There’s no doubt Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, was glowing with joy on her wedding day, but she also had more than a little help from her longtime friend and London-based facialist Nichola Joss.
Joss, who counts among her clients other A-listers such as JLo and Kate Moss, believes massage is critical for radiant skin. In fact, Markle proclaimed in her now defunct blog, “The Tig,” that Joss gives the “best massages in the world” and attributes her defined cheekbones and smooth, sculpted jawline to Joss’s specific technique known as the “inner facial,” which includes massaging the inside of the mouth.
Joss revealed that she recommends brides start a focused skincare routine three to five months before their wedding. This includes massages twice a month with a facialist and continuing the practice at home in between appointments.
This is also the time for any necessary corrective treatments such as acid peels or microdermabrasion to deal with any acne or scarring issues.
Within the last two months, the focus shifts to calming the skin down and ensuring it’s well hydrated. The massages continue to maintain the tension in the face and to improve the texture of the skin.
Joss’s regime also includes no-nos, such as sleeping in makeup, messing with pimples and touching your face with dirty hands.
Her secret, last-minute trick for brightness? A jade roller, stored in the freezer which will freshen the skin and roll out puffiness in seconds.
New Orleans-based dermatologist and co-founder of Audubon Dermatology, Deirdre Hooper advises, “Ideally, meet with your board certified dermatologist six months or more before your wedding. The most remarkable results take a minimum of three months to achieve.
“The biggest mistake brides make is being too aggressive or harsh with products and procedures,” says Hooper. “Never ever pick or peel at your skin; the happier, calmer and more resilient your skin is, the more you can make changes with retinoids, fading creams, peels and lasers.
“Brides want to be their best selves, looking natural and relaxed. The first step is to address any medical conditions that are affecting skin quality — commonly acne, rosacea, or eczema. Next, maximize your regimen to include antioxidants and retinoids so that your skin glows with health. Finally, add on procedures that brighten your tone — the best are hydra facials, laser genesis, and clear and brilliant laser treatments.”
Matching the right products to your skin’s needs is also key to healthy, glowing skin. Here are a few of Markle’s trusted favorites to try for yourself:
Tatcha – The Rice Polish: The gentle, water-activated, ground rice bran and papaya enzymes powder creates a soft foam for gentle exfoliation.
Derma-E – Hydrating Mist with Hylauronic Acid: Whenever your skin feels tight or dry this mist instantly rehydrates and sets make-up in place.
Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment SPF15: Layers of nourishing oils and a sheer tint of color keep lips soft and kissable.
