As she breaks down the trending buzzwords in skin care, AVILA LIPSETT advises brides-to-be on how to negotiate their wedding day skin prep. With so much skin care jargon out there, it can be confusing knowing exactly what to buy and what to stick to in order to achieve the best skin possible for your wedding day. Following is a breakdown of the prevailing skin care terms currently trending, so you’re familiar with what works and whether the hype is justified.

Antioxidants

During everyday life, the skin is exposed to various environmental sources of damage, including UV light and pollution. Repeated exposure to these types of stressors has been found to contribute to the encouragement of free radicals in the skin and can lead to premature signs of skin damage and ageing. Antioxidants like vitamins C, A, and E act as neutralising agents, providing protection at a molecular level.

What to Try

Ordinary Multi-Antioxidant Radiance Serum

The Ordinary Multi-Antioxidant Radiance serum, €17, is a daily multi-active serum with eight different technologies that provides holistic protection from environmental stressors to visibly brighten dull skin.

Collagen Banking

After the age of 20, we start to lose around 1% of collagen every year, as part of the natural ageing process. A new skin care marketing term, collagen banking, insists you can save your collagen now for use later. Here’s what we know: Collagen is a structural protein and is present in almost every tissue we have. It’s composed of amino acids tightly wound to keep the skin adhered to the body, allowing ligaments to move smoothly and keeping the skin supple. It plays a significant role in wound healing, but its levels decrease as we age.

What to Try

The Skin Diary Night Repair Therapy

Night Repair Therapy, €150, from The Skin Diary, repairs sun-damaged dermal elastic tissue while increasing skin collagen and elastin content and is shown to be 20 times more effective than retinol, while remaining gentle and irritation-free. This new product provides the opportunity to use a pharmacologically active retinol with absolutely no irritation.

Ceramides

Ceramides are lipid molecules naturally found in the skin’s outer layer. They play a crucial role in maintaining the skin barrier, repairing the barrier and retaining moisture. Ceramides reduce sensitivity and protect against ageing, and they can be found in many skin care products, from serums and cleansers to moisturisers.

What to Try

Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Moisturiser

Rich in ceramides, Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Moisturiser, €17.50, is specifically formulated to hydrate and protect sensitive, acne-prone skin. It defends against five signs of skin sensitivity — dryness, irritation, roughness, tightness and a weakened skin barrier.

The Microbiome

The microbiome refers to the community of microorganisms that reside on your skin. These microbes play a crucial role in skin health by protecting against harmful pathogens and bacteria, regulating the immune system, and maintaining skin barrier function. Harsh skin care products can disrupt the microbiome, leading to outbreaks such as acne and spots. Using the wrong skincare can also disrupt a healthy microbiome.

What to Try

Sásta Microbiome Booster Serum

Made right here in Ireland, Sásta Microbiome Booster serum, €45, combines a powerful blend of prebiotic and postbiotic ingredients to optimise skin health. It nourishes the skin’s defence barrier instantly, restoring its natural pH, and defending against external aggressors.

Enzymes

Enzymes are natural proteins that accelerate chemical reactions, making them a powerful ingredient in skin care. They work as gentle exfoliants, breaking down dead skin cells without irritation, making them perfect for sensitive skin. Derived from fruits like papaya and pineapple, they brighten, smoothen, and promote cell turnover. Some enzymes also help control oil secretion and unclog pores.

What to Try

Eminence Organic Enzyme Cleansing Powder

Eminence Organic Enzyme Cleansing Powder, €69, is infused with skin-brightening, vitamin C-rich fruits, including Barbados cherry and Kakadu plum. It’s a 2-in-1 powder-tofoam wash that gently exfoliates and deeply cleanses skin with the enzymatic power of actinidin and papain.

Plant-Based Skincare

As you might expect, plant-based skincare is a movement towards clean, sustainable, and skin-loving beauty. Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory benefits, botanical ingredients nourish the skin while avoiding harsh chemicals. Brides are increasingly embracing eco-friendliness in their beauty routine as well as fashion choices.

What to Try

Innersense Blissful Body Butter

Innersense beauty products use certified organic and sustainably sourced ingredients, such as Aloe Vera, Coconut Oil, Shea Butter and Quinoa Protein, ensuring each product is free from sulphates, parabens, synthetic fragrances and silicones. The brand’s Blissful Body Butter, €47, helps rejuvenate the skin with vitamins A and E.

Skin Tech

Skin care is getting a futuristic upgrade with cutting-edge beauty tech is designed to enhance results and personalise routines. From LED light therapy for acne and anti-ageing to ultrasonic skin scrubbers that deep-clean pores, these innovative devices bring spa-level treatments home.

What to Try

GESKE Sonic Warm & Cool 9-in-1 mask

The GESKE Sonic Warm & Cool 9-in-1 mask, €60, is a game-changing beauty tech device designed to elevate your skincare routine by harnessing sonic pulsations, temperature therapy, and LED light technology to deliver professional-grade results at home.

Hydration

When your skin lacks water, its texture and radiance change. Fine lines from dehydration appear on the face, skin is less supple and can seem dull. In order to avoid any possible skin irritation on your wedding day, some dermatologists and aestheticians may recommend that you stop using exfoliators or retinoids about a week prior to your wedding.

What to Try

Clarins Hydra-Essentiel mist

Much more than a simple mist, Clarins Hydra-Essentiel mist, €31, is an elixir enriched with plant extracts that hydrates and protects the skin against daily aggressors. It can be used either as the first step in your daily skincare routine or at night to hydrate and refresh the skin.

- Avila Lipsett