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I know that I’m a stuck-in-a-happy-bubble, head-in-the-clouds kind of bride, but I’ll take a moment to get real with all of you. There is one thing that plagues and worries me about our wedding, and it’s something I can’t entirely control.
My sensitive skin.
Okay, you can laugh. It’s pretty common and usually not too traumatizing. Unless, of course, you’re like me, and your skin freaks out over every little thing it touches. Like forks. Or couches. Or pants. Yeeeah… all thanks to:
Awesome.
See, it’s something that I openly admit to, but I do everything in my power to hide the evidence. (And don’t worry, I’m not allergic to all pants—anything cotton is usually fine!)
It stresses me out to think of having an unexpected allergic reaction to something I wear or touch before the wedding. My condition has turned me into a total perfectionist about my skin, and probably the most humiliating thing you can do to me is to point out one of my “sensitive spots”. It’s only happened a few times (I hide them really well), but each time, it was pretty killer on my self-esteem. I know it’s silly, but I really can’t help it. I’m just sensitive. (Heehee, accidental pun.)
And so, this bride-to-be is on a strict regimen to avoid developing a sensitive spot that lasts until our wedding day. My rules:
I know I can’t be the only sensitive skin bride out there! If you’re considering nixing wedding jewelry to save your skin, or if you’re worried your eyelids will start puffing up from your wedding day makeup job; I am with you, sister!
Anyone else on a strict skin regimen before the wedding? Got any other tips or tricks to share?
Ugh, I did not even consider this! I’m allergic to so many stupid things, plus I have rosacea, so I bet I’ll end up as an itchy, splotchy, red bride. Sweet!
Aww, that sucks that you have to worry about this on your wedding day Miss Parfait!
Just know that even if, despite your efforts, you get a sensitive spot, no one will notice b/c you will literally be a glowing, happy bride! And also, there’s always photo retouching. I’m sure it won’t come to that, though!
oh my! that’s tough! Are you concerned about the fabric from your dress irritating your skin? geez, now I’m nervous!!!
that’s great that you are so good about taking care of yourself. it’s difficult to have that kind of sensitivity–i hope it’s smooth sailing for your skin at the wedding!
If it makes you feel any better you look positively GLOWING in your weddingbee picture. whenever I see it I think “damn, girlfriend has some perfect skin.” no joke!
I feel your pain… i had severe psoriasis and while the condition never goes away (its genetic and non contagious) i have it under control to the point where its only mild to moderate on my worst days. My hair is almost back to what it was before my 1 1/2 year long severe flare up (a good portion of it fell out) I take injectable meds and pills that no longer allow me to drink, plus put steroid creams on the irratated parts. I only wear make up when i absolutly have to, and just started wearing jewelry again.
Its so important to have a good derm. I switched like 3-4 times before finding the Psoriasis Clinic at University of Penn hospital. Our goal now is to keep me clear until the wedding.
Have seen a doctor? are they able to give you anything to put on the irritated areas (like a soothing cream or a steroid) to make it flare less?
Bare Escentuals makes eyeliner. Have you tried that? (I haven’t, but it was my first thought) You could try it before buying it at Sephora wayyy pre-wedding to see if it works.
So far I’m “lucky” - I found one detergent that doesn’t make my skin freak out (Cheer Free - seriously, the only “free” one that works for me). I’ve stopped wearing jewelry that makes my ears itch (bye bye pretty earrings), and I got rid of the awesome smelling lotion that I loved and kept with my old standby - B&BW Black Raspberry & Vanilla (sorry Sensual Amber, you had to go back).
I can definitely relate! Occasionally I’ll get stress-induced rashes that start on my stomach and spread out. Twice these rashes have taken MONTHS to go away! At least you seem to have a pretty good idea of your triggers!
It sounds like you’re allergic to nickel if you have trouble with zippers, silverware, and jewelry. Perhaps you could look for some nickel-free jewelry for the wedding?
Also, don’t worry. You’re not alone. There are a lot of us sensitive skin gals out there. I have a ton of skin allergies. I’m allergic to the sun (really!), which is why we ultimately had to nix our outdoor wedding plans. Such a bummer.
Oh, also, have you ever thought about permanent makeup? It’s something that can be really helpful for people with cosmetic allergies. They will basically tattoo eyeliner, etc onto you. (It’s not exactly like a real tattoo because the pigment is a bit different, and the needle doesn’t go as deep.) Allergies to permanent cosmetics are extremely, extremely rare. I’m actually getting it done in a few days. Very excited!
