I believe that confidence stems from within, and that beauty can be a reflection of someone’s personal style, just like the jewelry they wear. Today I’m excited to introduce you to Anna Babayan - an experienced skincare expert who works with brides leading up to the wedding day and beyond. Read more in this Style Moment.
Q: How far in advance should you start to prep your skin?
Usually, I aim to start working with a bride 6 to 12 months before the big day. For problems such as acne, acne scarring, rosacea, hyperpigmentation, melasma, etc.. I insist on starting treatments a year ahead to maximize the potential of promised results. Plus skin will be able to renew itself and build new collagen.
However, for general improvements of non-problematic skin 6 months is perfectly enough. I will generally begin by fully curating an at home skincare regimen using exclusively Biologique Recherche and Environ skincare products. I also will go over a general elimination diet for my brides to achieve that glowy, dewy, hydrated skin. I also prefer to treat my brides to minimum 3 to 6 professional treatments such as microneedling, traditional European facials, deep tissue facial massage, intraoral “buccal” massage, microcurrent “electric lifting facial.” It is important to mention if a bride is on a budget or lacking serious commitment but still wants to make some improvements to their skin, getting on an at home professional routine that they can perform morning and night will give them better results than only committing to a few professional sessions. No professional treatment will give improvements without committing to a home care regimen.
Q: What treatments do you recommend considering during your engagement to prepare for your wedding day?
Every skincare treatment plan is different, but some of my favorites are microneedling, multiple gentle/light peels (lactic peels), microcurrent technology, internationally recognized/celebrity cult favorite Remodeling Face Lift by Biologique Recherche - which we offer. My style and philosophy is to start slow, gently help the skin to renew itself and observe how they turn into “glowing goddesses.” In my opinion there is no magic or quick fix. Just like any success, beautiful skin is a lifestyle which requires dedication and a lifelong discipline.
Q: What skincare products do you love, especially leading up to the wedding day? Any ingredients that you love in a well rounded skincare rotation?
I believe in hydration as the medicine all women need. Makeup will look fantastic only if the skin is properly exfoliated, plump and deeply hydrated. Some of my favorite ingredients would be serums and/or creams with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, niacinamides (vitamin B3), vitamin C, vitamin A (retinyl palmitate), vitamin E and panthenol (vitamin B5). The best kept secret is the iconic Lotion P50 which gently yet very effectively re-texturizes, balances, brightens and tones the skin. This cult favorite toner is a sophisticated blend of vinegar and mild acids such as AHA, BHA and PHA.
Q: What role does nutrition play into a wedding preparation skincare routine?
Elimination diets can help dramatically improve skin problems and maintain a healthy glow. When I meet my clients for the first time I start the consultation by educating them on eliminating pro-inflammatory food groups; wheat (gluten), dairy, sugar, deep fried foods, all processed foods, certain seed oils such as corn, canola, soy, safflower, sunflower, grapeseed, rice bran and cottonseed. These oils are extremely inflammatory and promote accumulation of toxins in body fat. Healthy fats are extremely important for skin health - so add in coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and omega 3 fats from wild fish and raw nuts.
Our gut health has a very direct connection to our entire well being and skin health. Nothing destroys our collagen more than sugar. Sugar molecules tend to bond with a protein during its breakdown process. This chemical reaction in our body is called glycation (inflammatory breakdown of collagen). Two of the most abundant proteins in our body that are responsible for tightness, fullness, and bounciness of our skin are collagen and elastin. Everytime we consume any food rich in sugar, especially processed sugar, we stimulate a collagen breakdown, speeding up our aging process. Face puffiness, rosacea, water retention and dullness in the skin all could be improved with eliminating all sugars. I always advise my brides for a minimum of 6 months before their wedding to completely eliminate sugar including starchy fruits such as bananas, apples, pineapple etc., from their diet and sticking only to berries as a sweet snack while preparing for the big day. Increasing lean protein and lots of fresh vegetables and leafy greens will positively impact overall gut health and in turn result in radiant, clear, depuffed skin for any big event.
Q: I’m a busy mother of two so I’m wondering if you have tips on how to maintain a manageable beauty and skincare routine after the wedding has come and gone and someone’s life evolves.
For all my clients who are interested in maintenance skincare but are not preparing for a big event I strongly recommend at least 4 to 6 professional treatments a year with a licensed professional also at home skincare regimen that should contain double cleansing, hydration, exfoliation and SPF sun protection.
To conclude, I would like to add that healthy skin can not be achieved by only doing facials. As a matter of fact, it is a complete waste of money. A client should aim for the following:
Contact Anna Babayan to start your customized skincare journey with a trained and trusted professional. Photos by Molly J Photography
