Skin First, Ceremony Second
Via Pinterest
Ok, so... you're engaged. You’ve got the Pinterest board, the ring pic that broke your group chat, and the very real realization that the countdown is on. Before we get into dresses—or to bridesmaids or not to bridesmaids—let’s talk about your skin. Your face. Your plan.
This is the part where you start figuring out what actually makes a difference, and what to leave on TikTok. From facials to filler to that sudden urge to microneedle your entire existence two weeks before the wedding (please don’t), it’s about smart timing, knowing your face, and doing what makes you feel like you—but well-rested, in love, and glowing.
Let’s step into a different section of the beautyverse—where tweakments live. Skin treatments, Botox, filler... the things that can make a big difference when timed right and done with care.
When I was in my mid-30s, I got Botox and lip filler for the first time. I loved how it made my skin look—refreshed, smoother—and how the filler brought balance to my lips. Not volume. Not cartoonish. Just balance. I never went over half a syringe. I’ve only had lip filler done twice—once then, and again a few months ago.
As for Botox and Dysport (tbh, I prefer Dysport), I keep it light. I never go over 23 units because I just don’t need more. I get it done maybe twice a year. That’s it.
I started thinking about trying someone new during a chat with my colourist. We were mid-gossip about beauty treatments when she casually mentioned she gets Botox and filler. Her face looked incredible—natural, radiant, and completely—and I mean, completely undetectable. Like a really good no-makeup makeup look, but for bone structure.
That convo eventually led me to Nurse Jenalle. Her work is super natural and undetectable—which is exactly what I go for. She’s one of those names that floats around the whisper network of people who care about their face, but don’t want it to look like they’re doing anything.
So I asked Jenalle to walk us through the skincare and injectables timeline—what to do, what to avoid, and how to actually plan this stuff out without losing your mind. Her answers are below…
Wedding Skin According to Nurse Jenalle
Nurse Jenalle Los - BScN RN
What treatments are actually worth starting months before the wedding? (Thinking things like peels, microneedling, facials, etc.)
Not to sound dramatic, but skin prep should definitely start well before the wedding day - ideally a year before, minimum. You want to be glowing and good to go by the 6-month pre-wedding mark. That means kicking off your microneedling series 10–12 months out, and settling into a skincare routine that supports skin turnover and barrier health. Think of it as a wedding countdown for your skin—minus the stress. ✨
Some skin conditions, like melasma, require a gentle and patient approach. Treatments with chemical peels and brightening products take time to reach their full effect, so ideally, you’d want to start tackling these about a year before your wedding to get the best results.
How close is too close for certain treatments? Like—when’s the hard cutoff for things like lasers, microneedling, or even intense facials?
When it comes to microneedling, timing is everything—aim to wrap up your series at least 3 months before the big day (and bonus points if you start even earlier). Collagen takes time to work its magic, and the real glow-up happens in the months after your final treatment. Doing it just a month before? That’s like cramming for a final—you won’t be fully healed, and your skin won’t get to show off its new collagen just yet. For IPL, give yourself at least 2 months so your skin has time to chill and show results. For peels and Hydrafacials, I recommend wrapping up your final treatment 4–6 weeks before the wedding. Not every face is a fan of a microdermabrasion, and trust me, two weeks before your wedding is not the time to discover that your skin disagrees.
The only exception? If it’s a treatment you’ve done many times before and you know exactly how your skin reacts—then a 3-week buffer might be okay. But proceed with caution.
Are there any products or treatments you find brides rush into thinking they’re a good idea, but you’d actually say avoid leading up to the day?
One of my golden rules for brides: don’t try anything brand new right before the wedding. Your pre-wedding treatments are not the moment to experiment. That’s why the year leading up to the big day is your best friend—it gives you time to test things out, figure out what you love, and skip what doesn’t vibe with your skin. And remember: the goal is to look like the very best version of you—not a filtered version of someone else. Think of aesthetic treatments as the icing on the cake…not a last-minute switch to a whole new recipe.
What’s the safest move if someone breaks out or has a mini skin freakout the week of?
1. Hands off! We know it’s tempting, but picking will only make things 100x worse. Seriously—just don’t.
2. Don’t go overboard on actives. More isn’t more. Stripping your skin barrier in a panic will only make things angrier.
3. Stick to what your skin knows. Use hydrating, calming products that support healing, and only incorporate acne actives your skin already tolerates well. Now is not the time to test new potions!
Your Glowy Skin Starter Pack
If a bride could only do one thing to get that healthy, glowy skin—what’s your top recommendation?
Find a retinol your skin actually gets along with. Retinol is a powerful ingredient that brightens and smooths the skin unlike any other ingredient. However, it can be irritating, so pair it with a nourishing moisturizer or facial oil to keep your barrier happy and balanced for that plump, dewy skin finish. Start this regimen about a year before the wedding, as it can take this amount of time to truly see results. Remember it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Also, a good quality vitamin C is a great investment for your skin. And always, ALWAYS, SPF.
Christy Turlington. Vogue 1986
Botox & Filler 101
For someone considering Botox or filler before their wedding—when should they realistically start planning that out? When is it too last-minute?
