At my cousin’s wedding, almost a decade ago, I heard him saying that all he needed to do was put on his clothes and leave for the venue. That’s easy, I thought because religiously following a skincare routine, fixing regular appointments with a dermatologist and spending hours on make-up and hair has always been on the bride’s list. It was when I got a call from one of my friends a couple of years ago asking what he should do for his skin tan and pigmentation because he was getting married, I realised times have changed and so are the groom’s priorities with regards to his skin and hair. Dermat clinics are as buzzing with men walking in for treatments as they used to be with brides-to-be. The bottom line is that if you’re getting married or are on groomsman duties, it’s time to make a calendar with dos and don’ts that you must follow before the celebrations begin. 

Six to Eight Weeks Before the Wedding 

The first step is to establish a simple but consistent skincare routine with products that suit the skin and target the problem areas. It also gives the skin ample time to adjust to the new products and changed routine. Make sure to include moisturiser and sunscreen in your routine and specific serums if you’re targeting any concern. This is also the time to fix an appointment with a dermatologist, if you haven't done that yet, to introduce actives in your routine, if needed. “Introduce active or exfoliating serums 2-3 months before your wedding, starting on alternate nights before gradually increasing the frequency, to avoid potential irritation,” says Shrilekha Shringarpure, Aesthetic Doctor, Cosmetologist and Trichologist, Founder and Head of The Preserve Clinic in Mumbai.

If you are looking to go for specific treatments like lasers for hair or medi-facials, you must check with your doctor to be able to squeeze in as many sessions as possible before the last week. “Begin brightening laser treatments or chemical peels, if required,” says Dr Sagar Gujjar, MD Dermatologist (IFAAD), Founder and Head, Skinwood Clinic. With this, Dr Shringaroure also suggests body peels during this time to target body and back acne and acne marks. Sessions are recommended 15-20 days apart and starting six weeks prior allows for 2-3 sessions, ensuring optimal results. This is also the time when one should be cautious about sugar intake and fried foods. 

Five Weeks Before the Wedding 

It’s time to introduce proper exfoliation in your skincare routine to enhance skin texture. Make sure to exfoliate the skin twice a week to get rid of clogged pores and help the products penetrate the skin better. According to Dr Spoorthy Nagineni, Consultant Dermatologist at Zennara Clinics, five weeks before the celebration begin is also the right time to go for treatments like Growth Factor Concentrate or mesotherapy for hair that nourish hair follicles and promote healthier hair growth in preparation for the big day. 

Meanwhile, stick to your skincare routine, start maintaining a beard care routine, speak to your dermatologist and check if you can fix an appointment for a hydrating facial. “Also, reduce alcohol and smoking, as these can make your skin look dull and dehydrated,” says Dr Shringarpure. 

Four Weeks Before the Wedding 

Officially a month away from the D-day, these are the crucial last four weeks. This month is all about sticking to basics and not introducing anything new in the routine without discussing it with your dermatologist. Consider working out regularly and keeping hydration level under check. If necessary, schedule a second session for hydra-facial or those dealing with acne, an in-clinic peel treatment can also be considered during this month. “An in-clinic yellow peel treatment is highly effective for grooms dealing with acne, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone and texture issues. Schedule this treatment 3-4 weeks before your wedding date to allow adequate peeling time before the big day,” says Dr Shringarpure. If you consider going for this treatment, make sure to not use any actives for a few days and stick to the routine your doctor prescribes after the treatment. 

On the other hand, Dr Gujjar suggests going for a hair colour or colour touch-up during this month, if required. A month before the main day is stressful and hectic, a relaxing massage is also a good TLC option during this time. “This can help reduce stress and tension, contributing to a more relaxed and refreshed demeanour as the wedding approaches,” adds Dr Nagineni. 

Three Weeks Before the Wedding 

This week is all about continuing your skincare routine and following it religiously. Also, be careful about introducing new products, actives and treatments in your ongoing routine. “Don’t start any new active creams, like AHAs, BHAs, or retinol, within a month of the big day to avoid unexpected skin reactions or irritation. These products can cause purging or sensitivity, which may be hard to manage close to the event,” says Dr Nagineni. It’s also a good time to start meditation and yoga to manage stress and relax. Dr Shringarpure suggests focusing on diet and lifestyle management to support your skin. Maintain a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and get enough rest for overall well-being. Though it’s good to stay away from procedures, Dr Nagineni suggests going for Q-Switch laser treatment which is effective for pigmentation and even skin tone. 

Two Weeks Before the Wedding 

14 days to the final day, it’s time to avoid anything drastic related to diet, hair looks, grooming, and skincare. Even if there’s something that you missed doing in the last six weeks, it’s better to avoid it at this time. Focus on relaxation and stress management to avoid stress-related issues like breakouts. To manage stress breakouts, a spot treatment can be used, however it must be done after consulting your doctor. The dermatologist can also suggest quick fixes to manage the breakouts. You can also take another session of Q-Switch treatment if time permits, and your dermatologist suggests.  

A Week Before the Wedding 

With just seven days to go, go for a hydrating and brightening medi-facial. “The ZO Red Carpet Facial, loved by celebrities worldwide, combines gentle exfoliation with powerful hydration, leaving your skin smooth, firm, and revitalised without downtime or redness. Results are instantaneous,” says Dr Shringarpure. In the last seven days, any DIY face or hair remedies should be avoided. You can use calming and hydrating face masks but make sure that these are from the brands that you have used before. All laser treatments, waxing, breakout extraction, and deep chemical peels should be avoided in the last week. Keep the routine simple, stay hydrated and don’t make extreme changes to the diet.