5 skincare mistakes every bride-to-be should avoid

Every young woman dreams of glowing on her special day. She visualises herself with the perfect outfit, stunning accessories, fabulous make-up, and of course radiant skin.

However, with elaborate marriage planning comes great stress and it’s hard to keep your skin at its best. And, in the quest for dewy, fresh and glowing skin, you could end up making a few skin care mistakes. Here are five common mistakes that every bride should avoid making:

Though brides follow diets and are particular about their food intake, not many are aware of the impact of certain foods on the pH balance of the body. Avoid foods that can lower the pH levels. Steer clear from carbonated drinks, alcohol, sugar, and egg yolks which are acidic in nature. Opt for green vegetables, turmeric, chia seeds and lemon, which are alkalising in nature and help in balancing the pH levels of the body. Imbalanced pH levels result in skin inflammation, extreme sensitivity, and even acne breakouts. Ensure that your diet has a 70:30 ratio of alkaline and acidic food to maintain the pH balance.

Cleansers that have a pH level of 9 and above are alkalising and disrupt the protective layer of the skin, which fight against the bacteria and dirt. This can result in skin losing its important oils, drying out and getting scaly. Cleansers that are acidic can aggravate irritation on sensitive skin. Thus, it is very important to use a pH neutral soap that does not affect the protective layer of the skin. To maintain the skin’s layer and preserve its natural balance, it is recommended to use a moisturizing soap that is pH neutral (having a pH level of 7).

Many brides-to-be get carried away by facials, peels and chemical treatments that are available at almost every salon. These are a big no-no, especially if you have never done them before. In reality, your quick fixes may be doing more harm than good. Don't dive into a treatment right before your wedding; instead, stick to gentle, simple products, and use them every day.

To protect skin from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays and to keep dullness and tanning at bay, wearing a sunscreen is a must. Apply a dollop of sunscreen on your face 15 minutes before you head out. Moreover, sunscreen’s effect generally diminishes after being out in the sun for a couple of hours. You need to reapply the sunscreen every two hours to stay protected throughout the day

Skincare actually begins in the shower. Ordinary soaps can strip your skin's moisture. Make sure you moisturize your face and body after showering. This will help to maintain your skin's hydration levels.