A beautiful bridal skin journey

By Charlene Cox

In the lead-up to my wedding, I attended a specialist skin clinic in pursuit of a refined, radiant bridal glow. Following a change in my wedding date, I began my journey on 16 October, leaving less than eight weeks to achieve visible, meaningful results—an ambitious timeframe that required both precision and expertise and with a shorter time frame I was sceptical if time would be on my side arriving into the clinic.

From the outset, my consultation with Dr Hanu set the tone for what would be a highly tailored and results-driven experience. Her approach is both meticulous and deeply considered. While I had believed my skincare routine was effective, her honest, expert assessment offered a far more sophisticated understanding of what my skin truly needed.

Each step of the process was clearly guided, with an emphasis on long-term skin health rather than short-term fixes. This level of care and attention was particularly reassuring given the limited time before my wedding.

In the weeks that followed, the transformation was undeniable. My skin appeared brighter, clearer, and beautifully refined, achieving that sought-after bridal glow. On the morning of my wedding, my makeup artist immediately commented on the exceptional condition of my skin, noting how well it responded to application. She even remarked that I had clearly “got the memo” when it came to pre-bridal skincare—an observation that felt like the ultimate compliment.

On the day itself, I felt entirely confident—comfortable in my skin in a way that felt both natural and elevated, exactly what I envisaged as a bride.

The experience was seamless from beginning to end. Defined by expertise, trust, and a truly personalised approach, it is one I would recommend to anyone seeking to invest in their skin whether a bride or not. Make the call, you will not be disappointed. I’m 42 and I can honestly say Dr Hanu gave me the confidence to be so content make up free and still will continue my journey.

What Dr Hanu had to say:

During the initial consultation, I assessed the patient’s concerns and created a personalised treatment plan in preparation for her wedding day.

The first stage involved wrinkle relaxers across four areas to soften dynamic lines caused by facial expression, including the forehead, frown lines, the peri-orbital area around the eyes and the neck.

Treating these areas together helps create a refreshed appearance by subtly opening the eye area and lifting the brow, while treatment of the neck targets platysmal bands to soften lines and improve laxity beneath the chin. Wrinkle relaxers generally take around two weeks to settle fully, allowing us to review the results before progressing with further treatments.

At the review appointment on 31 October 2025, the wrinkle relaxers had settled well and the results were very natural. The next stage focused on restoring structure and stimulating collagen using HArmonyCa (1.25ml). HArmonyCa is a dual-action injectable that provides the support of a dermal filler while also stimulating collagen production over time. The product was strategically placed in the temples, the preauricular area in front of the ear and the mid cheek. By supporting the lateral areas of the face, we can achieve a natural lifting effect through the mid face, improving contour and softening the appearance of malar grooves and early volume loss around the eyes and cheeks.

On 21 November, the next phase focused on refining facial volume using Definisse Restore and Definisse Core fillers. One millilitre of Definisse Restore was used in the mid cheek to restore support and structure, while Definisse Core was placed in the nasolabial folds and marionette lines to soften deeper lines and rebalance the lower face. To complement the injectable treatments and improve overall skin quality, we also incorporated Fotona laser therapies.

SmoothEye by Fotona was used to address fine lines and puffiness in the under-eye area, with a course of treatments typically recommended one month apart. LipLase was also performed to stimulate collagen within the lips, subtly enhancing volume and reducing fine lines without the need for injectable fillers. A final review of the wrinkle relaxers ensured that any small refinements could be made, helping us achieve a balanced, natural result ahead of the patient’s wedding day.

When advising future brides who are considering aesthetic treatments ahead of their wedding, my approach as a medical doctor in aesthetics is always centred on skin health and realistic timelines. Achieving natural-looking results requires patience and a thoughtful approach, working with the body rather than against it.

Ideally, brides should begin their skin preparation at least 6-12 months before their wedding day. This allows us to build a tailored plan based on the individual’s starting point and combine treatments gradually and safely.

During the first consultation, I work closely with the patient to develop a treatment plan and schedule that also considers budget expectations, allowing them to plan their journey well in advance.

Working with brides well ahead of time also removes anxiety around treatments and allows us to progress at a comfortable pace, ensuring the results look subtle and natural rather than rushed. My biggest piece of advice is to remember that the most radiant version of you is the one that feels healthy and rested. Planning a wedding can feel like a marathon, and it is easy to become focused on fixing perceived flaws. However, your partner chose you exactly as you are. Any aesthetic treatment should simply be the icing on the cake, enhancing the natural glow you already have.

Be kind to your skin and to your spirit. Start early, avoid making significant changes too close to the wedding day, and prioritise the fundamentals such as exercise, sleep, nutrition and hydration.

No cream or treatment can truly replicate the natural radiance that comes from a bride who feels happy, present and confident. My role is to support my patients so they feel comfortable and confident when they walk down the aisle, creating a plan that feels calm, supportive and never stressful.