I always suggest starting your aesthetic experimenting about a year before the big day. This gives you time for 2–3 rounds of Botox before your official pre-wedding treatment, so you and your injector can fine-tune the perfect dose and placement—no surprises, just smooth results.
Personally, I think hitting that pre-wedding Botox treatment around 8 weeks out is the sweet spot. It gives everything time to soften just enough while keeping the results fresh, so you end up looking naturally radiant—like the best version of you, without any “frozen” vibes.
Same goes for filler. Honestly, you can’t really start too early. If you do some cheek filler a year out, chances are it’ll still be looking great by the time you walk down the aisle. For lips, if a bit of volume fades, a subtle mini-plump about 3 months before the wedding can give you that soft, fresh look without feeling overdone.
Starting both toxin and filler treatments early also gives you time to see if you really jive with your injector—or if it’s time to find someone who feels like a better fit. It’s a relationship built on trust and vulnerability, and you should feel 100% comfortable with the person guiding your aesthetic journey. You’re not just investing in treatments—you’re investing in a partnership.
Any do’s and don’ts for first-timers? Especially when it comes to avoiding that frozen or “done” look.
This might ruffle some feathers, but I’d steer clear of putting a significant amount of toxin in the lower crow’s feet area below the outer eye corners. It can really mess with how your face moves when you smile and laugh—which, let’s be honest, you definitely want to do on your wedding day. Same goes for using toxin to fix a “down-turnedmouth.” If you’re going to be crying happy tears (and you will), treating that muscle can make your mouth move in a way that’s more “Kim-cry” than heartfelt sob. Trust me, better to ugly cry than Kim-cry.
What do you say to someone who suddenly wants to fix everything before the wedding? How do you gently bring them back to Earth?
I always remind clients there’s really nothing to fix. If there’s something you’re self-conscious about that might distract you from enjoying your day, then sure—let’s manage it so you feel amazing. But remember, your partner and everyone coming to celebrate already fell in love with you—just as you are. You’re perfect, and you’ll look perfect when you look like yourself.
Choosing the Right Injector & First-Timer Tips
Can you talk a bit about how important it is to find an injector who actually says no to things that don’t suit your face or your timeline? And why finding someone with a more conservative eye can make all the difference—especially if you want it to look natural and undetectable?
I talk people out of treatments just as often as I talk them into them! I’d much rather give honest advice about what’s realistic than have you spend money and end up disappointed with results that were never going to happen.
One of my top priorities as an injector is delivering exactly the treatments—and results—you came for. If you’re curious about other options, I’m happy to share, but I’ll never start pointing out “flaws” with unsolicited fixes. If all you want is to treat your 11’s, consider it done—no surprise full-face tox treatments coming your way.
If someone’s working with a tighter budget, what skin treatments or routines would you recommend that still make a big impact?
Start your retinol and moisturizer routine about a year before the wedding (like we talked about earlier). And if your budget allows for a little Botox, even a small touch-up can smooth things out and give you a fresh, natural glow.
For brides curious about Botox but new to it—any tips for starting slow and low? What should they look for in an injector, and what are the red flags to watch out for?
I often encourage people to start with just one area—especially if they’re feeling a bit nervous. This gives you the chance to dip your toes in without committing to a full face of tox you might end up hating. It’s all about easing in, figuring out what you like, and building confidence along the way—no regrets, no surprises. Also, if you decide you want to stick with conservative treatments, that’s absolutely ok! Many seasoned tox-users treat just their 11’s and are perfectly happy with that! Doing routine toxin treatments doesn’t have to mean a full-face approach. It’s all about what you want, and starting well before the wedding gives you time to get comfortable with the results.
Also, be sure to find an injector who respects your pace. If you’re more conservative, your injector should be too—and a good clue is how they treat their own face. If you’re going for a natural look, an injector who looks natural themselves is usually a great place to start.
What would you say to someone who’s being sold on more units or treatments than they probably need?
Capitalism, unfortunately, motivates every business—we all have to make a living. But some injectors see a bride walk in and immediately see dollar signs, knowing she’s motivated to look her best and might be more easily swayed to spend beyond her original plan. Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself and say no to any recommendation that doesn’t feel right.
Your injector should always walk you through what areas they’re treating and exactly how many units they’ll be using before the treatment starts—no surprises, no pressure. If they don’t offer this summary, ask them to go through their treatment plan before they start injecting!
Personally, I never want anyone leaving my office feeling like they were talked into something they didn’t want (or couldn’t afford!). If you ever feel that way after seeing an injector, it’s a sign to find someone new—someone who respects your goals, your comfort, and your boundaries.
—In collaboration with Nurse Jenalle Los
Well, friends, that’s a wrap. I really hope this helps. You can follow Jenalle here—she works out of Park Medical and also sees clients at her private space in Parkdale. Whether you’re getting married or just into good skin, same rules apply: start early, stay consistent, don’t panic-book your face.
And if I can leave you with one small tidbit: let your 20s skin live. It’s still doing its thing—bouncy, thriving, holding it down. Wait until your 30s to start Botox or filler. You’ll know when it’s time.
Glow all day,
Ale