Dirty Little Wedding-Day Secrets
Expert advice on how to remedy decidedly unromantic ailments on the big day
By Anna Sachse CTW Features
Body odor, pimples, PMS and hangovers – these usually aren’t the first words that pop into a bride-to-be’s mind when she starts planning her big day. But these “guests” do have a way of showing up uninvited. Here the experts share their tips for handling the dirty little secrets that no one wants to talk about … but every bride should consider.
Prevent Un-Bridelike B.O.
The most important step is obvious – find (and test) an antiperspirant or deodorant that is effective, doesn’t have an offensive scent itself and doesn’t get gummy under your arms. “Make sure you let it dry completely before putting on your dress for maximum results,” adds Heather Levine, fashion & beauty editor for TheKnot.com.
But there are also other ways to help battle body odor and sweat marks. Wearing a dress with sleeves? You’re in luck, says Levine. “Dress shields – small, peel-and-stick pads that adhere to the armpit area of your clothing – are great for absorbing sweat and odor.” No sleeves? Stash a few medicated sweat-control towelettes from MED e TATE by Derma Doctor in your clutch. They can even be used on your face, which will help prolong the life of your makeup.
You also should drink lots of fluids – water especially – to help keep your internal air conditioning working properly. And be careful with your diet. Levine recommends avoiding spicy foods the day of your wedding, as well as caffeinated beverages and excessive alcohol, as they all can induce sweating.
Finally, brides with chronic excessive sweating problems may want to speak with a dermatologist about possible medical options, such as Botox, Levine says.
Say Goodbye Surprise Pimple
What’s the solution for a nasty zit that shows up right before you’re about to walk down the aisle?
Your best bet is to plan ahead. If acne is a potential issue, see your dermatologist at least six weeks prior to the wedding so that treatments will have enough time to take effect, says Joel Schlessinger, M.D., an Omaha, Neb.-based dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon and president of LovelySkin.com. You also can seek help from your dermatologist if a single offending blemish shows up three or four days before the big event. “A little known secret is that you can inject a dilute form of a steroid into a pimple and it will miraculously be gone in a day or so,” says Schlessinger.
But if the zit shows up front-and-center just hours before your vows, squelch the desire to mess with it. “Picked zits are hard to hide, but makeup pros can work their magic and make unpicked ones seem to disappear,” says Levine. In order to stop the spread of pore-clogging bacteria, she recommends applying antibacterial cream as soon as you notice the blemish; however, you should avoid acne creams that will dry out your skin and make the pimple harder to cover up. When it’s time for makeup, use a creamy, oil-free concealer.
Bid Adieu to Bloating
“Hydrate!!!” says Levine. It may seem counterintuitive, but making sure your body has all the water it needs to function smoothly will prevent retention. Limit the alcohol and caffeine, as they can dehydrate you and potentially make menstrual cramps worse. You also should avoid salt, which causes total body bloating, and certain foods like dairy, legumes, cruciferous vegetables and artificial sweeteners that contribute to abdominal bloating. If you have time between breakfast and having your hair done, you could also try a brief brisk walk, as exercise helps to decrease abdominal distension and release possible trapped gas.
Heal the Hangover
If you’re planning to enjoy a few toasts at the rehearsal dinner, Levine suggests making yourself a medicinal midnight snack – i.e. aspirin and a big bottle of water. Leave it by your bed and take it before you go to sleep. The water will help flush the toxins (mainly a nasty chemical called acetaldehyde) that alcohol leaves behind out of your system and can prevent the dehydration that makes the morning after so painful. Eating a small snack can also help because the food will slow down how much alcohol is absorbed by your stomach lining.
Too late? Start your morning with a cool shower. The cold water will reduce swelling and head pain. “Then, rehydrate with water and a sports drinks like Gatorade, and pop a couple aspirin with some food,” says Levine.
Better yet, save the multiple margaritas for the honeymoon.
