based product, as it is mineral-based and anti-inflammatory, which is great if you struggle with sensitive skin or acne.
- Exfoliation is key! There are so many ways to exfoliate these days but I prefer using enzymes 2-3 times per week. Enzymes gently digest your dead skin cells, leaving your skin soft, refined, and ready to soak in all of the hydration we talked about in the first step. But listen, even silicone facial scrub pads from the dollar store are better than nothing.
Start these habits early and your skin will thank you. Come wedding day, you’ll feel confident, radiant, and ready for every close-up. And if you’re ever feeling on the dull side and need a skin pick-me-up, come back to these tips!