“(And don’t worry, I’m not allergic to all pants—anything cotton is usually fine!)” - But I was totally envisioning you traipsing naked into a store with a “No shoes, no shirt, no service” policy and exclaiming, “It’s okay - I’m allergic!” 
I have eczema on my eyelids. It doesn’t flare up very often, but when it does, my eyelids get impressively red, swollen, ulcerated, and painful. I’ve been using Healing Cream from Mario Badescu religiously (which they don’t make anymore - the formula for that product has changed, and I don’t know what I’m going to do when I run out…), and that seems to mostly keep it at bay. But when I have a breakthrough, it’s awful! I’m just hoping one doesn’t occur next Sept.
I get ridiculously dry in the winter with eczema and since our wedding is in April, I’m doing everything I can this winter to stay hydrated so my skin looks better than usual in the Spring.
I can relate to your fear and worry! I have acne prone skin. I work really really hard to keep it under control, I can relate to your strict regime! My best (and most type A) tip: changing pillowcases. I change pillowcases every second day to prevent oil and hair dander building up. Good luck and don’t stress about it too much. You are obviously doing everything you can!
While I am definitely not as sensitive as you, I definitely have a metal allergy. I had to stop wearing belts years ago (especially when my roommates mistook the red spot the belt buckle created on my stomach for a hickey…), and any cheap jewelry is a no-go. So I am definitely with you on step number one.
What about sterling silver jewelry? I find that I have no problems wearing it (as long as it hasn’t sat in a box so long it tarnish; the tarnish irritates my earlobes like nothing else). If you or someone you know is capable of making jewelry you can buy sterling silver components to make things out of. They are a little more expensive than findings made from other metals, but totally worth it since you save money making your own jewelry in the long run.
I agree with hotchildinthecity, bare escentuals is a good one to try, I would also try an organic eyeliner, they are hard to find but are supposed to be really good at preventing any irritation!
Ahh, I have incredibly sensitive skin and it’s so annoying. If something scratches me, I’ll have a huge red welt. It’s ridiculous. I did find something that helps - Clinique makes a Redness Solutions Mineral Powder that I’ll be putting all over my chest, back, and arms on the big day so that when the fabric on my dress irritates my skin (because I’m sure it will), the redness won’t be noticeable.
I have an allergy to a lot of inexpensive metal jewelry, so if I want to wear a pendant necklace, I usually have to paint the back with clear nail polish, so it’s not directly touching my skin. But sometimes I still break out in a rash, so I’ll definitely not be wearing any necklaces the weeks leading up to the wedding day!
I have sensitive skin too, and my entire neck turned red and splotchy two days before my wedding. Ew. I kept a tube of this Murad moisturizer with me (http://www.murad.com/redness-moisturizer.jsp) all day and it helped somewhat. I also brought it on my honeymoon in case my skin continued to freak out from the overseas travel.
Wow! I’m sorry you have to deal with all that - sounds like a pain! It’s good that you seem to know exactly what irritates your skin, though, so you can be fully prepared!
Being allergic to a million things myself, I feel your pain! You are not alone! I am deathly afraid that when I pick a dress I’ll find out that I am allergic to it or the fabric is too rough (I am autistic and wearing rough fabrics sets off my twitching and crying as it can feel like cheese graters on my skin). Are you allergic to silk? Maybe you can wear an under layer of silk to keep between you and your dress/zippers/etc? Try Bare Essentials Months before the wedding- I hear their makeup is suppose to be great for being allergen free! Also, since I am allergic to most deodorants, I switched to Crystal stick- no metals to be allergic to!
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Mrs. Parfait, Chicago Age and Occupation: 26, Teacher Fiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Senior Online Consultant Engagement Date: February 14, 2009 Wedding Date: April 2010 Venue: Signature Events About Me: I have a soft spot for all things sweet and romantic. Desserts, love songs, sappy movies? Yes, yes, and ohh yes. My fiance and I enjoy singing to our dogs, creating crazy ice cream sundaes, and generally being lovey dovey cuddle bunnies. We also do socially acceptable things like dancing, throwing Frisbees, playing high stakes board games, and taking unreasonably fun road-trips. We're planning a Korean/Serbian wedding with plenty of playful, personal touches!
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